Women's Dresses

Dresses offer many benefits. Firstly, they’re a one-piece garment, which means those decisions about matching tops and bottoms are reduced. Secondly, women’s dresses can be extremely comfortable, depending on the design, and can be fitted in such a way that they don’t constrict your body. 

Another great attribute to dresses is that pretty much any fabric can be fashioned into a dress, which means you can be certain to find dresses with the texture, look and feel you adore. Also, dresses allow for plenty of airflow to the body, particularly to the legs, which makes them extra practical in warm weather.

Finally, dresses are acceptable attire in almost all settings! So whether you’re heading to the shops, to a club or you’re staying in, the right dress will ensure you don’t look out of place.

Limitless dress choices

There is seemingly no end to the women’s dress styles you can find out there. There are casual dresses designed for everyday wear, work dresses suited to the office, cocktail dresses for parties, formal dresses and gowns for grand events, and then truly unique dresses designed for the fashion catwalks.

Let’s take a look at Femme Connection’s extensive collection of women’s dresses, so that you can know where to search to find the 

perfect dress for your tastes, your figure, for the season, and the occasion!

Shift dresses

Let’s start with one of the most simple dress designs you’ll encounter. The shift dress offers a straight silhouette from the top of the dress to the hem, but usually with some darting around the bust. There is little-to-no emphasis on the bust and waist with a shift dress, and it allows for plenty of room around the middle, and sufficient airflow (a great option for summer). Shift dresses usually reach to about knee length. 

Shift dresses can be worn in casual settings, or at work. Their comfortable and practical vibe means they don’t need a lot of dressing up. You can really keep accessories to a minimum.

Modest dresses

For various reasons, some women require a dress that covers more of the skin. Modest dresses are here to cater to that need. 

Modest dresses tend to be long-sleeved dresses with a hem that reaches somewhere between the knee and just above the ankle. Little flesh is revealed at the neckline. 

Modest dresses are suitable for wearing to workplaces, parties, and even to places of worship. Accessories can be added to cover more skin if required.

Though the word ‘modest’ might sound a little lacklustre to some, many women enjoy the ease of knowing they are well-covered up, that they are warm, and feel comfortable, as modest dresses tend to be a little more loose fitting than some other dress styles.

The long sleeved maxi dresses at Femme Connection are a great example of modest dresses. Oozing femininity, their delicate fabrics, eye-catching prints, and shapely designs flatter the figure, without over-accentuating any particular parts. Add minimal accessories, or extras like scarves for the neck and tights for the legs if you need extra coverage or warmth.

Casual dresses

Casual dresses, also known as day dresses, are dresses in simply-structured designs, using comfortable fabrics. They’re the sort of dress that works for day outings, for being around the house, or even for work, depending on how you style them.

Casual dresses often come in durable and comfortable fabrics, like linen, cotton, jersey, viscose, polyester, and even wool in the cold months.

T-shirt dresses, tunic dresses, spring floral dresses, sundresses, and wool sweater dresses all fall into the ‘casual dress’ category, but ultimately, if the dress is comfy, easy to wear, and is on high rotation in your wardrobe, then it’s likely a casual dress.

Casual dresses require little styling. You can simply wear them as is, with a pair of sneakers, sandals, or ankle boots, depending on the season. You can also use them as a bit of a base layer, and dress them up with outer layers and accessories, like statement belts, to create a variety of looks. Casual dresses are a good option for those wanting to create a capsule wardrobe.

Special occasion dresses

This could include anything from a cocktail dress, a party dress, to a formal gown. A special occasion dress could be short, midi or maxi length, and is usually made with a sumptuous fabric, or includes elegant cuts or embellishments that makes it stand out from the crowd.

Femme Connection stocks a range of occasion dresses and engagement party dresses that will ensure you dazzle at your next event. Our occasion dresses offer so much already, that you need to add very little in the way of accessories, but of course, the right heels, jewellery and bag can really bring your whole outfit to life!

