The Dress Guide | Find the right dress style and silhouette for you

A timeless classic with a cut that’s narrower at the shoulders than it is at the hem – similar to the shape of the letter A.  
 
The bodice and sleeves of the dress can either be fitted of relaxed, but the skirt will always gently flare out over the hip and thigh through to the hem. 
 
We love the A-line for its versatility; it looks great in every length, fabric and season. Pair a longer style with boots and a jacket in the winter, or try a shorter length with sandals and a hair scarf in the summer. 

The waisted dress is a forever favourite that comes in many shapes and styles. Made by constructing the bodice separately to the skirt, the defining waist seam normally sits at or below the natural waist.  
 
It’s looser than the fit-and-flare, but more structured than the A-line. The skirt is often given volume with gathers or pleats, specifically designed to balance the top half of the dress.  

Characterised by its soft, romantic shape, the empire line dress features a seam directly under the bust. The skirt extends from this seam, flowing over the mid-section and elongating the silhouette. 

The empire line is a classic occasionwear choice, especially when styled with the right jewellery to complement the neckline. Alternatively, dress down with your choice of comfy shoes for a casual but refined everyday look. 

The fit-and-flare is designed to hug the torso with a fitted bodice that ends at the natural waist, where it opens into a fuller skirt. The balanced proportions create an hourglass effect that complements natural curves and adds shape where you want it. 

When we’re designing a fit-and-flare, we’ll add elastic or smocking at the back of the fitted waist to make sure the dress is comfortable to wear while maintaining that cinched silhouette. We’ll also add gathers or pleats to give the skirt even more volume - making space for hidden pockets wherever we can. 

To style, opt for a shorter jacket or cardigan that finishes at the waist to not interrupt the line of the skirt. 

Shirt on the top, skirt on the bottom. This silhouette features a shirt style bodice, often with a collar and buttons that flow into the skirt.  

The extra detail on the bodice gives shirt style dresses a more purposeful look, working perfectly for day-to-night looks.

The shirt dress is a great moment to get creative. Try adding a leather belt or long summer scarf around the waist to add some visual interest. 

Much like the shirt dress, the T-shirt dress takes the features we love from the classic t-shirt and turns it into a dress.  

The casual, relaxed nature of a T-shirt dress lends itself to a soft, stretchy organic cotton jersey. Easy to care for, naturally breathable, and comfortable to wear; jersey dresses are a great choice year-round. 

You’ll find T-shirt dresses in mini, midi or maxi lengths; each offering something slightly different to your wardrobe. Whichever length you go for, this silhouette might just be the ultimate throw-on-and-go staple.  

The shift dress features a loose but straight cut from shoulder to hem, often falling at or above the knee.  

The more structured silhouette takes inspiration from the iconic mini dress’ of the 60s, reimagined for our collections with quality fabrics and thoughtful details. 

Streamlined, simple and sophisticated, the clean lines of the shift make it the perfect canvas to play with joyful colour, hand-drawn florals and illustrated prints. 

The pinafore dress is defined by its signature shoulder straps, which typically fasten onto the bodice with buttons, buckles or ties. 

Designed so it can be layered over a T‑shirt or blouse, it’s a versatile style that offers multiple looks in one. Ready for you to add your own creative stamp every time your wear it. 

Inspired by the hardwearing fabrics chosen by Cornish artists, pinafore dresses are a staple in our linen and denim collections. We love how the structure of these tactile fabrics contrast with a softer layering piece. 

Designed for movement, the flared dress has an effortless, easy-to-wear silhouette.  

Similar to the A-line silhouette, this dress has a gradual flare that gets wider towards the hem. However, the flared dress is typically made with extra fabric to create a fuller skirt for that ‘flared’ effect. 

To style, balance the flowy silhouette with a feature accessory; think a shoulder bag or statement necklace.

Simplicity at its best. The smock dress has a loose, relaxed fit with an effortless ‘throw-on-and-go' appeal. Often made with a lightweight fabric that flows with the body; shirred panels, tiers and gathers help add to the sense of movement. 
 
The smock is ideal for summertime; it’s breezy, casual and lightweight. But don’t overlook this silhouette for a cosy winter look styled with tights, boots and a layered jumper.