For every time and occasion, there is a perfect dress to make you feel like the most beautiful woman in the room. From your best friend’s birthday party to a weekend city trip to a business lunch, different dresses suit different etiquettes for every event. If your post-pandemic schedule involves a lot of exciting (outdoor) gatherings and you find your current wardrobe a bit too boring, it is time to refresh it! To help you out, LuisaViaRoma’s editors and style experts have outlined the top 8 kinds of dresses by occasion. By adding a few pieces to your dress repertoire, you will be ready for every event marked on your calendar. It’s time to shed the athleisure and throw on some beautiful dresses!
What to wear to a wedding
A strapless or off the shoulder dress for a magic night
Dinner, love, friends, and dancing… what could be better? But let’s be honest, deciding what to wear at a wedding can be intimidating. Unless otherwise specified, most weddings call for formal attire. Whether you’re attending a daytime or nighttime wedding, or some other formal event, like a gala, look glamorous and sexy on a strapless or off the shoulder piece. Accessorize with high heels or wedges, depending on the hour and venue, a sparkly clutch, and minimal jewelry to top off the whole look. You can’t go wrong with Giambattista Valli, Gabriela Hearst, and Self Portrait.
What to wear to the beach
A flowy mini dress that can double as a cover-up
The days are getting warmer and, if you’re lucky, there’s an ocean or pool in your immediate future. If you’re planning a beach vacation or attending a pool party, nothing says summer like a mini dress that can double as a beach dress or bathing suit coverup, perfect for those hot, humid days when just the thought of getting dressed makes you sweat. Flirty, practical, and comfy, short dresses are one of the most popular styles on the market and you probably already own a pair. For a lazy beach look, pair it with a beaded bag, a wide brim visor, and lots of sun lotion. Throw a belt on and gladiator sandals to instantly elevate it when lunch hour arrives, or layer it under a denim jacket for an outfit that exudes effortlessly cool vibes while exploring the little shops in Main Street. Our favorites for this season include Isabel Marant Étoile and Stella McCartney.
What to wear to a cocktail party
An asymmetrical dress will make you the most interesting girl in the room
When it comes to dressing for a cocktail party, a dress is always a safe bet: nothing beats a polished party dress. Although knee-length dresses are the traditional option, this season go for an asymmetrical dress that lets you play with different lengths. Fun and daring, asymmetrical dresses don’t have a clear-cut structure, but rather break up the lines of the body. The cuts can range from an angular sleeve cut to an irregular neckline, or a high-low skirt panel. Something as simple as an asymmetrical sleeve that exposes some bare skin can be the key to an unexpected, spectacular look. No matter your personal aesthetic, there’s sure to be an asymmetrical style that’s perfect for you: break away from boring hemlines this season and rock a daring asymmetrical cut. Lots of brands are embracing this trend: Giuseppe di Morabito, Stella McCartney, Marni, and The Attico, just to name a few.
What to wear to a birthday party or family get together
A printed dress for a relaxed but never boring look
Fresh and fun, prints are an easy way to infuse your outfit with life and personality. printed dresses come in all lengths and shapes; just look for a pattern that will make you shine. Midi dresses, long dresses, sleeved dresses, choose your favorite style! Stripes and polka dots are classic prints, but this season we’re going for the flower découpage version in soft, muted colors we’ve been seeing in all the runways. Wear flats or heels, or opt for cute booties if it’s chilly out. If florals don’t feel like your thing, make animal prints (if you dare, in neon tones) or polka dots your pattern of choice; they’re just a little unexpected but always look fun. This feminine style will take you from the office to date night in one go. Johanna Ortiz, Zimmermann, and Rotate all have some beautiful models in their latest collections.
What to wear to the office
A shirt dress for a sleek but versatile look
Back to the office after a year of working from home? Slip into a comfortable lightweight shirt dress and we promise you won’t miss loungewear. Long or short, the cut is simple and flattering for all body types. It’s one of our favorite styles because it’s oh so versatile: you can wear it belted, not belted, and even open over a pair of jeans. You can pair it with a fuzzy sweater and tall boots on chilly days or with a pair of Roman sandals and rolled cuffs in summer. A shirt dress transcends occasions, too: wear it with a blazer and pumps for a no-nonsense office look, or with a statement necklace, a clutch, and strappy heels for that dinner with clients. You should have at least one in your arsenal but this spring there are so many versions of it that you may consider adding another one to your wardrobe. Look to Max Mara and Alexandre Vauthier for some major style inspo.
How to dress for an outdoor get-together
A lightweight sundress to let that Vitamin D soak in
When it gets warm outside, you can always depend on a cotton sundress to keep you cool, literally. Sundresses come in so many great styles, colors, and patterns that it’s difficult to pick a favorite. From sleeveless to cap-sleeved, from A-line silhouettes to stretchier versions, a great cotton sundress infuses an effortless elegance that looks good on all social occasions. The style options are endless, with shapes and looks to suit all tastes. Wear yours with sneakers and a shoulder bag for a laidback weekend look, or you can easily dress it up with heels for a graduation or outdoor party. Cecilie Bahnsen’s minimalistic cotton styles and Gabriela Heart’s striped cotton midi are on our inspirational board this season.
What to wear for a countryside escape
A romantic boho maxi dress will make you shine in all the pictures
Long, lightweight, and flowy, maxi dresses are a must-have summer wardrobe piece. Less structured than many other day dresses, they feel breezy and cool on hot days. There’s a reason why the maxi dress always comes back around: it’s a whole outfit in one piece! Just throw it on, add a pair of shoes and you’re good to go! This season, choose one in light shades that complement the natural surroundings, like corals, yellows, and greens. For accessorizing, stick with flats or sneakers and, if you’re feeling sassy, wear a headscarf or hat. We’re sure you’ll fall in love with Dolce & Gabbana’s and Jacquemus’ version.
What to wear for a city trip
A sleeveless dress will make you the best attraction
Planning a city getaway or simply a shopping trip downtown? A sleeveless dress is a layering superstar and the best option for running around town. Ideal for everything, from museum visits, to errands, to bar hopping, a sleeveless dress is cute and stylish and will give you freedom of movement. Choose a denim dress, like MM6 Maison Margiela’s, or a cotton ribbed long dress (we have Jil Sander on our radar) with a denim jacket tied around the waist. Pair them with canvas tennis shoes and a big tote bag for carrying tickets, souvenirs, and a lightweight scarf.
Dresses are a quintessential item in any woman’s wardrobe, and a powerful tool for looking effortlessly chic any time of day, no matter the occasion. Thanks to their ease of styling, dresses are an endearing favorite, regardless of the length or cut. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect bridal dress, are in need of a new evening gown, or just want to add a new piece to your seasonal wardrobe, in LuisaViaRoma you can find all the hottest styles you’ll be living in come spring.
