I’m a Fashion Editor—Here Are 5 Versatile Dresses I *Always* Have Hanging in My Closet
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Recently, I’ve suffered from a nasty case of the spring-cleaning bug, which means I’m accounting for every item in my capsule wardrobe—donating the pieces I can manage to style in just one or two ways and only keeping versatile dresses that I can wear countless times and make into numerous outfits. Don’t get me wrong, dresses for specific occasions—whether it’s summer wedding guest dresses or New Year’s Eve outfits—remain important as ever, but working in fashion has made me realize that there are certain silhouettes that are forever staples. So, I took the liberty of outlining five versatile dresses I always keep in my closet, plus options to shop each look from fashionable brands like Tuckernuck, Revolve, Anthropologie and more.
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1. A Little Black Dress
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
Few things are as timeless as a little black dress, and for good reason. It’s slimming and can shape-shift for various occasions, dressing up for fancy dinners with a slinky heel and sparkly clutch or down for daytime with a white button-up and some trendy sneakers. If you want an LBD that’ll last you for years to come, prioritize quality fabrics like cotton, wool and linen as well as sleek silhouettes with little to no embellishments or gimmicks.
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Revolve
Amanda Uprichard Marshall Dress
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Famanda-uprichard-marshall-dress-in-black%2Fdp%2FAMAN-WD1596%2F&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
238
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Reformation
Natlaly Knit Minidress
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=40090&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thereformation.com%2Fproducts%2Fnataly-knit-dress%2F1314062BLK.html&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
148
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Zara
Draped Mini Dress
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=21094&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=versatile-dresses-to-own&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zara.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fdraped-mini-dress-p03564056.html%3Fv1%3D329704063%26v2%3D2352785&platform=pl
50
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Nordstrom
L’Agence Asa Cocktail Sweater Dress
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fasa-high-low-cocktail-sweater-dress%2F7777323&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
495
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Tuckernuck
Pomander Place Black Leon Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftnuck.com%2Fproducts%2Fblack-leon-dress&xcust=versatile-dresses-to-own
128
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Shopbop
Leset Rio Tank Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopbop.com%2Fproduct%2Fvp%2Fv%3D1%2F1580275708.htm&xcust=versatile-dresses-to-own
165
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2. A Silk or Satin Slip
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
Don’t underestimate the power of a slinky slip—it can be used as a base layer underneath cardigans, coats and sweaters in the colder months, or worn à la carte when it’s hot out. Like liquid on the body, silk or satin slip dresses make for a sexy and sultry look requiring little to no effort, so if you’re ever in need of last-minute date night outfit ideas, this is a classic go-to that rarely disappoints. Spruce up the simple slip with romantic details like lace trims and accessorize with necklaces, bracelets, rings and anklets to add dimension and depth. A quiet luxury-inspired purse pairing may be tempting, but there’s something so enticing about a statement clutch or the pop of an animal print handbag against the shiny fabric.
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Rumored
Crossroads Maxi Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shoprumored.com%2Fproducts%2Fcrossroads-maxi-dress-ivory%3Fvariant%3D40757653274713&xcust=versatile-dresses-to-own
128
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Quince
Quince Silk Slip Dress
https://quince.sjv.io/c/408233/1835359/21926?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.quince.com%2Fwomen%2Fsilk-slip-dress%3Fcolor%3Dforest-green&subId1=versatile-dresses-to-own
80
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Jenni Kayne
Satin Slip Dress
https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8757841-15318409?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jennikayne.com%2Fproducts%2Fsatin-slip-dress-bronze&sid=versatile-dresses-to-own
295
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Nordstrom
Open Edit Lace Trim Slipdress
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Flace-trim-slipdress%2F7646105%3Fcolor%3D270&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
80
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Victoria’s Secret
Satin Boho Midi Slip
https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-8757841-12935276?sid=versatile-dresses-to-own&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.victoriassecret.com%2Fus%2Fvs%2Fsleepwear-and-lingerie-catalog%2F1124532700
91
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Revolve
Cami NYC Ramila Dress
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Fcami-nyc-ramila-dress-in-caramel%2Fdp%2FCAMN-WD94%2F&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
167
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H&M
Lace-Trimmed Satin Slip Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.hm.com%2Fen_us%2Fproductpage.1186240001.html&xcust=versatile-dresses-to-own
40
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3. A Cozy Knit Sweater Dress
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
Don’t reserve your comfy sweater dresses for only the cooler months, ladies. Knit materials are comfortable, elegant and can be worn a myriad of places, such as at home, the office, baby showers, art galleries, you name it. Sweater dresses are somewhat of an enigma because they can vary in warmth and weight depending on the length, materials used and how finely the fabric is looped. They come in all shapes and sizes, so be cognizant of what style looks best on your body type. For example, a wrap dress with a belted waistband like the one pictured above makes for a great dress for women with big boobs while spaghetti straps, plunging necklines or asymmetrical cuts can enhance small chests.
