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9 best women’s midi dresses: Puff sleeve, milkmaid and smock styles
One of the most hardworking pieces in your wardrobe, these will reach hero status in no time
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The humble midi dress is one of the hardest working items in your wardrobe. It transcends trends and can be worn from one season to the next and from one occasion to the next.
A floral, floaty number, for example, can be dressed up with heels and accessories for a summer wedding, or paired back with trainers and an oversized jumper for brunch with your pals.
A satin slip can be worn on a hot summer’s day for a picnic in the park or dressed up for a night at the pub. These dresses are truly versatile.
We looked for pieces that were the true antithesis to loungewear because if you’re anything like us you’ll be just a little bit over it.
But, the true joy of a midi dress is that just like throwing on a pair of leggings and oversized tee it requires zero thought, yet its transformative powers mean you will feel 100 times more pulled together.
The joy of the midi dress doesn’t stop here. Their beauty also lies in their staying power; chances are your wardrobe will still be full of yesteryears midis that you pull out each season to re-wear. And rightly so.
But as with all wardrobe staples, they can begin to look a little dowdy a few years down the line, so if you’re looking to give yours an update, you’ll be glad to know that this year’s offering is equally as great.
When testing, we of course searched for those that were timeless and were as far away as loungewear as possible. But sizing, fit, and material were also taken into account.
From 90s inspired slips to bold floral patterns, take it from us, these midi dresses will reach hero status in your wardrobe in no time.
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The verdict: Women’s midi dresses
Choosing our favourite midi dress of this selection was no mean feat. If you want a throw on, easy wearing number it’s got to be Topshop’s blue bow back poplin midi chuck on dress. But for an all-round winner, we can’t fault the All Saints Tierney dress; easily worn throughout summer and into autumn and winter, it’s transitional, a great fit and a true hero staple in your wardrobe. If you do have the cash to splash though, Realisation Par’s the Alba in rosalita is just as faultless.