Who What Wear UK Who What Wear UK
flag of US
US
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of UK
UK
  • Trends Trends
      • subnav-trends-gb
        • View all Trends
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Autumn
        • Winter
        • Runway
  • Outfits Outfits
      • subnav-fashion-gb
        • View all Outfits
        • Airport Style
        • Office
        • Street Style
        • Holiday
        • Party
  • Shopping Shopping
      • subnav-shopping-gb-v-one
        • View all Shopping
        • Denim
        • Dresses
        • Handbags
        • Shoes
        • Luxury
        • Basics
        • Jewellery
        • High Street
        • Swim
        • Lingerie
        • Promo Codes
        • LIVE SHOPPING
  • Beauty Beauty
      • subnav-beauty-gb
        • View all Beauty
        • Hair
        • Skin
        • Makeup
        • Nails
        • Fragrance
        • Wellness
  • Living Living
      • subnav-living-gb
        • View all Living
        • Travel
        • Home
        • Wedding
  • Luxury
  • Editors in Residence
  • Fashion Month Fashion Month
      • sub-nav-fashion-month-uk
        • View all Fashion Month
        • New York Fashion Week
        • London Fashion Week
        • Milan Fashion Week
        • Paris Fashion Week
  • NEWSLETTER
    • Facebook
    • X
    • Whatsapp
    • Pinterest
    Share this article
    Join the conversation
    Follow us
    Add us as a preferred source on Google

    Sometimes a brand just gets it right, and it rarely goes unnoticed. In the 1970s, Norma Kamali released the now-iconic Diana dress, a one-shoulder design with all-over ruching that's been repeatedly selling out ever since. Even Carrie Bradshaw approves—Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted in the signature design on the set of And Just Like That… last year.

    The secret to its success? As we see it, it's all down to the timeless simplicity and universally flattering details. Modified in recent years to include a built-in bodysuit that nips in the waist and creates an hourglass silhouette, the Diana is designed to make you feel confident and classy. Plus, compared to other designer styles, it is relatively affordable coming in around £200.

    But it's not the only Norma Kamali piece that has this effect. As popular as the label's signature dress is, it won't be to everyone's taste (despite the choice of over 31 colourways and two length options, mini or midi). So our editors did the research and concluded that there are numerous other dresses from the designer that deserve your attention. Trust us, Norma Kamali is far from a one-hit wonder. 

    Scroll on to see our favourite examples of celebs and influencers donning Norma Kamali dresses, including but not limited to the Diana. Then, check out our roundup of alternative designs that are just as chic.

    best-norma-kamali-dresses-303091-1666352094895-main

    (Image credit: Getty)

    Sarah Jessica Parker shows off Norma Kamali's signature Diana dress on the set of And Just Like That…

    best-norma-kamali-dresses-303091-1666352100795-main

    (Image credit: Getty)

    The sheer version really highlights the ruching, as demonstrated by Ashley Graham at a Savage x Fenty event.

    best-norma-kamali-dresses-303091-1666370912723-main

    (Image credit: Getty)

    It's not just the Diana dress that's caught celebs' attention. Here, Jennifer Lopez wears a satin Norma Kamali gown for her appearance on The Tonight Show.

    best-norma-kamali-dresses-303091-1666084839900-main

    (Image credit: @katherine_ormerod)

    Influencers love the label, too. Katherine Ormerod wears a sheer devoré slip dress.

    Shop the Diana Dress

    Norma Kamali + Diana Jersey Minidress

    Norma Kamali
    Diana Jersey Minidress
    £195
    SHOP NOW

    It's stayed in style since the '70s, so you can rest assured this black ruched dress is a solid investment.

    Norma Kamali + Diana Jersey Minidress

    Norma Kamali
    Diana Jersey Minidress
    £210
    SHOP NOW

    Add gold heels and lashings of jewellery to this coral iteration.

    Norma Kamali + Diana Jersey Minidress

    Norma Kamali
    Diana Jersey Minidress
    £210
    SHOP NOW

    Who doesn't love a baby-pink minidress?

    Norma Kamali + Diana One-Shoulder Ruched Stretch-Jersey Midi Dress

    Norma Kamali
    Diana One-Shoulder Ruched Stretch-Jersey Midi Dress
    £195
    SHOP NOW

    Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw in this ice-blue iteration.