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are a great option for cross-seasonal dressing. They work at any time of the year, with the same dress appearing very different when styled according to the season.

The maxi dresses at Femme Connection come in comfortable fabrics and flattering designs that have a feminine edge. 

Maxi dresses work well with Roman sandals and wedge heels in spring and summer, and with ankle or tall boots in winter. Look out in particular for boho maxi dresses that offer a free-spirited edge with their bold bohemian prints and comfortable fit.

Linen dresses

Linen dresses are a perfect choice for the spring and summer months, when you need to wear something that looks elegant, but is also breathable and durable. Available in a range of colours and classic tones like black, grey and white, the linen dress is a popular women’s dress favourite in Australia, and everyone should own at least one.

With styling, let linen’s natural charms shine through by keeping jewellery to a minimum. (But of course, you do you!).

Floral dresses

Floral dresses are a requisite staple to wear during spring and summer. They are quintessentially feminine, and can include dainty flower prints in pastel colours, or big and bold flowers in vibrant hues. A floral print on a dress instantly gives it a fresh look, and draws immediate attention to the outfit, without anything being overstated.

Floral dresses come in pretty much any length, so there’s sure to be one with your preferred hemline. Also, let’s not forget to mention that florals can work at any time of the year, not only in spring—so when you might be inclined to opt for pastels and bright citrus colours in spring and summer, in autumn and winter, you can choose deeper, richer floral colours and tones.

Guide to common women’s dress materials

If you’re a seasoned women’s dress shopper, you’ll no doubt know your fabrics well, but if you’re not, here’s a quick rundown of the common materials women’s dresses are made from, and their unique qualities. It might make it easier to make a choice when shopping for women’s dresses online. 

Cotton: Soft, breathable, and versatile, cotton is a popular choice for casual and everyday dresses.

Jersey: This stretchy, comfortable fabric is often used in casual and sporty dresses.

Linen: Lightweight and breathable, linen is perfect for warm weather and offers a relaxed, natural look. (For best results, hand wash your linen.)

Polyester: Durable and resistant to wrinkles, polyester is used in a variety of dress styles, from casual to formal.

Silk: Luxurious and smooth, silk is often used in formal and occasion dresses. (Best to hand wash these.)

Viscose: A versatile fabric that drapes well, viscose is commonly used in both casual and dressy styles.

Wool: Ideal for colder weather, wool dresses provide warmth and comfort. Exercise particular care when washing—hand washing in cold water is essential.

Styling tips for women's dresses

Each type of women’s dress will require its own styling, and you also need to take into account your particular style preferences. For example, if you love to load yourself with jewellery, then don’t be shy! But if you prefer little to no jewellery for an effortless and elegant look, then stick with that. 

Here are some basic tips, but as we always say, go with what you feel comfortable with.

1. Accessorise smartly: Add a statement necklace, earrings, or a bold belt to elevate a simple dress. Accessories can transform a casual dress into a more polished outfit.
2. Layering: Layering also helps transition your dress between seasons. So pair your dress with a denim jacket, blazer, or cardigan for added style and warmth. 
3. Footwear: Choose the right shoes to complement your dress. Sandals or flats are great for casual dresses, while heels can give you that extra lift when you’re dressing for a formal occasion. Boots can add a chic touch to maxi dresses and shift dresses.
4. Add a belt: Adding a belt can define your waist and create a flattering silhouette, especially for loose-fitting styles.
5. Mix and match patterns: Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures. Pairing a floral dress with a striped scarf or a textured cardigan can add depth and interest to your outfit.

Make sure you explore our women’s dresses range this season. We have arguably too many styles, prints and colours to choose from, so you won’t regret checking it out! 

No matter the special occasion, you’ll be certain to find a dress that’s absolutely perfect for the event, or if you just want a casual dress you can wear on repeat, we have plenty of those too, in a range of sizes and designs that are absolutely flattering!