Dress outfits: inspiration for every occasion

Dresses are versatile and timeless. Therefore, a dress that fits well can easily become the centrepiece of your wardrobe and accompany you through all four seasons and a lot of different occasions. In this article, we'll show you different styles of dresses, how to find the perfect style for your body type and how you can create chic dress outfits to suit a variety of dress codes.

How to find the right type of dress for your body type

You can wear a dress to almost any occasion, in different weather conditions and seasons. Furthermore, dresses are a versatile option to match any dress code. However, for a dress to be a versatile and functional piece in your wardrobe, you’ll first need to find the right fit for your body type:

• Wrap dresses are true all-rounders that flatter most body types. They will emphasise your waistline and make you look feminine. This cut looks especially flattering on curvy women.

• A-line dresses are flared from the waist down. This makes them ideal for concealing your hips and thighs. This type of dress looks good on all body types.

• Empire dresses are figure hugging on your upper body and have a high waist. This type of dress has a seam directly under the bust which emphasises your décolleté and also hides your tummy area.

• Fit & flare dresses are close fitting on your upper body and are flared from the waist down. While this cut draws attention to your décolleté and waist, it will conceal any problem areas on your hips. Therefore, fit & flare dresses are particularly suitable for women with a slender waist and somewhat more voluptuous lower body.

• Shirt dresses are very flattering on most body types because of their loose fit and straight-cut. The vertical button placket will also make your upper body look taller.

• Bodycon dresses are tight fitting and showcase the female figure. Both women with an athletic build and curvy women can create stunning outfits with bodycon dresses.

Mini dresses will showcase your legs and can make them look longer. They are suitable for women who like to highlight their legs or want to look a little taller. Maxi dresses, on the other hand, create an elegant and balanced silhouette and look great on tall women. Midi dresses are a good choice for both short and tall women because of their flattering length. Ultimately, the style of dress you opt for is also a matter of taste. Tall women may also want to show off their legs with mini dresses and shorter women can opt for a tailored maxi dress.

• Choose the right length for your dress: for office wear, opt for dresses that are at least knee- or calf-length. For formal occasions, you generally have a little more freedom but to be on the safe side, choose a midi or maxi dress. Long dresses look particularly elegant and smart. If you are attending a garden party with friends, you can also wear a short summer dress.

• Pay attention to the fabric: the smarter the occasion, the better the quality of the fabric should be. Chiffon, velvet or satin are good choices for smart occasions. On the other hand, cotton or denim dresses, are a good option for casual styles.

• Pick the right colours: subtle colours such as black, grey or dark blue are ideal for office wear. Cream or pastel colours can also be a stylish choice. For formal occasions, dresses in jewel colours with sequins or shimmering effects are a suitable choice.

• Styling dresses for spring: lightweight fabrics such as cotton or viscose are perfect for this time of year. Remember to opt for dresses with longer sleeves. In cooler or rainy weather, a trench coat or denim jacket is the perfect addition to your outfit.

• Styling dresses for summer: to avoid sweating in summer, opt for breathable, airy fabrics such as linen, viscose or cotton. In addition to the classic spaghetti-strap dress, a loose-fitting maxi dress can also be a good idea for hot summer days. A light jacket (such as a blouson) is ideal for cooler evenings.

• Styling dresses for autumn: when the days start to get cooler, you can opt for dresses made of warm fabrics such as wool or cotton. Knitted dresses combined with ankle boots and a light coat are particularly suitable for autumn.

• Styling dresses for winter: winter dresses are best paired with tights and boots to stay warm. You can combine your dress with a down or woollen coat when you're out and about.

One dress, many looks: versatile dress outfits

Once you have found a dress that looks great on you, you can style it to suit different occasions. With the right accessories and layering pieces, your favourite dress will become an evergreen piece that you can adapt to for almost any event with hardly any effort.

• Styling dresses for everyday wear: with trainers, a shopper and a casual denim or leather jacket, you can create a laid-back casual style.

• Styling dresses for an evening event: you can make the same dress look smart with an elegant blazer, pumps and a clutch.

• Styling dresses for a holiday: to make your dress look summery, wear it with sandals, a straw hat and a shoulder bag.

• Styling dresses for the office: with a blazer or cardigan, you can transform a simple midi dress into the perfect office outfit.

Dress outfits: how to layer jackets, cardigans & jumpers

Whether it's a cardigan, a jumper or a blazer, with the right layering piece, you can style your dress to suit different occasions and weather conditions too. We’ll show you how to get the perfect layering look:

• Leather jackets can be paired with simple and casual dresses to create a glam rock look. They also go well with feminine, playful dresses in flowing fabrics, as the leather creates an exciting contrast.

• Denim jackets are suitable for casual outfits and go well with a couple of different styles of dress. Especially on warmer days, you can pair a laid-back denim jacket with an airy, summery dress.

• A trench coat is ideal for transitional weather and can be paired with longer dresses. This classic silhouette looks feminine and is functional too.

• Long woollen coats are great companions for elegant winter dresses. For casual looks, you can pair a quilted down coat with a dress.

• Cardigans are versatile layering pieces that you can wear over your summer dress on breezy and cooler days.

Tip: Make sure the jacket or coat you wear with your dress is the right length. Ideally, your jacket or coat should end below the hem of your skirt. Alternatively, it can be a lot shorter. A cropped blazer can look very elegant with a long dress as it will balance out the proportions of your outfit.

How to pair a long dress and a jacket

To create a balanced look, we recommend creating a visual contrast in your outfit. A bolero jacket, a cropped jacket or a short coat that reaches no lower than your hips are generally good options to wear over a long dress. Jackets with a defined waist or styles with a belt are ideal for wearing with dresses that are flowing and voluminous. Oversized coats and casual blazers, on the other hand, go wonderfully with figure-hugging maxi dresses.

However, you can also combine a classic, long coat with chic evening dresses. It looks particularly elegant if you wear the coat open or draped over your shoulders. The vertical lines of the coat will make you look tall and slender and won't overpower your outfit.

Dresses and jumpers: a match made in heaven

The combination of a dress and jumper is a stylish way to dress for unpredictable weather conditions and allows you to create a chic layered look. There are a few ways you can combine a dress with a jumper:

• Jumper over a dress: instead of a cardigan, you can opt for a loose-fitting jumper and wear it over a midi or maxi dress. This creates an interesting contrast, especially if you pair an oversized or chunky-knit jumper with a soft, flowing dress.

• Jumper under a dress: you can combine a thin polo-neck or a plain fine-knit jumper under a strappy dress. Dresses made from thicker fabrics such as denim or corduroy are particularly suitable for this layered look.

Conclusion: dress outfits made easy

Dresses are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing. With the right combination of shoes, accessories and a layering piece such as a jacket or blazer, you can create the perfect outfit for every season and occasion. Whether casual everyday wear, simple and elegant office looks or a smart party outfit; by sticking to the dress code and keeping the weather in mind, you can create stunning outfits with a simple dress.