There are few greater joys in life than dress shopping. Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of magic—that enchanting gown that the princess wears in the final scene of her movie, as she gracefully descends the palace steps to attend her ball; the gown that has everyone catching their breath and staring in awe, captivated by not just the magnificent dress itself, but the easy charisma and confidence exuding from its wearer.
Every year, in the weeks leading up to my birthday, I would spend hours poring over online catalogues, swooning over fantastical cuts of tulle and silk and reconnecting with that inner child, who was so easily delighted by the act of simply looking and imagining. When you don’t have weeks to spare, however, dress shopping can turn into quite a tedious task, having to dredge through thousands of options to find the perfect one. To preserve the joys of this task, then, I have curated a list of ten of my recent favourites to help you get started, from chic mini-dresses to sweeping floor-length gowns.
Costarellos
This gown truly ticks every box that my younger self would have had for her dream dress, and slipping into it made me feel like a princess. Midnight-hued layers of tulle are embellished with delicate butterfly appliqués that flutter with every movement, as if lifted from an idyllic, woodland fairytale. Do not mistake my words for exaggeration when I say I fell in love with this gown the minute I laid eyes on it, and again when I put it on. Costarellos continues to create some of the most exquisite dresses out there—their designs are definitely worth investing in for that special occasion.
Clio Peppiatt
Solace London
16Arlington
Everyone needs a little black dress, but this particular little black dress will have you feeling like the ultimate “it” girl. I wore this dress on my 21st birthday, and it was the best possible choice for officially ushering in my 20s. Thin black straps and a straight, shift silhouette meet oversized, reflective disc sequins and black mesh, creating an enviable effect of understated yet undeniable glamour—effortlessly chic, cool, and striking. It’s the kind of dress that one would imagine Serena van der Woodsen wearing to a party if Gossip Girl were set in 2025.
Versace
Dolce & Gabbana
I have been eyeing this Dolce & Gabbana dress for a long time, and for good reason. With its sleek, form-fitting silhouette, this black dress is deceptively simple from afar. Everything is stripped back to the barest, essential elements, with its visible boned corset, sheer overlay and adjustable straps reminiscent of traditional, vintage lingerie. These details lend this dress an undercurrent of mystery, with its unique textures and tactile complexity. At once bold and restrained, it’s the kind of piece that quietly announces its wearer’s impeccable taste the moment they enter the room.
Blumarine
I received so many compliments on this dress when I wore it to an event that it simply had to make this list. Featuring a backless halter-neck design and a plunging neckline, this dress is sexy without trying too hard. The blueberry indigo hue is, in my opinion, one of the most universally flattering shades out there, and lends a certain regality to the dress that is at once electric, exciting and sophisticated. Blumarine has been one of my favourite brands to shop from ever since David Koma took the helm, and this dress is a shining example of why.
Jenny Packham
Etro
McQueen
This McQueen gown is a dream come true, with its strapless sweetheart neckline and cascading layers of draped silk chiffon. Yet, in McQueen’s characteristically subversive style, the romance comes with an edge: the monochromatic pale green and flowy, ethereal fabric are disrupted by a built-in bustier bodice, complicating the dress’s initial impression of illusory softness. Like many dresses on this list, it reveals far more upon closer inspection than first meets the eye. What better gown to boldly express the nuanced beauty and magnetic complexity of one’s individuality?
Outside of this list, I would also recommend having a look at dresses by Saiid Kobeisy for something that will dazzle; Alberta Ferretti for making a lighter, flowier statement; and Jacquemus or Ralph Lauren Collection for a more subdued and understated look.
