Written by Elaine Tu 

Every woman should own these 8 must-have dresses. The trick to a dress collection that will do you right is choosing the essentials for any occasion that may arise. We’re talking dresses that you can dress up or down, to throw on and go on the daily, or the trusty dress you wear for good luck!

The key to the essential dress collection, whether you’re a minimalist or just want an easy ‘starter pack’ list of dresses to build your wardrobe, is finding pieces that are classic and timeless. Steer clear of the frumpy statement pieces here (we know, a shocker for those of you who have shopped with us before), but if you’re just starting to build your wardrobe, these dresses will be your trusty sidekicks for a long time to come! The trendy stuff can come later–trust us, they will.

Casual Dresses

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Errands to run? Shopping date with the girlfriends? Doing chores around the house? Dresses can be the most efficient pieces to have when you just need to get out of the house to do things. Choosing a cotton or jersey one that’s comfortable for you to be running around in is essential. These aren’t too dressed up to go to the gas station in, and not too dressed down to go to lunch with friends.

Our favorite casual dresses include t-shirt dresses (duh), flowy shift dresses, ribbed knit bodycons, and other comfy faves from our collection. The key is comfort without compromising style–our favorite combo.

Maxi Dress

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A maxi length dress can do wonders on days when you want to be a little more dressed up. They’re long and flowy, which means you got options when it comes to what shoes you want to pair with them! They’re great for wearing all year long because of the longer length– switch it up with booties and a duster cardigan in the fall or wear with sandals and a Panama hat in the summer!

 

Little Black Dress

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You already know we had to include this trusty piece: the little black dress. Yes, everything you hear about this essential is true. This should be a piece that looks bangin’ on you. I mean all of these dresses should, but think of the LBD as your understated, sexy, secret weapon. The dress you put on when you want to make a good impression–a sophisticated, timeless, not-too-showy piece. Make sure to choose one that flatters your body type the most. It doesn’t have to be a bodycon, or have to be a slip dress; it should be the perfect fit for your body type.

Showstopper Dress

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This is the dress you want to totally drop jaws with. When you need something bold and head-turning, you’re gonna reach for this. Again, choose something that fits great on your body! For some this could be a bodycon dress, for others it could be a shift dress or even a skater dress! Whatever you choose, this should be the uniquely bold piece from the rest of these essential dresses. Something that’s timeless, stand-out, and totally you. Examples of great ones are sequin dresses, sheer lace dresses, or bright colored dresses.

This is the ultra sexy secret weapon you’ll whip out for special events like your birthday, other parties, going out-out or even clubbing in the best places. Knock ‘em dead, babe!

Little White Dress

source: elle.com

This one doesn’t play second fiddle to the little black dress in our books. A clean little white dress is an essential for any wardrobe for those days when you want to stand out a little more than you would in a black dress. Similar to the classic LBD, this one should be a great fit and flatter your body in all the right ways. You can even think of it as a go-to dress for an unexpected night out in the warmer months! It’s the other secret weapon you have in your closet that makes a statement without being loud about it.

Off shoulder dress

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There’s no doubt about it. The off-shoulder dress has quickly become a staple in every it-girl’s closet. Also known as a Bardot dress, this number shows off your decollete and some shoulder–just enough skin for that sexy-sweet look.

We totally dig the fit and flare look with a smocked bodice and A-line skirt bottom, or even the shift dress silhouette with a flowy fit and exaggerated flared sleeves. With off shoulder dresses, there really is no season. Wear them all year long and flaunt those beautiful shoulders and clavicle of yours.

Lace dress

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A lace dress is our staple for a variety of reasons. First off, lace is so timeless and classy. The material immediately takes a dress to the next level–to something you can wear to special occasions despite how amazingly affordable the piece is. This means you can most definitely look good without spending a lot of money. Or save that budget for those booties you’ve been eyeing all season long!

Floral dress

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Of course, every girl needs a floral dress in her closet. They’re versatile–throw on a leather jacket to toughen up the look, or pair with some heels and a denim jacket for a summery look. We’re digging the whole layering t-shirts or mesh tops under dress style too when it’s a little chilly; it’s a simple way to maximize your outfit choices so you can rock this pattern all year long. Depending on the material they may not be for super dressed up occasions or even semi-formal for that matter, but you can totally amp up your daily wardrobe with floral dresses!