Best midi dresses for women that will look stylish for every occasion
January 2, 2022/
The best midi dresses for women are hands-down one of the hardest working wardrobe pieces you will ever own. With a throw-on-and-go appeal, a midi dress needs minimal styling making it perfect for those busy mornings and nothing-to-wear days.
Flattering and oh-so-stylish, a midi dress has serious day-to-night wearability. Comfy enough to lounge around in yet smart enough to be dressed up for the evening, the best midi dresses will work for any occasion thrown at it. Not too long and not too short, a midi dress flatters all figures sitting neatly between your knees and ankles, offering the perfect opportunity to show off your best winter boots too.
It’s our belief that every capsule wardrobe needs a midi dress—or several—and if you stick to classic prints and colors such as florals and polka dots, these dresses are guaranteed to never go out of style. “Our fashion habits have certainly changed over the past year with eco-conscious shoppers looking to invest in wardrobe staples that can work for the office and the weekend and this is where the midi dress really excels,” says Paula Moore, Fashion Director at woman&home.
A midi dress can be an all-year-round staple too. Opt for shorter sleeves in the summer and layer over a fine roll-neck during a cold spell or add a stylish sweater vest for extra warmth. When it comes to your footwear you can toughen up the feminine frock with stompy boots or add a sporty spin with the best white trainers. Not forgetting swapping for some killer heels for the evening. There isn’t a pair of shoes that won’t go with your midi dresses.
Best midi dresses chosen by fashion experts
With a plethora of midi dresses on the market, we’ve rounded up our favourite and most flattering styles that you can buy now and love forever.
RRP: $34.99/£24.99 | With its floaty silhouette, this breezy dress is as comfy as wearing your favourite joggers but way more chic. Leopard print is forever on-trend and the puff-sleeves and wide cuffs gives this one extra style kudos.
RRP: $79.99/£49.99 | Knitwear, but make it polished, this cream dress oozes elegance. It’s all in the details with the vintage-inspired square neck to the statement buttoning fastening for added interest and extra movement. Team with tan accessories.
RRP: $275/£179 | The silk-blend fabric gives this frock an extra luxe feel, making it a go-to for evening parties and dinner dates. Wear on its own with barely there sandals or for a more casual spin, layer over a simple black t-shirt.
Madewell V-Neck Puff Sleeve Midi Dress in Croftwood Plaid
RRP: $125/£122 | This epitomises everything we love about the midi and it’s effortless dressing. A classic check print, a flattering v-neckline and seersucker cotton, it ticks all the boxes. Plus, there’s pockets too!
RRP: $319/£159 | If you’re stuck for Christmas party dress ideas, let us introduce this stellar number. With a subtle star print and a classic shirt design, it has polish with extra pizazz. The empire-line seam creates a flattering fit that’s perfect for daylight to disco. Just add a pair of sleek mules.
RRP: $119/£79.99 | Zara is a one-stop shop for dreamy midi dresses and this boho-style beauty has really caught our eye. It has a round collar with an adjustable drawstring v-neckline so you can wear it to suit you. Add a belt if you want to streamline your shape or leave it loose for a relaxed fit.
RRP: $445/£250 | One of the best British Clothing brands, Ted Baker have hit the mark with this stunning wrap dress. The abstract print makes it a real showstopper whilst the built-in-belt pulls you in for a flattering fit on the waist. Team with classic courts and let the dress do the hard work.
RRP: $320/£275 | For unique and attention-grabbing prints, Rixo is a fave amongst the fashion elite. This bold floral print midi dress will see you through all the seasons, adding a pop of color to the greyest of days. Just add barely-there sandals.
Reformation + Net Sustain Cello Shirred Crepe Midi Dress
RRP: $280/£285 | A smock dress may be a warm-weather fave but team this beauty with some chunky boots and a cable-knit cardi and you can wear it in winter too. The shirred bodice and floaty skirt will flatter all figures.
RRP: $129/£95 | Inject some 90s nostalgia to your wardrobe with this tie-dye midi dress. Featuring a turtleneck and long sleeves it has a fitted top that gentle flares out at the skirt. Keep it casual and wear with some retro dad trainers.
RRP: $160/£110 | Another easygoing dress you can throw on during those rushed mornings, this delightful frock from Boden has a boho-inspired tiered skirt that drapes effortlessly over your figure. We love the embroidery around the neckline and cuffs too.
RRP: $125/£85 | With the relaxed feel of a t-shirt but a luxe satin texture, this is the perfect dress-up or dress-down frock. The satin is derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp fibres giving it eco-credentials too. Add delicate gold jewellery and sparkly shoes for the evening.
Marks & Spencer Polka Dot Collared Midi Shirt Dress
RRP: $77.50/£45 | Not only are Marks and Spencer dresses budget-friendly but they really pack a punch too. This polka dot midi dress will forever be in your wardrobe rotation. The statement frilly collar and gently puffed sleeves gives it a fashion-forward finish.
RRP: $395/£305 | Much like the best jeans, a denim dress is a wardrobe staple that can be worn round-the-clock. This is tailored through the waist with a flared skirt and gathered shoulders for a high-end finish. Crafted from lightweight denim it’ll work in the summer too.
RRP: $108/£88 | Forget the LBD, it’s all about the midi black dress and this dress certainly lives up to its carefree name. Cut to a flattering wrap silhouette it has exaggerated sleeves for a modern update and a curved hem for extra coverage on the back.
What are midi dresses and why are they so popular
Not as short as a mini or as long as a maxi, a midi dress hits that sweet spot in-between— falling just below the knee and above the ankle.
“The midi length is universally flattering, making it a hugely popular choice. Where a midi dress might overwhelm a petite frame or a mini dress feel too short on a taller frame, the midi dress is the perfect compromise for both figures,” says Paula.
What are the most popular midi dress styles
Midi dresses come in many iterations making it easy to find a style to suit you.
Wrap: The wrap dress is classic thanks to its universally flattering silhouette. With a v-neckline and a tie-waist to cinch you in, it’s feminine and flirty and a stylish choice for date night.
Shirt: Give boyish tailoring a feminine flair with the best shirt dresses. All the polish of a shirt but with the ease of a dress, a shirt dress is the perfect choice for your 9-5. The best part? Add trainers and you’ve got a sleek weekend look too.
Trapeze: As well as being one of the best dresses to hide a tummy, a trapeze dress has that laid back aesthetic that makes it easy to wear everyday, whether you’re working from home or running errands. “With comfort being key this past year, the trapeze silhouette has certainly risen up the fashion ranks. It has an oversized, relaxed fit that simply hangs from the bust down so there’s no restricting waistband,” says Paula.
Smock: Smocked dresses are a popular choice for the fuss-free summer style. With a square neckline and a flowy skirt, they ooze romance especially when paired with picnic prints and pastel hues.
Knitted: Want to stay cosy but smart too? Enter the knitted dress. From oversized fits to bodycon, the knitted midi dress is your winter best friend. Team with heeled boots to take it from boardroom to bar.
Slip: The 90s slip dress came back with a bang a few seasons ago and it’s still going strong. As well as being a summer staple, the strappy dress can be layered over a fine roll neck during the colder months, making it super versatile.
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