Trends
Dec 23, 2018

The One Dress Trend I Think You Can Wear 365 Days a Year

by Harriet Davey

In the world of fashion, it's all about planning ahead. Being organised can pay off when it comes to getting ahold of key pieces. We see trends as dates in our dairy to book in. Like, you know, velvet for winter, sequins for party season and florals for spring (groundbreaking). But it's not often that a trend books out the whole calendar in one fell swoop. Until the prairie dress landed, that is.

We'd say 2018 has been the ultimate year for demure dresses, but none has taken hold quite as much as the long-sleeved, high-necked and slightly bohemian or Victorian-inspired prairie dress. It could be partly down to London label The Vampire's Wife becoming a hit with all the celebs (including Alexa Chung), or New York–based brand Batsheva being an instant Instagram hit and making a case for modest dressing. Either way, they're sticking around.

Designer Aurora James has been so dedicated to her Batsheva dress that she's even getting into a prairie lifestyle. Horse not included with purchase.

Our fashion editors have already given you a detailed edit of the spring/summer 2019 trends you need to know about on site, and the prairie dress is one of them. Spotted all over the catwalk at the likes of Coach and Brock Collection (recently worn by the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle), it's no surprise there are already new styles on Net-a-Porter and even the high street at Zara and Mango.

Bohemian celebrities like Florence Welch have been behind this dress style for a long time, often opting for vintage.

So, what's so very special about this style, aside from the joy the ruffles, detailed sleeves and elegant drop hem will bring to your life? It has the all year round wearability we've all been looking for, making it suitable for any—and we mean any—season.

The floaty, loose-fit prairie dress style is easy to layer for autumn/winter over (or under) knitwear. They also have a slight Western edge, so they, of course, look stylish with cowboy boots. Come spring, you'll be styling it with lace-up sandals and even packing in your suitcase for summer holidays to wear in the evening.

To prove the prairie dress really can be worn at any time of year, here are 15 key styles we'll be buying now and wearing through to next year. Raise your hand if you love an outfit you can wear on repeat (same).