If I were to pick a specialist subject on University Challenge, it would probably be dress brands. Considering that I wear dresses around 90% of the time, I've become a bit of a dab hand at spotting fresh dress trends before they go mainstream, and my pastime of choice is uncovering brands that create covetable styles I can mull over adding to my collection. While the brand we're here to talk about today is neither new nor completely under the radar, it undeniably deserves a moment in the spotlight.
Whether you prefer minis or maxis, Rat & Boa dresses cover every length and hemline.
I first came across Rat & Boa dresses in 2017 when I was on a feverish quest to find a wedding guest dress. At one wedding I had been to, someone else had chosen the same dress as I had, and while we laughed it off (it was hardly the end of the world), I decided to go out of my way to find a dress I didn't think anyone else would have. After a mammoth Instagram session, I found Rat & Boa, and it's been on my radar ever since.
Emily Ratajkowski has been spotted in the brand on countless occasions, always opting for its brighter printed pieces.
The Berlin-based label has since become known for its iconic dress styles. You need only type in the phrase "Rat & Boa" on Google to see automated search recommendations for each of its best sellers—the Isabella, the Selena and the Odessa. This tells you two things: that the brand has a knack for creating covetable dresses that last more than one season and that it has a pretty devoted fan base (which includes Emily Ratajkowski and Jasmine Tookes, FYI), who search for its dresses regularly.
Karina Marriot wears Rat & Boa's iconic Valentina Dress.
With a discernible '90s aesthetic, there's something distinctly effortless about Rat & Boa's dresses, which is ultimately why they hold so much appeal. If you're the type of dresser who doesn't want to look like they've tried too hard—that they've just thrown something on and it happens to look incredible—then Rat & Boa's dresses are the answer.
The brand is known for its striking leopard and floral prints.
Yes, some styles are more fanciful than others. Its backless, floor-sweeping creations may feel a little too much for drinks down at the pub but will look the part for all those rescheduled wedding celebrations. However, if you don't have a formal soirée on the horizon, not to worry. The brand does have many creations that'll loan themselves just as well for low-key dinner with your nearest and dearest. They're versatile, which is precisely what you want from a dress in the three-figure price range.
Backless dresses are trending, and Rat & Boa is a haven of party-in-the-back frocks.
As the brand has a reputation for selling out fast, it's best not to hang around when you see a Rat & Boa dress you love. To make things easier, I've rounded up a selection of the chicest dresses that are currently available. Still, it's always worth checking its website for restocks (they do happen) as well as resale platforms like Depop, where the dresses crop up more regularly than you might think.
Right now, Rat & Boa is serving up some of the best sparkles on the market.
Scroll on to see and shop the Rat & Boa dresses I currently love.
SHOP RAT & BOA DRESSES:
The Valentina has long been one of the brand's most popular designs.
Style with a red lip and side-swept hair.
The off-the-shoulder neckline on this maxi dress is beautiful.
Breathtaking.
This one is hard to beat.
The wrap detail to the front creates the very cool silhouette.
This looks so incredible with gold jewellery.
The naked dress trend lives on through this lace creation.
From the string halter neckline to the shimmering discs, this dress is party perfection.
In a word? Wow.
The polkadot maxi is a regular on my feed.
Seriously, no one is doing sequins better right now.
A classic you'll come back to over and over again.
Green is still very on trend this season.
This mini will look just as chic worn with ballet flats as it will high heels.
Just look at those stunning sleeves.
Dress this down with sheer tights and knee boots.
Another leopard print number I'm obsessing over.
The corsage detailing is a very nice touch.
Unique prints are the brand's USP.
The tie-front detail is too sweet for words.
The reverse train is nothing short of iconic.
The draped neckline will look stunning styled with a long pendant.
The ultimate bridal party look.
A dress that was made for dancing in.
This shade of pink is so hard to find.
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