5 Infallible Dress Trends You Won't Regret in 10 Years

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(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas; STYLING: Zara Halter Dress ($18))

As someone who owns more dresses than I care to admit, I like to think of myself as somewhat of an expert. While there are certainly some very fun dress trends out there right now, including Versace-inspired "under the sea" looks, not everyone wants to spend money on of-the-moment items. If you fancy yourself more of a classic dresser, you've come to the right place. 

Below, I rounded up five of my favorite dress trends that I think will stand the test of time. Need proof? One trend used to be buzzy because of Marilyn Monroe and then went on to make headlines thanks to Meghan Markle over 60 years later. Scroll down to shop the five dress trends you won't regret in 10 years. 

Wallpaper-Print Dresses

Wallpaper prints have been around for hundreds of years. Just look at Bridgerton's 1800s-inspired looks for proof. When you think about it, wallpaper prints are really just a twist on florals, which will never go away. If you're hesitant about investing in the trend—which you shouldn't be—simply choose a more subtle pattern, and you're good as gold for the next decade (at least). 

Smocked Dresses

Did you know that smocking is a technique that has been used on clothes since at least the 13th century? So no, it won't go away anytime soon. Gathered details are trend-proof, especially when used as accents rather than throughout the entire dress.

Halter Dresses

Thanks in part to Meghan Markle and her already-iconic wedding reception dress, halter dresses seem to have a permanent place in history. Let's not forget Marilyn Monroe's infamous white halter dress! What's old is new again, after all. 

Open-Back Dresses

In my opinion, the current cutout trend is not quite as durable as open backs. Dresses with exposed backs will always be a chic option if you feel like revealing a bit of skin. 

Tent Dresses

As long as summer exists—and it always will thanks to global warming—women will want breezy dresses to beat the heat in. Roomy A-line dresses are such a great option for the beach or pool because they won't cling to your body after a swim. Functional and cute? That's a trend-proof combo. 

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Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.