Skip to Main Content
Close
Store Locator
  • for you
  • women
  • men
  • boys
  • girls
  • home
  • holiday shop
  • baby
  • brands
  • brand
  • branded
  • designers
  • gifts & flowers
  • beauty
  • sports
  • credit
  • nextunlimited
  • services
  • clearance
 


 STYLE & INSPIRATION

Women's dresses for every occasion


It's a situation we're all very familiar with: the frustration when you just can't find the right dress for your upcoming event, and the total elation when you finally come across 'the one'. Looking for the perfect occasion outfit can be a stressful affair, which is why we've put together a handy guide with the best women's dresses for every occasion.


From weddings and a day at the races to sunshine-filled holidays, we'll take you through what to wear for a whole host of events, so you can skip right to the good part and wait for your dream dress to arrive. 

motif_mb

Women's wedding guest dresses

Wondering what dress to wear for a wedding? When it comes to wedding guest dresses, you need to take three things into account: the time of year, the location and any dress code details on the invitation. Spring weddings in warmer months call for lightweight midi dresses in bright shades, whereas long-sleeved maxi dresses in deep jewel colours are a great idea for winter weddings or very formal weddings. Romantic floral print dresses are always a classic choice for a wedding, but don't be afraid to experiment with:

 

. Geometric prints

. Polka dots

. Stripes

. Animal prints

Women's evening dresses

From awards ceremonies to charity dinners, a formal event is always an exciting occasion to look forward to - but what to wear? Opt for a floor-length evening dress or sequin-covered prom dress in sophisticated black or sparkling metallics. If you really want to make a statement, look out for flattering details including shoulder-skimming necklines, lace details, delicate cami straps or wrap-detail skirts. With 100s of styles to choose from including the latest from our womenswear brands, you'll find the right dress for every event on your social calendar at Next. We've got everything you need to create a flawless silhouette too, including strapless and multiway bras and form-fitting shapewear.

Women's occasion dresses

Family get-togethers, baby showers, birthdays or a day at the races: all great excuses to treat yourself to a new dress! When it comes to daytime occasion dresses, the choices are endless! Get creative with bright shades and mood-boosting prints, and add a playful twist with volume sleeves, full skirts and feminine frill details. If you looking to get maximum wearability out of your new dress, choose a super-versatile midi dress. With a flattering length suited to both work and play, plus a classic shape that'll work perfectly with boots, flats and heels, you'll be able to wear your midi dress again and again.

Women's summer dresses

There's nothing more enjoyable than dressing up for a summer event or a day exploring your favourite holiday beach resort, but there's nothing more annoying than feeling uncomfortable (or even worse, sweaty!) in a dress made for the wrong season. As the days warm up, freshen up your wardrobe with a beautiful batch of summer dresses, in floaty fabrics and mouth-watering shades. Here are just some of the styles you need in your rotation:

. Cami dresses: With delicate straps, cami dresses are perfect for showing off sun-kissed skin both home and away.

. White dresses: A white dress is a summer holiday essential; accessorise yours with gold jewellery and comfy wedges.

. Mini dresses: With an above-the-knee length hem, a mini dress is tailor-made for warmer temperatures.

. Smock dresses: Styled in a loose-fitting shape, a smock dress is perfect for throwing on over your bikini.

Women's work dresses


Smart enough for the office, and stylish enough for drinks afterwards; building the perfect working wardrobe requires pieces that ooze all-around sophistication, and that goes for work dresses too. Wrap dresses and shirt dresses with waist-cinching details are both perfect for work and can be dressed up in a flash with a tailored blazer and tote bag. Simple elegant designs are an excellent choice for corporate environments with smarter dress codes, but if your office rules are a bit more flexible, stand out for all the right reasons with a print or two.

motif_mb

Smart oufits for women

If you're already a massive dress fan and fancy switching things up, or dresses aren't your thing, you've come to the right place! We've got a huge selection of smart outfits for women at Next, in a range of cuts, colours and fabrics to suit you.

Women's jumpsuits


Event-ready style from head to toe. With a fluid silhouette, a jumpsuit can create a beautifully elegant look for any event, and come in all shapes and sizes to show off your figure perfectly. Choose a wide-leg black jumpsuit for formal and evening occasions, with a statement clutch bag for a stylish twist. For weddings and daytime events, look and feel amazing with a culotte-length jumpsuit or wrap-detail jumpsuit in a fun print or bright shade.

Women's trouser suits
 

From work functions to formal dinners, a trouser suit will look great everywhere and can be dressed up or down in a flash with a printed blouse or shirt. To get the most out of your tailoring, fill your formal wardrobe with suit jackets and blazers in darker black, blue and grey tones, with matching trousers for a put-together look. Don't be afraid to experiment with cuts and colour though: create a modern look with a longline blazer, ankle-grazing trousers and vibrant heels, or switch things up with women's tailoring in sky blue, pink or forest green.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our edits for even more fashion ideas and advice.

motif_mb