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 a New York-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 after almost four years on the fashion team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after 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, running in Central Park, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
-
Sorry, Sneakers—Fashion People Are in Agreement About These Classic Flats
A 58-year-old staple.
By Eliza Huber
-
From Suede to Leopard Print, 2025's Most Dominant Skirt Trends Are Here
Shop one, shop all.
By Eliza Huber
-
It's True—Every Chic Person Is Wearing This New Top Trend
Check it off your list.
By Eliza Huber
-
Jennifer Lawrence Just Wore the Jacket Trend French and Italian Women Swear By to Look Elegant
It works every time.
By Eliza Huber
-
J.Lo Just Wore the Only Jacket Trend Fashion People Are Wearing More Than Suede RN
It's 2025's top buy.
By Eliza Huber
-
Shop Now, Apologize Later: These New Winter Finds Will Sell Out If You Wait Another Second
Don't miss out.
By Copelyn Bengel
-
Wait, I Just Found the Best Shoes, Pants, and Sweaters From the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale
The sale cheat sheet.
By Copelyn Bengel
-
I Can't Get Over Nordstrom's Sale Department—Yes to These Sweaters and Shoes
Deals and steals galore.
By Copelyn Bengel