ComScore

5 Dresses You'll Never Regret Buying

Your closet will thank you

Picture all the clothes in your closet; then picture just the things you actually wear. The second group’s a lot smaller, isn’t it? We, too, are victims of stuffing our wardrobe with unnecessary impulse purchases we rarely end up wearing. That will most certainly not be the case with these five dress styles that you can always rely on.

5dresses sheath
Memorandum

A Sheath That Says You're The Boss

Structured and elegant, a sheath makes you feel like you can do anything ('cuz you can, duh). Go classic in black or navy or spice things up with a subtle print, but above all, make sure it fits. If that means buying it off the rack and looking perfect, you’re lucky. If not, take it to the tailor and wonder why your entire wardrobe wasn’t made for your body.

Get the look: Banana Republic ($100); MM. Lafleur ($195); DVF ($368)

A Frivolous Party Dress You Just Really Love

Less of a closet workhorse than a special treat, this little number is pure fun. You’ll love wearing it and get a ton of compliments, which makes up for the fact that you can probably whip it out only on choice occasions. It’s still a solid purchase.

Get the look: Alfred Sung ($198); Black Halo ($390); Anna October ($918)

5dresses lbd
Ciao Christiana

An Lbd You Can Recycle Endlessly

Obvious but true. A little black dress you adore is one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe. Versatile and polished, the LBD is the perfect canvas for all your favorite accessories--or nothing at all. That’s the best part: You can wear it so many ways.

Get the look: Eloquii ($110); COS ($115); Lauren Ralph Lauren ($125)


5dresses casual
Elderflowerlily

A Casual Dress You Can Wear With Sneakers

You know those days when you just can’t be bothered to pull together multiple pieces? That’s when you grab this trusty casual staple that’s cutest--and most comfortable--when paired with a clean white kick. Done.

Get the look: Gap ($40); Junarose ($60); Madewell ($68)

A Maxi That Can Be Dressed Up Or Down

Easy, breezy. The beauty of the flowy maxi dress is that in a neutral color and quality fabric, you can wear it for both casual and special occasions. Swap slide sandals for pumps and switch up your jewelry to transition this guy from day to night in a flash.

Get the look: TFNC ($78); BCBG ($146); Kalita ($573)


stief author

Wellness Director

  • Oversees wellness content
  • PureWow's resident book reviewer
  • Has worked in lifestyle media for 11 years

fashion
/ Delia Curtis
I Spy Katie Holmes’s Exact Metallic Mules at the Amazon Big Spring Sale
fashion
/ Abby Hepworth
These Old Navy Leggings Could Pass for lululemon, They’re *That* Soft
fashion
/ Clara Stein
Reese Witherspoon Wore the Perfect Spring Jeans (So I’m Shopping ‘Em from $63)
fashion
/ Stephanie Meraz
If You Love Zara, Then You’ll Love Massimo Dutti—Shop These 16 Pieces
fashion
/ Jael Rucker
Editors' Picks: Our 19 Fave Finds This March (Including an $8 Self-Care Wonder)
fashion
/ Destinee Scott
12 Fashion Must-Haves From the Amazon Big Spring Sale
fashion
/ Olivia Dubyak
The Only Spring Amazon Jackets You Need to Buy During the Amazon Big Spring Sale
fashion
/ Stephanie Meraz
11 Fabulous Under-$40 Pieces from Target’s Spring Fashion Collection
fashion
/ Dara Katz
Parker Posey's "Lorazepam Chic" Nightgown Is Sold Out, but I've Found Some Great Amazon Options
fashion
/ Stephanie Meraz
We’re in the Year of the Skirt & I’m Seeing These 6 Styles Everywhere
fashion
/ Stephanie Meraz
The Best DeMellier Bags to Scratch Your Royal-Approved Designer Itch
fashion
/ Natalie LaBarbera
12 Fashion and Beauty Picks PureWow Editors Are Loving for Spring
fashion
/ Natalie LaBarbera
Anthropologie Is Serving Spring Versions of PureWow Readers' Favorite Pants
fashion
/ Rachel Bowie
The 10 Essentials You Need to Create a Royal Family Capsule Wardrobe
fashion
/ Abby Hepworth
The 8 Pieces PureWow Editors Get Complimented on All the Time
fashion
/ Natalie LaBarbera
This Meghan Markle-Approved Cuyana Bag Just Got a Work-Ready Update
See More