Be careful though, I am not talking here about those dresses that come and go into fashion each year, changing shape and style every time, but classic pieces that you should invest on and that will last you a life-time!
A dress can truly be a life-saver when you do not know what to wear and you only have a few minutes to get changed. You just slip it on, zip it up and you are ready to go to any event!
So, here is my selection of the 11 must-have dresses that you will thank me later that you have bought.
1) The Little Black Dress
It is the item that has made the success of a certain Coco Chanel in the 1920s and has since then become a classic staple-item that can be the life-saver for many and many events, no matter the age or the season.
In the most flattering color, it is a dress that will look gorgeous on any body shape and any style.
Choose it in a classic, versatile cut and you will be able to transition it with ease from day to night. Accessorize it with some pearls for an even more classic look and with a bright red lipstick for a sensual touch.
- BCBG Max Asria
- Guess
2) A colorful cocktail dress
What you really want in your closet is a show-stopping, party-ready dress.
A colorful cocktail dress will be the ready outfit for all your gorgeous soirées. You can also get one covered in sequins that will make you shine like a star for the whole night and capture the attention of everyone in the room.
Choose one with a hemline that reaches just above the knee or, if you like to dare, go really short! Don’t overdo with the accessories if it is already very embellished.
- Aidan Mattox
- Halston Heritage
3) A colorful versatile frock to wear anywhere
If you are bored of black, then a colorful dress to transition from day to night is the perfect substitute to the LBD.
An easy dress to slip on and look gorgeous in one go is definitely a must-have for your closet. You will be able to wear it from the office to a shopping spree, from a casual drink with friends to a hot date, simply by changing the accessories.
- Velvet by Graham & Spencer
- Rebecca Taylor
4) An elegant evening gown
A floor-length, formal evening gown is a dress that you might think that you will never in your life need, but it is actually a really useful item to have. It can prove super handy for a formal soirée, for the gala night on a cruise and especially for a black-tie wedding!
Get it in a classic shape so you are sure it will never go out of date. Choose an empire waist if you are quite curvy or a fitted style it you have a lean body.
- Lauren Ralph Lauren
- BCBG Max Azria
5) A wrap dress
Introduced by Diane von Furstenberg in 1972, it is a super versatile and flattering frock for every body shape. It is a great dress to wear to work, on holiday and even during the evening!
- Diane von Furstenberg
- Catherine Malandrino
6) A feminine lace dress
If you thought that lace was only for your grandma, then think again! It has been revived a few seasons ago and has ever since become a feminine and sweet trend destined to stay for a while.
If you think that a dress in white lace is a bit to bridy for you, you can go for a colorful one that will be great for many occasions.
- Dolce Vita
- Aqua
7) An asymmetric frock
Make a real fashion statement with a dress with asymmetric hemline, shoulders or print. The asymmetric style will flatter your curves and make you stand out from the crowd in a stylish way.
- Ted Baker
- Shoshanna
8) The girl-meet-boy shirt dress
An androgynous style that is simply perfect if you want to go casual.
The contradiction is that this really masculine cut will bring out all your femininity and sexiness without making it look like you are trying too hard or vulgar. Wear it with a flattering belt around the waist to enhance your figure.
- Laundry by Shelli Segal
- DKNY
9) A floral frock
Miranda Priestly from the Devil Wears Prada said “Florals? For spring? Ground breaking”, but, truth be told, a floral dress is a great way to start off the warm season with the right foot. It is fresh, summery and very versatile.
There are many different floral patterns so you will definitely be able to find the one that suits you best. It will be great both for the day, worn at a barbecue or a garden party, and also for your evening events.
- Ella Moss
- Juicy Couture
10) A cute and flirty summer dress
A flirty and summery dress will be perfect to dress down with a pair of flat sandals or dress up with jewelry and some high heels.
It is also great for the mid-seasons and winter, if you don’t live in a state where it is too cold, worn with a pair of tights and a cardigan or a leather jacket. Get it in a bright and fruity color for a fresh and young look!
- Alice & Trixie
- Diane von Furstenberg
11) Daytime maxi dress
This summer go maxi with a sophisticated dress, which will be perfect worn over your swimsuit or for a day in the city. It can even be great for work, especially if it is a warm day.
Wear it with flat sandals or even flip flops for a relaxed and toned down look!
- Velvet by Graham & Spencer
- French Connection
And you, what dresses to you have in your closet? Which ones are you missing? Do you think there should be other ones to add to this list?