10 Under-the-Radar Dress Brands I'm So Impressed By

Is it just me, or did the appeal of loungewear wear off sometime around September last year? While I haven't fully subscribed to the tracksuit life, I have found myself uncharacteristically reaching for my leggings more than any other item, which, although enjoyable, is becoming tedious. Now that spring doesn't feel a million miles away, I have the urge to wear dresses once again, which is timely, seeing as there are so many excellent options to choose from right now.

I'd estimate that around 80% of my wardrobe is made up of dresses, and however ridiculously expansive my collection may be, I can always make room for another. But choosing which dresses (yes, plural) to invest in this year is proving difficult, as I'm currently lusting over 10 exquisite dress brands, each of which has countless frock styles that have made it on to my wish list.

From fun prints by Queens of Archive and cotton house dresses from &Daughter to the cult cut-outs at Marcia and the gargantuan sleeves at Cawley, these 10 dress brands are going to dominate this year. I just know it. Read on to snap up one of the pretty picks from the cool-girl brands below.

1. &DAUGHTER

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(Image credit: @alexisforeman)

Arguably just as comfortable as tracksuit bottoms, &Daughter's roomy dresses are perfect for lounging, working and taking your daily walk in. Come summer, I'll pair checked styles with leather-strap sandals and my vintage basket bag. 

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2. CAWLEY

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(Image credit: @nicolacoughlan)

Cawley is a British brand that has been on my radar for a while now, but after actor Nicola Coughlan wore one of its incredible puff-sleeve dresses post-Bridgerton, Cawley's popularity soared. Expect to see big things from this quiet but mighty label. 

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3. FRANKS

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(Image credit: @frannyfyne)

Franks aims to help you look good but with a conscience. Made using upcycled materials, Franks keeps its production small but its quality high, making its appeal all the more tangible. 

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4. GHOSPELL

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Releasing a new capsule collection every six weeks, London-born Ghospell is set to become the next must-own dress brand due to its potent combination of could-be-designer creations at very reasonable prices. 

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5. MARCIA

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Marcia's dresses, particularly its cut-out midi, are proving cult in fashion circles right now for reasons that I think are quite obvious. Its dresses are standout, but the jersey fabrications still make them a joy (and comfort) to wear. 

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6. NAYA REA

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Getting dressed up is good for the soul and something many of us have sorely missed these last few months. So I invite you to feast your eyes on Naya Rea's beautiful, doll-like dresses, which are helping me feel more polished, even just by looking at them. 

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7. O PIONEERS

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(Image credit: @heartzeena)

O Pioneers is a slow-fashion label that takes inspiration from vintage fashion patterns and turns them into dresses that have romanticism built in. Just looking at them is the perfect lockdown escapism, so just imagine how glorious they'd be to actually wear. 

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8. OMNES

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

When I first stumbled upon Omnes, I assumed the prices of its dresses would easily surpass three figures. I'm pleased, however, to say I was wrong (not that you'd know it by the brand's high level of quality or design).

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9. QUEENS OF ARCHIVE

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(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

We first introduced you to Queens of Archive last year, though my personal obsession with the brand has only grown the further into 2022 we go. I have visions of wearing one of these dresses to sip rosé wine al fresco in. And I'm banking on the powers of manifestation to make it happen. 

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10. SPIRIT & GRACE

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(Image credit: @jazzabellediary)

Spirit & Grace's beautiful dresses began dominating my feed last summer, though I expect this season will really see the brand go stratospheric. With the classiest minidresses I've seen in a long while, it might also help me break my midi habit. 

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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next Up: Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.