YOUR GUIDE TO DRESSES: 5 DRESSES FOR 5 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

When we're tied up day-to-day in boring workwear or trusty denim, it's a refreshing change to opt for something a little more feminine, and a dress (SHOP NOW) is the best place to start. Whether you prefer the understated shift dress or playful off-the-shoulder ruffles, a Billabong Tee dress or an Arnhem maxi; the key is to find a style that works for the environment you'll be wearing it in!

So with that in mind, we set out to find five dresses for five different locations - and then we spent a day putting them to the test. 

Read on for our guide to the five styles that will take you from Friday through to Monday!

DRESS: The Mini Dress  /  LOCATION: The Night Out

Figure-hugging with a hemline that suggests sultry appeal – you can never go wrong with a Mini dress (SHOP NOW) for Friday nights with the girls! With a slightly scandalous history (think Jean Shrimpton at the Melbourne Cup in the 60s, and poster child Twiggy), the Mini dress still delivers a pinch of “rebel” alongside an unmistakably feminine style. And the best part? Change things up with sleeves, shirring, cut-outs, off-the-shoulder, wraps, ties and more. There’s no dress more versatile than the Mini – it can be used as the base for almost any look when paired with layers and accessories!

DRESS: Maxi Dress  /  LOCATION: The Markets

Flowing A-line silhouettes and graceful draping is what the Maxi dress (SHOP NOW) does best. This forgiving style is our go-to for an instant transformation (no matter how dusty we wake on Saturday), and we’ll never get tired of those flattering Grecian vibes - perfect for a trip to the markets! There’s a reason the Maxi dress remains a timeless staple no matter how fashions change and it’s because this style works for literally every body type. In the words of the great Coco Chanel “fashion fades, only style remains the same”.

DRESS: The Shift Dress  /  LOCATION: The Beach

When the beach is calling and you’ve got an empty schedule just waiting to be filled with sandy downtime, the Shift dress (SHOP NOW) is waiting for you. With simple, clean lines that drape from the shoulder, the Shift dress offers freedom of movement, plenty of breeze, and a style that is effortlessly on-trend. Whether you opt for linen basics, box cuts, gathered ruffles, sleeveless styles or prints, the Shift will always deliver the youthful vibes that were key to its cultural origins in the late 1950s. Plus, they’re easy to wear over a bikini so it’s a win-win!

DRESS: The Midi Dress  /  LOCATION: The Cafe Breakfast

The classic style and demure hemlines of the Midi dress (SHOP NOW) are the perfect way to opt for a slightly more mature look while still embracing an outline that flatters your natural shape. Choose from wrap dresses, shirt dresses and cami-style slips and rest assured you’re dressed appropriately for any occasion with that mid-calf length. As a bonus, the Midi is easily dressed up or down when paired with either sandals or heels. Wherever you find yourself socialising, the Midi dress guarantees transeasonal style and versatility – making it the perfect wardrobe staple for ladies who lunch (and that’s totally all of us).

DRESS: The Pinafore Dress  /  LOCATION: The Hinterland Escape

There’s something whimsical about the Pinny dress (SHOP NOW) and we’re guessing that’s because it instantly transports us to our childhood days as toddlers – buttoned into cute floral pinnies and dungarees and running wild during the summer. Well, times have changed and we’ve all grown up, but the Pinny has come full circle to meet us! With their secure buttoned tops and loose open skirts to allow full movement, the Pinny is the perfect friend for days spent chasing waterfalls, picnicking and generally exploring our beautiful backyard.

Special thanks to Little Mermaid Cafe and Crystal Creek Flowers

Model: Shaanti Senaratne