Is it just me, or did the appeal of loungewear wear off sometime around September last year? While I haven’t fully subscribed to the tracksuit life, I have found myself uncharacteristically reaching for my leggings more than any other item, which, although enjoyable, is becoming tedious. Now that spring doesn’t feel a million miles away, I have the urge to wear dresses once again, which is timely, seeing as there are so many excellent options to choose from right now.
I’d estimate that around 80% of my wardrobe is made up of dresses, and however ridiculously expansive my collection may be, I can always make room for another. But choosing which dresses (yes, plural) to invest in this year is proving difficult, as I’m currently lusting over 10 exquisite dress brands, each of which has countless frock styles that have made it on to my wish list.
From fun prints by Queens of Archive and cotton house dresses from &Daughter to the cult cut-outs at Marcia and the gargantuan sleeves at Cawley, these 10 dress brands are going to dominate this year. I just know it. Read on to snap up one of the pretty picks from the cool-girl brands below.
Arguably just as comfortable as tracksuit bottoms, &Daughter’s roomy dresses are perfect for lounging, working and taking your daily walk in. Come summer, I’ll pair checked styles with leather-strap sandals and my vintage basket bag.
Cawley is a British brand that has been on my radar for a while now, but after actor Nicola Coughlan wore one of its incredible puff-sleeve dresses post-Bridgerton, Cawley’s popularity soared. Expect to see big things from this quiet but mighty label.
Franks aims to help you look good but with a conscience. Made using upcycled materials, Franks keeps its production small but its quality high, making its appeal all the more tangible.
Releasing a new capsule collection every six weeks, London-born Ghospell is set to become the next must-own dress brand due to its potent combination of could-be-designer creations at very reasonable prices.
Marcia’s dresses, particularly its cut-out midi, are proving cult in fashion circles right now for reasons that I think are quite obvious. Its dresses are standout, but the jersey fabrications still make them a joy (and comfort) to wear.
Getting dressed up is good for the soul and something many of us have sorely missed these last few months. So I invite you to feast your eyes on Naya Rea’s beautiful, doll-like dresses, which are helping me feel more polished, even just by looking at them.
O Pioneers is a slow-fashion label that takes inspiration from vintage fashion patterns and turns them into dresses that have romanticism built in. Just looking at them is the perfect lockdown escapism, so just imagine how glorious they’d be to actually wear.
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When I first stumbled upon Omnes, I assumed the prices of its dresses would easily surpass three figures. I’m pleased, however, to say I was wrong (not that you’d know it by the brand’s high level of quality or design).
We first introduced you to Queens of Archive last year, though my personal obsession with the brand has only grown the further into 2022 we go. I have visions of wearing one of these dresses to sip rosé wine al fresco in. And I’m banking on the powers of manifestation to make it happen.
Spirit & Grace’s beautiful dresses began dominating my feed last summer, though I expect this season will really see the brand go stratospheric. With the classiest minidresses I’ve seen in a long while, it might also help me break my midi habit.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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