Core Item Update:

Women's Dresses S/S 23

It's all in the details, as hybrid design elements, bold floral
prints and textural fabric interest refresh core silhouettes

Sadie Perry
11.12.21 · 3 minutes

@aeronstudio
The shirt dress
Offer solutions to size inclusivity and comfort with elasticated panelling at the waist to allow for a wider t
range, balancing fashion and function. For a contemporary feel, look to digital or hand-drawn botanical
prints in dense large scales and unnatural colours, or rework end-of-roll materials in designs with half-
and-half #splicing to refresh and modernise the shirt dress.

#Arti cialnature prints Elasticated inserts #Deadstock matching #Halfandhalf Short sleeves
accessories

Aje Alexander McQueen Oroton Lee Mathews Summery Copenhagen

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The wrap dress
Relaxed dressing has inspired the rework of the wrap dress. In line with our Rustic Elegance forecast, design
dresses with artisanal details and oversized kimono-inspired ts for beach to bar ease. For versatility,
add an adjustable waistband below a wrap front that can be worn loose or cinched depending on
preference. Cut in satin for low-key #modernoccasion events, oxford or pinstripe for #businesscasual
styling, checks for daytime ease or soft, ribbed organic cottons in #naturaldyes to achieve sustainable
shades inspired by nature.

Shirt dress hybrid Kimono-inspired t Organic ribbed cotton Domestic checks Adjustable waist detail

Balenciaga @vitakin_originals Baserange Selva Negra DAY Birger et Mikkelsen

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The bodycon dress
The perennial bodycon dress provides a canvas for new updates. Add a #squareneck, considered cutouts,
or look to subtle corset in uences including underwires or seams that emulate semi-structured boning,
tapping into our #underwearouterwear story. Ruching and gathers add #surfaceinterest and avoid glitzy
embellishment while offering a sense of occasion. The shape proves versatile for print, ranging
from trending patterns such as #graphicskins to bold orals that have an arti cial quality.

#Cutouts #Surfaceinterest Subtle corsetry Square neckline Emboldened nature prints

Nanushka Alessandra Rich Kristina Fidelskaya COS Lanvin

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The sundress
Loose comfort-driven silhouettes are key for vacation-ready sundresses whether printed or plain. Add
ruching and gathers within tiers to give shape to concentrated areas while retaining an oversized t, or
explore #smocking in contrast colours to add a contemporary twist to vintage techniques as well as
providing stretch and cinching versatility. To take this item from day to evening, look to textural micro-
pleated and crinkled surfaces, perfect for #modernoccasion.

#Newwave prints Tiered construction Coastal collectible graphics Crinkled texture Artisanal smocked detail

Emilio Pucci El Camarin @aguabyaguabendita Totême Loup Charmant

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The t-and- are dress
Vintage-inspired peplums and ruf es at the neckline and waist enhance a cinched-in silhouette.
Alternatively, use gathers to pull focus to the waist and offer a cleaner, more contemporary take on the
silhouette. Opting for adjustable ruched side seams or bias-cut central panels to create an exaggerated
waisted look. Adding a #polo collar, a key callout on recent catwalks, provides a point of difference, or cut
in heavier-weight cotton fabrics paired with utility details for a casual feel.

#Femininefrills Bias-cut waist Polo collar Inked impressions print Utility details

Alessandra Rich Litkovskaya Me & Em Alémais Carolina Herrera

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Action points
Refresh core styles with unexpected details
Design hybrid styles that combine wrap and button-
front design details or relaxed elasticated panels in
formal shirt dresses. Think beyond a single occasion to
cater to consumers looking for multiwear potential,
key for # businesscasual and # modernoccasion
Prioritise sustainable practices and
techniques
Sustainability and responsible production will add
value to your brand. Explore # naturaldyes and
# surfaceinterest and utilise deadstock by using
# halfandhalf spliced fabrics or matching accessories
from le over materials
Focus on silhouette and contemporary
prints
Create a flattering silhouette with investment appeal
and take a considered approach to print. Bold
# artificialnature prints feel newest and are neutral to
appeal to multiple markets and demographics, so
prioritise developing these contemporary takes on
nature