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Hanifa
Miya Knit Cardigan Dress
https://go.skimresources.com?id=27667X859343&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhanifa.co%2Fproducts%2Fmiya-2%3Fvariant%3D33235454296127&xcust=versatile-dresses-to-own
189
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Amazon
The Drop Yasmin Sweater Dress
https://www.amazon.com/Drop-Womens-Yasmin-Sweater-Dress/dp/B08RKMJPVN?&linkCode=ll1&tag=pur0e4-20&linkId=2803b29cbed8e573bfdf7bcd4a7a5d9b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
38
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Anthropologie
Simon Miller Albers Knit Mini Dress
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=39789&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anthropologie.com%2Fshop%2Fsimon-miller-albers-knit-mini-dress%3Fcolor%3D037%26type%3DSTANDARD%26quantity%3D1&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
345
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Sézane
Wilma Dress
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=30299&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=versatile-dresses-to-own&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sezane.com%2Fus%2Fproduct%2Fwilma-dress%2Ftwilight-blue%23size-XS&platform=pl
215
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Revolve
Sndys Off-Shoulder Sweater Dress
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Fsndys-off-shoulder-sweater-dress-in-chocolate%2Fdp%2FSDYS-WD199%2F&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
93
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Nordstrom
Edikted Strapless Rib Sweater Dress
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fstripe-strapless-rib-sweater-dress%2F7496969&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
62
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Banana Republic Factory
Knit Cross-Back Maxi Dress
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com%2Fbrowse%2Fproduct.do%3Fpid%3D451448001&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
66
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COS
Pleated Knitted Maxi Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cos.com%2Fen_usd%2Fwomen%2Fwomenswear%2Fdresses%2Fproduct.pleated-knitted-maxi-dress-green.1235447001.html&xcust=versatile-dresses-to-own
170
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4. A Button-Down Shirtdress
Christian Vierig / Getty Images
Take an easy and breezy approach to dressing by rocking a classy button-down sundress, particularly one with a universally flattering A-line silhouette boasting a cinched waist; this will look great on most women, whether you’re petite or tall, curvy or slender, pear shaped or apple shaped. Shirtdresses have a sleek and tailored feel that’s simultaneously casual and dressy (though they can just as easily double as a breezy beach cover-up), and, like the LBD, they act as a great base for layering. If you want to add more definition to your waist and break up the monotony of the fabric, then I suggest you take a page out of Carrie Bradshaw’s book and tac on a statement belt.
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Zara
Linen Blend Midi Shirtdress
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=21094&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=versatile-dresses-to-own&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zara.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Flinen-blend-midi-shirtdress-p08372101.html%3Fv1%3D337043975&platform=pl
70
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Anthropologie
Maeve The Soren Shirt Dress
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=39789&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anthropologie.com%2Fshop%2Fthe-soren-long-sleeve-shirt-dress-by-maeve%3Fcolor%3D010%26type%3DSTANDARD%26quantity%3D1&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
148
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Revolve
NIA Troy Dress
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Fnia-troy-dress-in-chambray%2Fdp%2FNIAR-WD6%2F&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
88
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Everlane
The Supima Cotton Shirt Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.everlane.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-supima-cotton-ss-shirt-dress-sage-green&xcust=versatile-dresses-to-own
128
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Madewell
Lightestspun Cover-Up Maxi Shirtdress
https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-8757841-13454258?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.madewell.com%2Flightestspun-cover-up-maxi-shirtdress-99106422144.html&sid=versatile-dresses-to-own
90
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Saks Fifth Avenue
Reiss Heidi Belted Shirtdress
https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=WtZFYDlO0Ks&mid=13816&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saksfifthavenue.com%2Fproduct%2FReiss-Heidi-Belted-Midi-Shirtdress-0400020932342.html&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
385
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Zara
Jute Belt Shirtdress
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=21094&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=versatile-dresses-to-own&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zara.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fjute-belt-shirtdress-p08372088.html%3Fv1%3D323642090&platform=pl
70
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5. A Blazer Dress
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
When I want to look put-together in an instant but have nothing to wear despite my overflowing, messy closet suggesting otherwise, a blazer dress becomes my saving grace. The structure of the classic silhouette coupled with the ultra-mini length creates a striking juxtaposition between two disparate natures: the seemly and the sultry. Hot tip: Steer clear of ginormous shoulder pads if you don’t want to look like you just stepped out of the ‘80s. Fun colors or pinstripe prints can be a creative way to jazz it up if a classic black blazer dress isn’t your thing.
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H&M
Double-Breasted Jacket Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.hm.com%2Fen_us%2Fproductpage.1227922001.html&xcust=versatile-dresses-to-own
75
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Zara
Cutout Mini Blazer Dress
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=21094&awinaffid=1085617&campaign=&clickref=versatile-dresses-to-own&clickref2=&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zara.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fcut-out-mini-blazer-dress-p02558536.html%3Fv1%3D335342745%26v2%3D2352753&platform=pl
70
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Tuckernuck
Pomander Place Tweed Stacie Dress
https://go.skimresources.com/?id=27667X859343&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftnuck.com%2Fproducts%2Fmagenta-tweed-stacie-dress&xcust=versatile-dresses-to-own
198
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Shopbop
Good American Ponte Knit Blazer Minidress
https://howl.me/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Fstripe-sleeveless-double-breasted-ponte-knit-blazer-minidress%2F7751951&publisher_slug=purewow&exclusive=1&article_name=purewow&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.purewow.com&u1=versatile-dresses-to-own
189
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19 Things PureWow’s Fashion Editor Is Buying for Summer 2024
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
