Over at Who What Wear UK, we have two great loves: good dresses and celebrities in the kind of outfits you can literally copy and paste. When it comes to the latter, we've seen our fair share of fashionable women who have influenced our purchases, but while looking for new inspo recently, it has come to our attention that Rachel Stevens is having a particularly good run of noteworthy moments, and the fact that most of these happen to be in dresses (affordable ones at that) is just an added bonus.
From pretty midis to her own collection of summery maxi dresses for Oasis, it's clear that all of Stevens's dresses have one thing in common: their price tags, as this is one celeb who isn't afraid to champion the high street. Her Instagram is like a who's who of high-street heavy hitters, from H&M to & Other Stories (although, there are a few Daily Sleeper moments in there too), and it provides some good pointers on how to find expensive-looking dresses at an affordable level. Her picks tend to be demure (nothing too short, too tight or too revealing) and feature muted colours and very subtle prints or detailing. Sometimes, the simpler the midi, the more it can pass as designer.
Stevens wears a now-sold-out Arket silk dress.
The next best thing about Stevens's penchant for comfortable, light dresses is just how easy they are to weave into your everyday wardrobe. Whether puffed-sleeve minis or floor-sweeping maxis, their laid-back style works for day, work, evening and, well, anything in between, which saves you that much more time getting ready in the morning.
So if you're looking for easy-to-wear dresses that come celebrity approved, then scroll on for our picks of Stevens's best high-street moments that you can still shop.
THE FREE PEOPLE MAXI DRESS
You simply can't go wrong with a black midi dress, and the cut-out detailing and light, cotton fabric make this the ideal dress for a summer evening. A dress like this doesn't need much in the way of accessories, so opt for strappy gladiator sandals, or heel devotees can take Stevens's lead with tan platforms.
There are only a few sizes left, so act fast to grab this before it goes.
THE NOBODY'S CHILD FLORAL DRESS
We were already big fans of Nobody's Child's pretty and practical dresses, and apparently celebs are following suit. (Only yesterday did Rochelle Humes choose this cute number.) The best thing about this particular one? It's made from keep-cool linen, so getting ready in the morning is as simple as throwing on this dress. No sweat.
This dress is currently in the sale, so we have a feeling that once it's gone, it's gone. But don't panic—it comes in plain white, too, so you have a plan B.
THE OASIS MIDI DRESS
Nothing is more bang on-trend this summer than open-stitch crochet. But if you thought the look would mean boho and beads, think again. Simply adding a blazer makes this sheer dress event-ready and less beach cover-up.
At this price, I'll take one in cream and one in the paprika colourway.
THE & OTHER STORIES PUFF SLEEVE DRESS
Although it looks like the original dress has since sold out (such is the power of an affordable dress on a celeb with a following), never fear. & Other Stories specialises in well-fitting, puff-sleeve dresses in a variety of colours and cuts, and there are no less than seven styles available on the site, so you can still shop the look.
This dress has the added benefit of a sweetheart neckline that flatters all bust sizes.
THE MONSOON EMBROIDERED DRESS
Nothing says holiday like a joyful, colourful dress that makes you happier just seeing it, and this Monsoon dress ticks those boxes. Following Stevens's tried-and-tested formula of a short-sleeve, full-skirted midi and heeled sandals, this is an outfit that you will wear on repeat throughout summer.
This piece is from Monsoon's S.E.W collection, which uses fabrics that have a reduced environmental impact. Expect organic and better-sourced cotton and recycled polyesters made from post-consumer waste.
THE ALBARAY DENIM DRESS
Proving that denim can be so much more than just a good pair of jeans, Stevens's Albaray dress is a great find for sustainable shoppers. Not only is it made from organic cotton, but all of the brand's fabrics are subject to rigorous environmental guidelines and are manufactured via a process that generates up to 50% lower carbon emissions.
This dress would look just as good layered over a T-shirt as it does on its own.
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