A person wearing one of the best dresses available now—the TIARE HAWAII Napua Maxi Dress 1, a white flowing gown—stands barefoot on a rocky shoreline. The background features a calm sea and distant hills under a clear sky. The person has their arms raised and is looking forward.

TIARE HAWAII

The Dress Edit

PSA: These Are The Best Dresses To Buy Now And Wear Forever

When you’re looking for the best dresses to buy now and keep in your closet for years to come, where on earth do you start? From Chloé to Mui Mui and every designer in between, there are literally millions of styles, cuts, colors, fabrics, and prints to choose from. Deciding which are genuinely worth adding to your cart, and more importantly, actually purchasing, can honestly feel overwhelming. To make life a little easier, and your wardrobe a lot more stylish, I’ve taken one for the team (by team I mean dress lovers with no time or patience to scroll!). Below is a hand-picked selection of # noteworthy designer dresses that are genuinely beautiful and totally worth the investment.

A woman with long, wavy hair stands in an arched doorway, wearing the stunning DÔEN Katarina Dress—a mid-length, white lace dress with short puff sleeves—and gazing off into the distance. She is resting one arm against the wooden door and wearing black shoes.

Dôen

A person with long, wavy hair leans against a stone wall wearing one of the best dresses to buy now—the Doen Charlston Dress, a dark floral number—paired with black boots and a light-colored jacket draped loosely on their shoulders. In the background, an old stone building sits amid lush grass.

Dôen

Best Dresses To Buy Now & Stay In Style Forever

How to know the best dresses to buy now? Look for silhouettes with timeless cuts and colorways that’ll slip seamlessly into your closet. For example, the Katarina dress by Dôen. Firstly, the soft cream lace, pretty puffed sleeves, and classic round neckline will never go out of style. Pair this dress with a black bag and black shoes and accessories for an effortlessly chic, monochromatic look you’ll come back to time and again. Like the Carla Mary Jane flats by Gianvitto Rossi and the Rose Marie small laser-cut bucket bag by Alaia.

Additionally, the Charleston dress by Dôen will be your go-to for low-key events. It’s the ultimate one-and-done look for everything from brunches to laid-back dinner dates. Also, it’ll work with everything from flats and sneakers to heels and boots. I’ll be styling this dress with the 110mm Vendome boots by Saint Laurent and Givenchy’s small VoYou tote bag for fall and adding a sleek trench coat for winter.

Shop More Of The Best Dresses To Buy Now selected and reviewed by our expert fashion buyers and stylists

  • VERONICA BEARD Saude Shirtdress

    $498
  • ASTR THE LABEL Renaisse Open Stitch Dress

    $109
  • TOPSHOP Floral Maxi Dress

    $85
  • TOPSHOP V-Neck Maxi Dress

    $75
  • LPA Giulia Mini Dress

    $188
  • SNDYS Maya Bubble Dress

    $97
  • DÔEN Maryanna Dress

    $498
  • DÔEN Katarina Dress

    $398
  • DÔEN Charleston Dress

    $248
  • RAILS Jessa Midi Slip Dress

    $238
  • FREE PEOPLE Just Jill Denim Maxi Dress

    $168
  • TULAROSA Wilson Mini Dress

    $188
  • TIARE HAWAII Napua Maxi Dress

    $128
  • L’ACADEMIE By Marianna Leona Mini Dress

    $238
  • HELSA The Cindy Dress

    $268
  • RÓHE Off-the-shoulder Ruched Stretch-jersey Maxi Dress

    $390
  • PAIGE Pallas Dress

    $299
  • AJE Catalyst Pleated Midi Dress

    $595
  • BALENCIAGA Ribbed-knit Turtleneck Maxi Dress

    $2,790
  • GIVENCHY Belted Ribbed Wool Midi Dress

    $2,650
  • DOLCE & GABBANA Chantilly Lace Midi Dress

    $3,795
  • REFORMATION Kate Linen Dress

    $248
  • SOLACE LONDON Afra Strapless Draped Satin-twill And Crepe Gown

    $630
  • STELLA MCCARTNEY Net Sustain Organic Denim Midi Dress

    $1,190
  • ANTHROPOLOGIE Slim Strapless Ruched Dress

    $170
  • DÔEN Avelyn Dress

    $398
  • MATTEAU Shirred Cotton Midi Dress

    $400

Nail Every Event With The Best Dresses To Buy Now

I’ve said it before (like, a lot) but I’ll say it again, you can never go wrong with a chic, black, floor-length dress. So, when it comes to the best dresses to buy now, the floral maxi dress by Topshop is high on my list. The chicest silhouette for every event on your calendar, it’ll look incredible with classic heeled sandals and a statement designer evening bag. My advice? Style yours with the GG Marmont 2.0 mini embellished bag in red to highlight the print. Then, slip your feet into the Ida sandals by Tom Ford. They’re both so gorgeous and versatile – and destined to sell out!

Lastly, when the dress code or the weather calls for long-sleeved silhouettes, choose the Catalyst pleated midi dress by AJE.  Firstly, it’s the chicest way to wear pink and perfectly embraces the romance trend. Secondly, this dress will take you stylishly through countless events throughout the year. Pair this pretty, pink, pleated dress with the textured leather shoulder bag by Jil Sander and Callamu 50 patent leather mules by Manolo Blahnik for a truly elegant, pastel ensemble.

Shop All The Best Dresses To Buy Now

A woman stands against a plain background wearing one of the best dresses to buy now— the AJE Catalyst Pleated Midi Dress in light pink, featuring long sleeves, a flowing silhouette, and a deep V-neckline. She holds a white handbag in her right hand and wears white heeled sandals. Her hair is styled in loose waves.

AJE

A woman is standing against a white background, wearing the stunning TOPSHOP Floral Maxi Dress—a black, sleeveless, floor-length dress adorned with a beautiful floral pattern. She is holding a chic black netted handbag and accessorized with bracelets and earrings. Her curly hair is styled loosely as she gazes to the side.

Topshop

I've Just Found The Prettiest Designer Summer To Fall Dresses