If there's one thing I know, it's dresses. My wardrobe is full of them, and I wear them 99.9% of the time. I've always struggled with casual dressing (long-time Who What Wear readers will have repeatedly read about my ongoing struggle with denim—sorry to be a bore!), so easy, good-looking frocks are my most-trusted fashion staple.
Throughout my 18-year career as a fashion editor, I have gathered quite the collection. There are affordable dresses that I wear each and every week. I have special, more expensive versions that come out for important occasions or big meetings. I have those in-between, mid-priced options that bridge the gap between casual and fancy days. I own styles that are ultra summery and best for heatwaves and holiday packing, but I've also got a fair number of clever, trans-seasonal styles that can work layered up and with tights in winter or with bare legs and sandals during warmer months. I even have dresses that I've made at home because I can't always find the exact colour, shape or fit I've been dreaming of. I have some It dresses, I suppose—although, I'm always very careful to buy dresses that really speak to my personal style and that I know I'll wear even when their cult status has worn off. I may own a lot of frocks, but entry into my wardrobe isn't easy. I'm a pretty discerning customer who values quality and longevity above all else.
Hannah Wears: Simkhai Kenlie Dress (£785) in Fiery Red
So who could be better positioned to bring you a very trustworthy edit of the best new-in dresses than a self-confessed frock obsessive with a very picky taste? No one! Right now, I'm in full spring mode looking for lighter-weight styles and brighter colours. Keep scrolling to see my top 9 in April.
Shop this month's best new-in dresses:
Arrange is a new brand created by the team at ASOS and it's full of premium-looking pieces like this pretty dress.
If you've been searching for a stunning wedding guest dress, call off the search! This deep-green satin number reminds me of Keira Knightley in Atonement, which has never been a bad reference.
I was disappointed to miss out on this collection of unique motif-printed styles from Kitri last year so you better believe I'm not making the same mistake again.
There's something really satisfying about how swishy and dramatic this dress is and yet it feels quite casual to chuck-on thanks to the T-shirt style ribbed top half.
Everyone in the office has been talking about this dress. It comes in so many colours making it a great bridesmaid option but also great for parties, weddings and holidays.
Well, she's just darling.
I'm a sucker for anything that is leopard print or has a full skirt silhouette, so this is ticking multiple boxes for spring/summer.
In terms of prints trending this season, polka dots are spreading further than any classic florals. The lace detailing on this M&S style makes it look at lot more expensive.
Shop last month's best dresses:
I just can't stop thinking about this darling dress and being a long-time Dôen fan, I know it will look and feel good.
The perfect dress for work.
This draped style sold out last year in a shorter-sleeved brown iteration—I expect the same to happen with the new version.
If I had a fancy party, wedding or event to attend, this would be the dress I would invest in.
When a dress marries comfort and a little flair, I'm all in.
Of course Isabel Marant found a way to make a slouchy sweatshirt fabric into the coolest day dress you can throw on.
The ruched waist, corsage and full skirt make this more than your average polka-dot dress.
Butter yellow is shaping up to be key yet again for SS25 and the high street is already stocking up.
I love a denim dress that takes all of the styling effort out of your morning equation.
I can't stop thinking about this easy, impactful day dress.
Hill House Home's dresses are the most comfortable in the world!
Jumpers, blouses and dresses that come with matching scarves are infinitely chic and something I cannot resist right now.
Adorable! Pretty for party season but also cool layered up and worn with moto boots for a grunge spin.
Ferragamo's red hues hit like no other. And the scalloped dropped waist on this design is stunning.
Anything that comes with a matching corsage choker gets my vote.
The simplest throw-on-and-go party dress.
Denim dresses are a forever trend. The nipped waist and full skirt on this one makes it a timeless silhouette.
I think by now you can tell I appreciate a cool, interesting knit dress!
Everything about this dress is pure perfection, including the fact that it comes in an array of beautiful wintry colours.
Romantic rose prints are a favourite of mine and this slinky silhouette from Rixo makes the pattern look even more romantic. Perfect for a wedding guest or party look but equally good for winter with a giant coat and knee-high boots.
Nanushka's dresses always walk the line between cool and comfortable. This style features a detachable jumper so you have a cropped knit and skirt to play around with as separates!
I saw someone on Instagram looking oh-so-elegant in this caped dress for an evening do and I haven't stopped thinking about it since.
The perfect chuck-on-for-work dress that still looks considered and smart but feels easy to wear all day long.
I enjoy how M&S has styled this with a matching knit knotted around the neck—very rich-looking indeed.
I tried this on during the week (at Rat & Boa's rental lpop-up with Hurr in Selfridges) and suffice to say, it fits like a dream! I'm a size 12 and went for a large.
The John Lewis x A.W.A.K.E. MODE collab is genuinely the coolest thing to have happened on the high street this year. This statement-making dress lives in my mind rent-free.
There's something incredible sophisticated about a brown going-out dress. And anything with all-over ruching is a win for me and my hourglass figure.
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