8 Lesser-Known Brands Where You'll Find a Unique Dress
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.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
-
Suddenly, All The Row-Style Girls Are Breaking This Fashion Rule
And you should, too.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
We're Fashion Editors—Everything We Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFW
Let's dive in.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears Today
A true fashion icon.
By Judith Jones
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% Classic
Just as you are.
By Drew Elovitz
-
Emma Chamberlain's World: Her Warby Parker Collab, Two-Phone Rule, and Spiciest Fashion Takes
"I just want to bring the most joy to people."
By Anna LaPlaca
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt