The best high street dresses to buy now

Party dresses that are kind to your purse

Lana Polka Dot Vintage Dress by Kitri, £145
What is an invitation in 2019 without a subsequent WhatsApp chat to discuss, in detail, just what you (and your besties) will be wearing to the special event. It's the online shopping equivalent of an IRL shopping trip with a gaggle of girlfriends. After all, nobody actually wants to watch you scroll or sign for packages.




Sabine multi-coloured wrap dress £149, Finery; Vegetable print fishtail-hem linen dress £185, Staud

The point of the group chat is threefold: providing inspiration, ensuring nobody goes too rogue and – perhaps most importantly – eliminating the chance that you'll all turn up in the same Zara dress.




Leopard cowl back dress £69, Warehouse; Jackie jacquard midi leopard dress £65,
Monsoon

Because, traditionally, the more affordable an outfit, the higher the risk that you won't be the only guest wearing it. But, with the rise of a slew of well-priced independent brands such as Finery and Rixo, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that won't spark an attack of the clones.




Cotton blend handkerchief dress £85, & other stories, long printed dress £239,
Maje

The great British high street is beleaguered but not beaten, and fast waking up to the needs of today's shoppers, meaning that there's more to affordable fashion than catwalk copies. You just need to know where to look.




Linette dress €185, Rouje, Splash satin maxi dress £295, Kate Spade, Kate linear ditsy floral dress £275,
Rixo

Warehouse, for example, has undergone an amazing transformation in the past few years, but remains under the radar enough that you're unlikely to spot someone in the same dress. Monsoon might surprise you too; there's plenty for stylish wedding guests, not just the bridal party.




Blue patchwork silk scarf dress £199, Whistles, Silk maxi sarong dress £255,
J Crew

Although there's been something of a Scandi invasion in fashion of late thanks to Ganni, & Other Stories and Arket, the French still excel at the high-end high street label. The Kooples, Maje and Sandro are perhaps the most well known, but Rouje – founded by Jeanne Damas, the epitome of French girl style – is a fashion insider favourite.


Lavande gingham square neck button dress £85, French Connection, Short wraparound dress in wine £260, Sandro


Wherever your search takes you, when you've found the one, you'll know. And your friends will shower you with thumbs up, fire and heart-eye emojis.



Long red floral dress £268, The Kooples, Assymetric printed dress £239, Claudie Pierlot

Now it's time to figure out what to wear it with – sandals or espadrilles? Best take that dilemma back to the chat.

TRY CULTURE WHISPER
Receive free tickets & insider tips to unlock the best of London — direct to your inbox



You may also like: