Statement Dresses Beyond Vacation

Co Dress, Britt Netta Sandals, Dezso & Rebecca de Ravenel Necklaces (similar here), Vin Bag

To me, a statement dress is one that makes you pause for a second. The color, the shape, some interesting element of texture grabs your attention and feels like it starts a conversation.

When I’m considering one for my wardrobe, I ask myself, “Where can I picture myself wearing this?” There’s something about it that turns the everyday act of getting dressed into the best part of the night, before you’ve even thought about a shoe or a bag.

My test is simple: it has to feel distinct from the dresses already hanging in my closet, the ones I reach for on any given night out to dinner or to grab a drink. Whether it’s print and raffia fringe that feels like it can only really exist on an island, or all-over lace with beaded appliques, there’s something about it that feels like the drama has been turned up. That’s my standard: it doesn’t just get you through the night, it becomes part of the story.