One of the most common questions we're asked on in our Facebook group, So… Should I Buy This?, is where to find truly unique dresses. It appears we all fear the same-dress situation. Thanks to social media, boutique brands now have the ability to go boom like never before. And while the additional exposure is brilliant for the respective designers, it can sometimes mean their creations become more mainstream than initially intended.
While that in no way makes them less special, the last thing you need to worry about is turning up to a party or wedding to discover someone is wearing the exact same dress, not from the high street, but from a brand you thought flew under the radar. So in an attempt to broaden your frock horizons, we took it upon ourselves to find unique dress brands that cater to every budget and style, and are still relatively untapped.
From gorgeous prints and embellishment to flattering silhouettes, keep scrolling to discover the unique dress brands fashion people would rather we kept a secret…
REBECCA TAYLOR
Born in New Zealand, it was in New York that Rebecca Taylor chose to set up her self-titled line in 1996, but it's still relatively unknown here on Brit soil. Her collections are full of flirty dresses that demonstrate her serious love for lace and silk.
Related: 9 Winter Wedding Outfits Guaranteed to Earn You Best Dressed Status
OLIVIA RUBEN
If playful frocks are what you seek, look no further than Olivia Ruben. The London-based designer has put the fun back in fashion. Be it leopard print or rainbow sequins, she somehow always manages to predict the next big trend.
Related: These 35 Wedding Guest Dresses Are Next-Level Beautiful
PAPER LONDON
Inspired by modern art, Paper London is your go-to for bold structural shapes, contrasting fabrics and a considered use of colour.
Related: Trust Me, I Know Good Shoes, and These Party-Ready Pairs Are Everything
RADISH
Inspired by vintage fashion, you'll note influences from different eras in Radish's designs. Right now, its aesthetic is all about balloon-sleeves, pussy-bow necklines and romantic prints.
Related: Camel Coats Always Look Elevated—28 That Get This Fashion Editor's Approval
OLIVIA ROSE
Handmade in Edinburgh, Olivia Rose's dresses are sweet yet directional and wearable. In short, you're looking at the next generation of It frocks.
COCO FENNELL
Coco Fennell's masterful designs make print-clashing look easy. Kitsch they may be, but its elegant patterns and silhouettes ensure these are dresses you'll truly love to wear.
Related: Winter 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know
ISABELLE FOX
Quite simply, Isabelle Fox's designs exude elegance from every seam. Minimal they may appear, don't be fooled—using the finest fabrics and with an emphasis on fit, these dresses will last you a lifetime. We're already on the waiting list for the short-sleeved Sophia dress (as seen on stylist Louise Roe), which will make its annual comeback in March. For now, though, we'll gladly take one of these…
Related: The 4 Zara Items Everyone Will Want to Buy This Month
STINE GOYA
After clocking this dress during fashion week, we just had to track down its maker. And now that we've found Stine Goya, we'll be forever loyal to its statement take on Scandi style. The fact it's already a hit with those in the know is a sign of what's to come. We suggest investing now.
A fancy dress calls for fancy shoes. Go on—shop our edit of 2018's best heels, flats and boots.
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