Women's Dresses

Picking the right dress should be fun. With countless styles of dresses online, St Frock makes finding your go-to outfit simple. 

Your Ultimate Guide To Choosing Dresses For Different Occasions

Found yourself checking your wardrobe again, trying to choose which dresses to wear for the day? We’ve all been there. Whether it’s a last-minute event or a big party months away, working out your outfit can quickly turn into a fashion emergency. With St Frock, it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Read on as we guide you through the right dress to wear for each occasion, from the laid-back to the luxe, and yes, even those tricky in-between moments. 

Casual hangouts

Waiting for a special occasion to put on a dress? Forget that! Everyday activities don’t mean you can’t look your best. Besides, there are many dresses that are great for more laid-back days. 

One thing you need to keep in your wardrobe for this very purpose is a shift dress. Whether you’re running around and need to be comfortable or you are relaxing at a friend’s house, nothing quite beats the comfort of that simple, straight silhouette. 

Another absolute must-have is a classic sundress. Sure, they’re great summer dresses for beach days and holidays, but they can be your easy go-to as well! Got a low-key first date? Meeting your family for brunch? Going to the movies with friends? They’re the perfect casual dresses that will have you looking cute no matter what’s on your agenda for the day!

Formal affairs

When it comes to fancier outfits like wedding guest dresses, you can’t go wrong with a maxi dress. There’s a reason why it’s such a popular pick for formal dresses. Long dresses add a touch of class that’ll have you fitting right in at any formal celebration.

The silhouettes you can choose from are endless, but if you want a classic, trust us, an A-line dress is the one. Cinching at the waist and flowing outward, A-line maxi dresses are the best way to achieve that elegant, girly, flirty fun vibe. 

Professional events

Getting down to business: whether it’s a conference, a meeting, or just a typical workday, you can look both professional and chic.

A shirt dress is a great option.  It may be inspired by stitched up corporate collars and long sleeves but is perfect for those days where you are running straight from the workplace to drinks.

A-line dresses are another way to show that you mean business. Because of their fit-and-flare silhouette, you get that structured, professional look without sacrificing comfort! 

What about when it comes to length? If you want a workday OOTD that screams contemporary, fashionable, and dress-code-appropriate all at once, a maxi or a midi dress are both great options. They’re not just flowy and comfy; they’re also stylish.

Semi-formal get-togethers 

From casual weddings to dinner at a new restaurant, there are just so many events that seem classy but not quite formal enough to rule out the possibility of being overdressed? It can be confusing to plan your outfits for these in-between occasions, but thankfully, cocktail dresses exist.

They’re posh and sophisticated without being too much, making them the versatile queen of party dresses. They make great beach wedding dresses, clubbing outfits, and more. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I choose the right dress for my body type?

The secret to choosing the right dress for your body type is to balance your proportions and determine which parts of your figure you want to accentuate! Here are some quick tips for each body type:

• Hourglass shape. Show off your curves with a fitted wrap dress. An A-line dress will also draw more attention to your cinched waist!
• Pear shape. If you have a smaller upper body, go for dresses with more colourful and pattern-heavy tops. This will draw the eye upward and accentuate your bust area.
• Rectangle shape. Details like puff or flutter sleeves can help soften your silhouette. You can also go for dresses with more relaxed fits, like shift dresses, to create a more flowy look.
• Apple shape. A-line dresses have that fit-and-flare effect that is great for defining the curves of this body type. Off shoulder maxi dresses are also the MVP of creating longer and more slender silhouettes while drawing attention from the heavy bust area towards your face and shoulders.

Find your size

Keep in mind, though, that it’s not just about the style or cut of your dress. You have to get the right size as well. At St Frock, we’re all about providing styles that fit and flatter all kinds of bodies. Yes, that means you can count on us for extended sizing as well, with sizes 8 up to 22. 

You can easily refer to our size guides to find the right fit for you. Our styling queens have even hand-measured every garment so you can make accurate sizing picks!

What are some flattering dress styles for petite women?

Wrap dresses are a gorgeous style that every petite woman should have. They’re great for creating that softer look, but since they hug your figure, they won’t envelop you in all that fabric. A mini dress is also a smart pick. The hem length gives the illusion of longer legs, especially when worn with heels. 

In terms of colour, going monochromatic is your best bet. Going with one colour creates that streamlined flow that elongates your figure.

What are some versatile dress styles that can transition from day to night?

Because of their in-between length and contemporary style, midi dresses are a style that you can easily dress up and down when necessary. They’re great for when you’re grabbing after-work drinks and need to change the vibe from girl boss to girl’s night out! 

Going from casual to formal? An option that may work better for you is sundresses; they may be your go-to casual dress, but the right pair of heels and statement earrings can have you effortlessly ending a day of errands with a classy dinner out. 

An extra tip is to go for dresses with fewer colours and minimal patterns. This way, it becomes easier to change up and match accessories for those days when you need to dress up or down your look in a snap. Black dresses and white dresses are timeless choices for day-to-night looks for this very reason. 

Discover your new favourite dress

On the hunt for the perfect dress that makes you look and feel great? You’re in the right place.

At St Frock, we celebrate jaw-dropping fashion and the women who bring it to life with up to 100 drops a week. So, you’ll always have new options to explore while looking for styles that make you feel your most beautiful. 

We even make your shopping experience an absolute breeze! You can return styles within the first 30 days of purchasing* and enjoy our buy now, pay later options with Afterpay, Zip and Klarna. 

So, what are you waiting for? Shop now and get free shipping on qualifying orders!*