    Norma Kamali + Diana Jersey Midi Dress

    Norma Kamali
    Diana Jersey Midi Dress
    £208
    SHOP NOW

    Norma Kamali has covered all the bases with this winter-proof long-sleeve take on the Diana dress.

    Norma Kamali + Diana Asymmetric Mesh Dress

    Norma Kamali
    Diana Asymmetric Mesh Dress
    £203
    SHOP NOW

    The ultimate night-out LBD, made from sheer mesh with a built-in bodysuit.

    Shop the Other Best Norma Kamali Dresses

    Norma Kamali + Halter Turtle Side Slit Gown

    Norma Kamali
    Halter Turtle Side Slit Gown
    £162
    SHOP NOW

    We're pretty sure this is going to be the next It dress from Norma Kamali's collection.

    Norma Kamali + Halter Turtle Gown

    Norma Kamali
    Halter Turtle Gown
    £165
    SHOP NOW

    It also comes in the colour of the season: Barbie pink.

    Norma Kamali + Halterneck Asymmetric Minidress

    Norma Kamali
    Halterneck Asymmetric Minidress
    £136
    SHOP NOW

    Norma Kamali is also known for her flattering cut-outs, this time paired with the brand's favoured asymmetric hemline.

    Norma Kamali + Lamé Halterneck Gown

    Norma Kamali
    Lamé Halterneck Gown
    £174
    SHOP NOW

    This leather-look fabrication is so current.

    Norma Kamali + Floral Devoré Semi-Sheer Slip Dress

    Norma Kamali
    Floral Devoré Semi-Sheer Slip Dress
    £204
    SHOP NOW

    You could have a lot of fun layering with this striking piece, either with a simple slip or full jeans-and-tee outfit underneath.

    Norma Kamali + Backless Satin Gown

    Norma Kamali
    Backless Satin Gown
    £389
    SHOP NOW

    For black-tie events, the designer's satin dresses feel timeless and luxurious.

    Norma Kamali + Maria Draped Satin-Crepe Gown

    Norma Kamali
    Maria Draped Satin-Crepe Gown
    £320
    SHOP NOW

    This floor-sweeping frock is incredibly classic—pull it out on special occasions for years to come. 

    Shop Norma Kamali Jumpsuits

    Norma Kamali + Belted Stretch-Jersey Jumpsuit

    Norma Kamali
    Belted Stretch-Jersey Jumpsuit
    £400
    SHOP NOW

    This powder-blue jumpsuit is perfect for autumn/winter weddings or professional events.

    Norma Kamali + Rectangle Jog Jumpsuit

    Norma Kamali
    Rectangle Jog Jumpsuit
    £218
    SHOP NOW

    Make an entrance this party season. I'd add silver-toned accessories and strappy heels.

    Norma Kamali + Belted Stretch-Jersey Halterneck Jumpsuit

    Norma Kamali
    Belted Stretch-Jersey Halterneck Jumpsuit
    £160
    SHOP NOW

    Who says sherbert shades are reserved for summer?

    Norma Kamali + Strapless Cut Out Jumpsuit

    Norma Kamali
    Strapless Cut Out Jumpsuit
    £207
    SHOP NOW

    Part of Norma Kamali's genius is in her ability to adapt to modern fashion currents. Case in point: this sleek cut-out jumpsuit.

    Norma Kamali + High-Neck Jersey Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

    Norma Kamali
    High-Neck Jersey Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
    £165
    SHOP NOW

    The ultimate foundation piece for layered winter looks.

    Next Up: I Swear This High-Street Brand Is Serving Up the Best Dresses This Autumn

    Explore More:
    Ashley Graham Jennifer Lopez Investment Buys Sarah Jessica Parker
    Bébhinn Campbell
    Social Links Navigation
    Freelance Fashion Editor

    Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.

    A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

    Who What Wear
    • about us
    • Contact Future's experts
    • Terms and conditions
    • Privacy policy
    • Cookies policy
    • Careers
    • Contact us
    • Contact Future's experts
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Advertise with us
    Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google

    Who What Wear UK is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

    © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.