I Haven't Been a "Dress Person" for Ages, but These Trends Are Luring Me In

This season when we talk about power dressing, what we really mean is power dresses. After a few years of favouring separates, the fashion lot has turned its attention back to this one-stop method, and the enthusiasm has resulted in an almost endless stream of on-trend options. From wraps to kimonos, tea dresses to barely-held-together backless sheaths, there is an iteration to suit all tastes, occasions and budgets—no one style wins out.

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(Image credit: Natalie Off Duty)

Not only have these myriad versions been arriving thick and fast, but the ways to wear them are equally varied: We have witnessed more dress-over-jeans action in the past few months than we probably did throughout the '00s. Elsewhere it's become the norm to pair maxi dresses with sneakers, rather than the gladiator sandals of yore—reason enough then to swot up before buying.

We've boiled it down to the best dress trends for 2017 and added in our favorite shopping options along the way. You're welcome.

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1. The Kimono Dress
(Image credit: Rex)

Shop kimono dresses:

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2. The Off-the-Shoulder Dress
(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Shop off-the-shoulder dresses:

Related: The 8 Standout Sandal Trends That Will See You Through Summer

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3. The Boho Smock
(Image credit: Always Judging)

Shop boho smocks:

Related: 6 Budget-Friendly Summer Trends That Are Anything But Throwaway

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4. The Classic Tea Dress
(Image credit: Aria Di Bari)

Shop tea dresses:

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5. The Backless Sundress
(Image credit: Fashion Me Now)

Shop backless sundresses:

Related: 7 Classic Summer Outfits Fashion People Are Wearing Right Now

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6. The Simple Slip
(Image credit: The Haute Pursuit)

Shop slip dresses:

Related: The Stylist Who Invented 2017's Most Iconic Look Explains How It Works IRL

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7. The Shirtdress
(Image credit: Chiara Obscura)

Shop shirtdresses:

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.