This Little-Known Brand Has Created the Perfect Dresses
If I'm being totally honest, I have very few reasons to wear dresses right now. I spend my 9-to-5 working at a desk in my house and often wear loose-fitting trousers and a jumper, and then I'll change into a Bella Freud T-shirt that's so worn it's like a second skin, a pair of joggers and my favourite Weekday knit that has leg-of-mutton sleeves (because, fashion). While the pandemic has given me an arguably comfier wardrobe, I absolutely miss getting dressed up for work.
Usually, my office attire would consist of pretty dresses and smart tailored pieces, which I'd then wear out during the weekend when I've gone to meet friends for brunches or the occasional night out with my husband. (We have a toddler, so it's a rare occurrence anyway.) When I recently discovered new dress brand Queens of Archive, I remembered exactly why I love getting dressed up and how much joy really dolling yourself up can bring.
The label was started by two women—Nicola Orme and Sarah Plunkett—last year just as the first lockdown was introduced (the brand shot its collection just before), but despite the initial challenges, they've managed to create a small collection of dresses that are super gorgeous. The frocks in question are a mix of '70s bohemian and rock 'n' roll—think maxi dresses with bell sleeves and flounced details in postbox red and minis with leg-of-mutton sleeves in a disco gold and black or a vintage floral print.
Now, a few collections on, they're still turning out super-cool pieces. The icing on the cake here is that the collections are small and limited in a bid to create zero waste. Keep scrolling to see who's already worn the dresses, and then stay for the full collection.
Style Notes: In perhaps my favourite dress from the collection, Emma Thatcher pairs the Chrissie NYC dress with black boots.
Style Notes: When the dress does all the talking, keep accessories to a minimum, as seen on Zeena Shah.
Shop the Dresses
Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know.
-
Bring on the Compliments—30 Dresses That Are on Sale and Ready to Turn Heads
So many gems, so little time.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Kate Moss Wore a Completely Sheer Lace Dress to Her 50th Birthday Party in Paris
Goals.
By Eliza Huber
-
Reformation's Best-Selling Dresses Are on Sale RN—Here's What to Prioritize
End the year with a stylish deal.
By Drew Elovitz
-
Run, Don't Walk—Reformation's 35 Prettiest Party Dresses Are Sure to Sell Out
It's not a drill…
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
Olivia Rodrigo and Lila Moss Both Own This Super-Cute $195 Dress
Great minds think alike.
By Drew Elovitz
-
Jennifer Lopez's Drop-Waist Dress Is Going Viral on Instagram Right Now
Fall florals, anyone?
By Drew Elovitz
-
The $89 Nordstrom Dress I Just Overnighted to Copy Laura Harrier's NYFW LBD
It should be here in a few hours.
By Eliza Huber
-
Catherine Zeta-Jones Just Nailed Italian Vacay Style in Portofino
Easy breezy.
By Drew Elovitz