There are many wonderful dresses you can buy in affordable fashion stores and get endless amounts of wear out of. In fact, we're always here cheering on the high street whilst encouraging you (and ourselves) to think about buying sensibly from it.
Sometimes, though, it can pay off in the long run to spend a little bit more on certain items in your wardrobe. And if you're a die-hard dress person like our deputy editor, Emma Spedding, it's worth saving up to find the items that will last longer, wear better over time and keep winning the cost-per-outing game. That's not to say the below styles cannot be found at a more wallet-friendly price point, but if you're ever looking to bit down a bit more cash on something special (and worthwhile), these under-£500 dresses are the bomb.
From the slip Monikh Dale swears by to the party dress approved by the one and only Eva Chen, these are the dress styles that tend to look better when they're a bit more luxe.
The Printed Wrap
The most versatile dress you'll ever own is here. Universally flattering, the floral wrap is wearable 365 days a year. Layer over a roll-neck knit for winter and add Western boots (just like Chloe did to her Ganni number) for a unique spin on a classic.
The Mini
Make for a mini and you won't look back. Ada works the Topshop spot dress you've most likely seen all over your Insta feeds, but any style goes. Go for long sleeves to even out the hemline or opt for sleeveless to layer over a white tee.
Related: 14 Sparkly Dresses That Will Have You Inundated With Compliments
The Slip
Ah, the slip dress—the style that'll take a forever place in all our wardrobes. Effortlessly cool, you'll find a way to wear them for any occasion. Let it do all the talking like Monikh in her tiger-print Rixo style or team with a chunky cable knit and knee-high boots for a suitably chic winter walk.
The Sequinned Midi
Make way for the party dress even Eva Chen approves of: the sequinned midi. She goes for the Rixo Coco that's already sold out multiple times and has just been restocked. If you invest in a sequinned dress, you'll find that slightly more expensive items are better quality, offer a more flattering fit and have more actual sequins on them.
Related: These 25 New Year's Eve Dresses Will Make You Want to Stay Up Past Midnight
The Knit
Our fashion friends have been so obsessed with the Jacquemus £495 turtleneck sweater dress that it's pretty much sold out at all shopping destinations. And it's no wonder—in general, a more luxe knit will cling and fall better than cheaper, more synthetic options. Luckily, we've found some iterations for you to fill the void.
Next up, 19 pairs of flat shoes that'll get you party-ready.
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