My Top 10 Go-To Brands For Dress Shopping

Dress: Gal Meets Glam Packed Bouquet Print Cotton Dress. Shop more Gal Meets Glam options here!

Want to hear something funny? When I was younger, in middle and high school, I hated dresses. I was a jeans-and-t-shirt girl to the core; while I’d dabble in baring legs here and there, you’d primarily only find me in dresses for special occasions.

It’s so interesting how personal style and preferences changes as you mature. I look back on my fashion choices of my youth and can’t even. I even recall bright blue platform heels – ones the Spice Girls would be proud of – that I insisted on wearing to church once. It was bad, guys.

Today, while I still love a great jeans-and-t-shirt outfit, I have evolved to equally love feeling pretty in a dress. In fact, I almost prefer to wear them over other clothing options today; younger Emily wouldn’t even recognize myself!

My reasoning is actually fairly practical, truth be told. As a working mom, I find myself gravitating toward things that I can throw-on-and-go. Dresses are perfect because I can typically find one for almost any occasion; from a relaxed daytime beach outing (Hey, Free People!) to a more pulled-together look for an event (Rebecca Taylor, I love you), they bring elements of femininity and care to any look.Dress: Free People Pretty Dayz Set. Pictured above is blush but it also comes in red, green and orange. (Shop more Free People options here.) Shoes are Loeffler Randall Starla Sandals. (Shop more Loeffler Randall sandal options here.)

As an avid dress lover, I’m always on the prowl for a fabulous new dress.

In fact, as I continue to make efforts toward streamlining my wardrobe, it’s my goal to more heavily invest in great dresses that I can have for years to come!

For my fellow dress lovers, I thought I’d round up my current favorite designers/brands to shop for dresses at. These are my tried and true; the ones who consistently have lovely options that are high quality and worth every penny. Dress:  Anthropologie – past season – but these floral options are so lovely. (Shop similar Anthropologie dress options here.)

My Top 10 Go-To Brands For Dress Shopping 

Club Monaco:

Classic, effortless style that typically embodies neutral-heavy color schemes. Understated while still turning heads. Top picks to shop now: Floral Catira Dress + Kirshel Knit Dress + Yohara Dress

Reformation:

This brand is very quickly becoming one of my all time favorites. Effortless silhouettes that are always so flattering on. Top picks to shop now: Haven Wrap Maxi Dress + Serengeti Linen Dress + Gavin Dress

Rebecca Taylor:

One of my all time favorite designers. There’s always a little bit of etherial to Rebecca’s designs; to me, they’re the definition of feminine charm! Top picks to show now: Off Shoulder Dress + Speckled Dot Dress + Sofia Dress

Free People:

Bohemian and eclectic. I love that their clothing perfectly embodies a free spirit – dresses are fashion forward yet still showcase an ownable style. Top picks to shop now: Polka Dot Midi Dress + Love Of My Life Dress

English Factory:

Eye-catching and playful, all at a really attainable price. Top picks to shop now: Sleeveless Shirred Dress + Long Sleeve Pleated Dress

Dress:  Cuyana Silk Strip Dress (Shop similar Cuyana options here.) Shoes are Loeffler Randall Starla Sandals. (Shop more Loeffler Randall sandal options here.)

Valencia & Vine:

A somewhat new-to-me brand that has some really fun and feminine styles. Top picks to shop now: Allison Maxi Dress + Noelle Tiered Gown 

Gal Meets Glam:

Julia’s style is so classic and feminine — it’s no wonder that she made a dress line that perfectly embodies these attributes! Top picks to shop now: Beth V-Back Dress + Jane Tie-Waist Midi Dress

Everlane:

Love this brand’s ethical clothing approach, and of course also love their dresses! They’re simple yet always fashion forward. So easy to mix + match! Top pick to shop now: Luxe Cotton Side-Slit Dress

Cuyana:

Streamlined, less-is-more approaches that are focused on wardrobe staples. Top picks to shop now: V-Neck Midi Dress + Silk Slip Dress + Linen Wrap Dress

Anthropologie:

I know, I know…you’re shocked. 😉 Anthro and I are besties — I love everything about their style and always gravitate toward their “live and effortless life” vibe. Top picks to shop now: Veronica Lace Midi Dress + Faithful Nancy Striped Shirtdress

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What other brands do you love for dress shopping? Would love to hear in the comments below!