I Rarely Splurge on Dresses, But These Designer Options Are Too Pretty to Miss
No matter the time of year or the occasion, nine times out of ten, you'll catch me wearing a dress. Far less frequently, though, will I splurge on one, often preferring to buy simple, affordable styles rather than investing in a statement option from a designer. (I'd much rather sink my money into expensive shoes and outerwear if I'm being honest.) Then again, I'm always willing to skew from my normal behavior if a dress is worthy.
Coincidentally, on my last scroll through this season's endless selection, worthy designer dresses were all that caught my eye, period. And rather than thinking, Nah, I can find something just as pretty for less, my mind went straight to, I need one of (if not a couple of) these dresses, like, now. So naturally, I had to document the rare occasion by writing a story all about it. Ahead, shop the ridiculously tempting designer dresses that may have just changed my mind about splurging on them forever.
If you're going to splurge on a dress, it might as well be a bold choice. And no one does bold better than Paco Rabanne.
Jennifer Lawrence just wore this dress, and let me tell you, I'm obsessed.
16Arlington is the talk of the town this season, and its sequin pieces from F/W 22 are among its buzziest.
Norma Kamali's iconic Diana dress will always be a good dress option (and a fairly affordable one, no less).
Kendall Jenner recently wore a black version of this Khaite dress, and ever since then, I've wanted one of my own.
Knee-length dresses and skirts are happening right now.
Don't be alarmed, but Hervé Léger's body-con dresses are officially back with a sleeker, more modern appearance.
Bonus: This dress can easily turn into a mini with some easy adjustments.
According to my co-worker Jasmine, lilac is the color to shop for right now.
Nensi Dojaka is arguably the coolest brand of 2022.
When your dress can easily be transitioned into a crop top, a tank top, and a skirt, you know it's worth splurging on.
Next: I'm a Dress Snob—These 38 Are Pretty Enough to Pass My Test (By a Landslide)
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
-
I Just Went From Blonde to Brunette After 11 Years—5 Wardrobe Color Swaps I'm Making to Adjust
An expert weighed in.
By Eliza Huber
-
Quiet Luxury's Out—Here's How Stylish Women Are Wearing Loud Luxury's First Viral Trend
It's too chic.
By Copelyn Bengel
-
If These Sneakers Aren't in Your Cart Already, Run—J.Law's About to Sell Them Out
They're 2025's next viral hit.
By Eliza Huber
-
It's True—Everyone Will Wish They Bought This $68 Ref Top When It Inevitably Sells Out
I see the future.
By Eliza Huber
-
My Dad Asked Me to Max Out My 401(K), But I Bought These COS, H&M, and Mango Items Instead (Sorry)
At least, I look rich.
By Eliza Huber
-
Oslo! NYC! Stockholm! Stylish Women in Every City Are in Agreement Over This Elegant Skirt Trend
Prepare for takeoff.
By Eliza Huber
-
Well-Dressed Women Everywhere Will Appreciate These 34 Elegant Coat Styles
Guaranteed.
By Eliza Huber
-
It'll Be a Miracle If These New H&M Shoes Are Still in Stock When You Press Add to Cart
They'll go fast.
By Eliza Huber