Shopping·11 min read

Dresses That’ll Make You Look Instantly Put-Together

dresses-header-2023
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Revolve, Everlane, Madewell, Banana Republic, Target
September 7, 2023

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A good dress makes a perfect outfit for almost any occasion, from weddings to errand-running to brunch. The key here is finding one — or two or three — that’s not only versatile, but also so aligned with your style that you couldn’t imagine feeling better in anything else. Shouldn’t be that hard, right?

To ease you in your search, we’ve rounded up our favorites, from whisper-soft cotton styles to cozy knit beauties. It’s time to find your new go-to.

Psst…for more recs to wear to work, when going out, and while at home, check out Fashion You’ll Actually Wear Week, our destination for affordable, stylish, and practical clothes.

mini-dress
Madewell

A mini dress that should be in everyone’s closet…

This is not your average T-shirt dress thanks to the sophisticated plissé fabric, which amps it up to cocktail party level if you throw on a pair of heels. It’s body-skimming but still incredibly comfortable, comes in four versatile colors, and looks cute belted or with a blazer on top. Psst...use code SKIMM20 for 20% off your order. ($118, Madewell)

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slip-dress
Target

A classic slip dress that looks way more expensive than it is…

Okay, Target, we see you. We would believe you if you told us this dress came from a fancy department store. The silhouette is just right, from the V-neck to the side slit for movement when you walk. Grab the black for practicality, then get the purple for when you’re feeling fun. ($25, Target)

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shirt-dress
Anine Bing

A shirt dress to wear to the office and beyond…

Calling all cool girls: This Risky Business-inspired shirt dress is for you. It’s oversized with a high-low hem, so it offers plenty of coverage, but we’d recommend sizing down if you want a snugger fit. Just add sunglasses and heels for an effortless look. ($300, Anine Bing)

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knit-dress
Everlane

A long-sleeve knit dress with pockets…

Need we say more? Quickly rising to the top of the ranks for the best fall dress, it has long sleeves and is form-fitting on top, then flows out with a cotton A-line skirt. It’s the best of both worlds, if you ask us, and the pockets are the icing on top. ($128, Everlane)

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denim-dress
Banana Republic

A denim midi dress you’ll wear all year round…

The moment we saw this number, we knew we had to have it. In the perfect shade of off-white, this dress has a fitted top and a flared skirt. It buttons all the way down and comes in regular and petite lengths. Add matching sandals in summer, wear it with boots and a turtleneck layered underneath when the temperature drops. ($200, Banana Republic)

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vest-dress
Abercrombie & Fitch

A vest-style mini dress from our favorite ’90s brand…

As if we couldn’t fall in love with the new-and-improved Abercrombie even more, along comes this dress. It’s menswear-inspired, comes in pinstripe and gray, and looks devastatingly chic with loafers or sneakers. This one won’t be in stock for long, so if you love it, grab it. ($90, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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maxi-dress
Free People

An elegant maxi dress with a unique texture…

Between the drop waist, the crinkled fabric, and the easy fit, this dress embodies the quiet luxury trend. It’s so chic dressed up or down, and the two colors will wear well into fall underneath a jacket. ($78, Free People)

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turtleneck-dress
Gap

A turtleneck sweater dress that’s oh-so soft…

Made out of a fabric that feels like cashmere (but without the price), this dress will become your new favorite to pull on and go. It feels like wearing pajamas, comes in three fall-ready colors, and is lightweight enough that you won’t get hot if the heat is blasting. ($79.95, Gap)

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bodycon-dress
Amazon

A bodycon sweater dress we’d wear out to dinner…

Between the ribbed knit, midi length, and cinched waist, this dress has all the makings of the ideal comfy-yet-sexy dress for date night. The side slits are the perfect addition to show a little leg. Grab it in one of the 18 colors and be prepared to wonder how you ever lived without it. ($39.99, Amazon)

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tank-dress
Buck Mason

A tank dress that’s extremely comfortable…

Let us introduce you to some of the most comfortable clothing we’ve ever put on, thanks to Buck Mason’s luxurious pima cotton. This lightweight dress is no exception — it feels like wearing your favorite worn-in tee. It comes in three neutral colors and sizes XS–XXL. ($98, Buck Mason)

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floral-midi
Reformation

A floral midi from *the* dress brand…

When we think of dresses, Reformation is one of the first places that comes to mind. This piece has a pretty flutter sleeve, a midi length with a slit to show a little leg, and a smocked back for a bit of stretch at the bodice. It comes in four prints and one solid, available in sizes 0–12. ($228, Reformation)

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breezy-dress
Anthropologie

A breezy maxi dress that comes in several patterns…

Want to feel like a coastal grandma? Choose the black and white stripe. Want a dark floral appropriate for autumn? Grab the Taupe colorway. It’s really that simple. In addition to its print, we love this dress’s cinched waist and flowy skirt. It comes in standard, petite, and plus sizes. ($168, Anthropologie)

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butterfly-dress
Free People

A maxi dress with a butterfly detail…

Between the lace butterfly bodice, the micro floral print, and the cutout in the back, we’re in love. Pair with sandals in the spring, then moto boots and a denim jacket when temperatures start to drop. ($198, Free People)

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sweater-dress
Saks Fifth Avenue

A sweater dress that’ll never go out of style…

Find a good sweater dress and never let it go. This fall staple has a flattering V-neck and buttons up the front. The midi length is appropriate for any occasion, and the colorblocking is downright fun. This works great with any shoe. Here’s your excuse to buy a new pair of boots. ($165+, Saks Fifth Avenue)

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amazon-dress
Amazon

A casual knit dress that pairs well with heels or sneakers…

It’s soft, sleeveless, and has ruching on the sides that gives it a less skintight fit than a traditional bodycon. The asymmetrical hem makes it longer in the back for added coverage, and it comes in several solid colors. At this price, we don’t blame you if you pick up more than one. ($27.05, Amazon)

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toile-dress
Staud

A toile tank dress we added to our cart so quickly…

If we could dream up a perfect dress to wear everywhere from grabbing Sunday brunch to exploring the streets of a new city, it wouldn’t even come close to this one. Trust us, we’ve already tried it on. It fits just right up top and flows nicely into an A-line skirt. Plus, the blue and white toile print is to die for. Tie a sweater over your shoulders when temperatures dip to go full country club. ($295, Staud)

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halter-dress
Amazon

A halter dress that’s a little flirty…

Halters are back and better than ever. You’ll have legs for days in this one, plus it’ll give you a chance to show off your shoulders and arms. The light body-skimming material is great for when you’re going out, and it pairs well with heels or sneakers. With over 30 patterns available, good luck choosing just one. ($39.99, Amazon)

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linen-dress
Shopbop

A linen midi dress that’ll last forever…

It’s a bit on the pricey side, but this dress is worth the investment. The length and puffed sleeves give it a timeless silhouette, and in our opinion, there’s truly nothing better than a white linen dress. It’s a bit more polished than the cult-fave nap dress but will feel similar if you wear it without the belt. Buy it now so you’re ready for a mid-winter tropical getaway (one can dream). ($290, Shopbop)

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