I'm So Glad I Bought This Other Stories Dress—I'll Wear It Non-Stop

Not all dresses are born equal in the design studio, which is why our editorial team and network of contributors is always on hand to sift the wheat from the chaff. Recently, assistant editor Elinor Block asked us to place dibs on the best dresses for summer 2021, and I selected a dark chocolate coloured puff-sleeve open-back dress from Other Stories among other more expensive options. On my digital travels researching for this request, I stumbled across the midi via the brand's new-in section, and before I shared my top picks for the story, I became so enamoured with it that I freaked out about other people buying it first, the dress selling out and missing an opportunity to own such a "me" item. I often take days, weeks, months or even years to consider whether I really want to buy something, but in this case, the urge was so strong I knew we were meant to be together.

It is on the pricier end of the high-street scale, but the quality of the fit and finish is what you'd expect when you pay a bit more. For me, the fact that it's made from Tencel Lyocell (a far more sustainable fabric) and that it has a full lining from square neck to swooshy hem means it's not as flimsy or see-through as some affordable summer frocks. I have high hopes that it'll be a classic style I wear summer after summer for at least the next decade.

There are multiple panels that act as a kind of casual corset around the waist and provide a nice flare in the skirt, and the tie-up back is dainty yet secure—secure enough to go sans bra when you still have an ample bosom, anyway! For your info, I'm 5'1'', and so this midi sits more like a maxi, brushing my feet. I'm hourglass and often between a 10 and 12 in dresses, so I opted for Stories' size 38, which is fitted but loose enough to feel comfortable in.

So without further ado, meet the dress I'm very proud to own (and wear a lot) in 2021.

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

On Hannah: Other Stories Open Back Pull Sleeve Midi Dress (£95); ATP Atelier sandals

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

On Hannah:  Other Stories Open Back Pull Sleeve Midi Dress (£95); Pascale James earrings

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(Image credit: @hannahalmassi/WHO WHAT WEAR)

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Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief ofBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. Hannah has been part of the theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.