The midi dress - a staple garment of the 1970s that has cavorted back into fashion that can now be found in the wardrobes of women worldwide, regardless of size, shape, age or style. There is no doubt about its versatility and flattering value. Many find it an integral component of their capsule wardrobe, with the potential to be dressed up for a night out or down for running errands. Depending on the accessories and layers you choose to combine your midi dress with, you can create a wide variety of outfits.
Workwear
If the dress code at your workplace is professional or smart/casual, a midi dress is perfect for not showing too much leg and offering comfort throughout the working day.
A pencil midi dress screams professionalism and will enhance the natural curves of an hourglass or pear-shaped figure. Style this cut with a pair of court shoes or heeled brogues, a tailored blazer and subtle jewellery.
If you spend a lot of time at a desk and would prefer something a little looser, a wrap dress made of lightweight fabric may be a suitable, more roomy option.
Party/Function
A party or function such as a concert, wedding reception or graduation is an opportunity to show a little skin, but not too much skin (although it’s totally up to you).
Off-the-shoulder midi dresses are perfect for garden parties and other outdoor celebrations - puffy sleeves and ruffles add an element of drama to your outfit and are effective for balancing out bottom-heavy frames. Sandals - heeled or otherwise - and a matching bag will complete your ensemble.
Timeless, classy and fun - a 50s-style circle skirt dress cinches in your waist and adds structure to your hips; this is particularly flattering for an apple-shaped body.
Night Out
A night out with the girls is an excuse to let your hair down and go wild, and why not let your outfit reflect this? An animal print, cowl neck midi dress, made of floaty material such as satin, will keep you cool whilst looking fierce.
If you’d prefer something with more structure, a bodycon dress with a fishtail hem is a dramatic, sexy option that will have heads turning wherever you go. For shoes, strappy wedge heels will define your calf muscles (but may impact your longevity on the dance floor).
A small crossbody or clutch bag will neatly contain all of your essentials - phone, card, lipstick - without getting in the way of you having a good time.
Casual
Whether it’s for the school run, working from home or just running some errands, a loose-fitting midi dress is the ultimate casual garment that makes you look put together with minimal effort. It is easy to see why it is one of the most popular
A quarter-sleeve cotton midi dress in florals or block colour is as feminine and charming as it is comfortable and practical. Pair it with platform sneakers or combat boots if you feel a bit on the twee side and prefer a little edge in your getup.
For an outer layer, you can add whatever takes your fancy - a cardigan, denim jacket, oversized jumper or kimono, to name a few.
Date Night
It may be the first of many dates or a rare treat for you and your loved one. Either way, date night is a big deal. Subtle and classy with a hint of eros, a ruched or side slit dress will allow you to show off a tantalising whisper of leg.
Materials such as silk and velvet have romantic, luxurious connotations. Pair a silk cami midi dress with a pair of pointed-toe pumps and match the hardware of your bag to the metal of your jewellery.
If you’d prefer something a little more playful, perhaps for a daytime date, an off-the-shoulder boho midi dress with mules or ankle boots is a practical yet pretty look - befitting of a walk in the park or picnic.
If it gets a bit chilly, consider a belted trench coat of a similar length - this will emphasise your waistline whilst looking polished and elegant.
