Weekend Wardrobe: The All In One Dress

Dmitri Ruwan

3 min read

How often do you purchase a dress on a whim declaring it ‘perfect for all-occasions’ only to find that in fact - it really isn’t? The art of selecting the all-in-one dress takes an expert eye for both detail and print. Today, on Weekend Wardrobes, we’re giving you pointers on how to select the seasonless style that will save you many a trip to your local boutique.

The Length

The ultimate determining factor of the all-in-one dress is ultimately the length and proportion of it. Look to three quarter or full length sleeves paired with a hem length that grazes the knee or falls slightly below it. Shorter hemlines and sleeves just don’t work during work hours and will certainly not provide you with a dress for all occasions. Appropriate lengths are everything.

Accessories

Remember the point of accessorising the all-in-one dress is to keep it suitable for all occasions. Look to bags that are a medium size in simple textiles such as braided leather or jet-black python to achieve this effect. Your accessory shouldn’t scream ‘summer party’; it should walk the line between trending and chic.

Layers and Print

The perfect all-in-one dress is a seamless fusion of both print and layers. Look to delicate fabric rushing on the sleeves and above the hemlines to add character to your dress while keeping an eye out for any details that are overly dramatic. The idea is to select a piece that is both visually captivating yet appropriate. Print also plays a vital part as it portrays just the right amount of whimsy whilst maintain a level of professionalism. Look to gingham, houndstooth and marble-inspired prints in colour tones of salmon, lilac, black and navy for stellar results.