Fashion
The 4 essential items you need this year after shoppers realise the trusty ‘chuck-on’ midi dress trend is dead
IT’S obvious to anyone who knows me that I love a midi dress.
They’re easy to throw on, there’s one for every occasion and they can suit every shape.
The Sun’s fashion writer Abby McHale comes out fighting for the midi-dress that she and countless other women refuse to give upWTFDW Christmas Fabulous Magazine News UK
Holly Willoughby makes an impact with the perfect midi-dressInstagram
AFPThe Princess of Wales looks perfectly as home in the midi-dress, but the fashion overlords have decided dresses are not stylish at the moment[/caption]
Over the years, I’ve worn midis to work, on holiday, to weddings, even to a festival.
When Zara’s polka dot midi dress became a sell-out in 2019, I was one of the millions of owners — but I’d like it noted I bought it long before it became popular.
From renting designer midis for special occasions, right down to my favourite supermarket versions, the humble midi has been the core of my closet for the past decade.
If this sounds familiar, you might want to sit down before I break this to you. Fashion experts have declared that the perma-dress — the trans-seasonal number in your wardrobe that you can wear at any time — is done.
And the midi — think floral, ditsy, bold-print frock that ends a few inches below the knee — is the biggest faux pas.
I actually first heard this rumour last year when John Lewis fashion director Queralt Ferrer said that the midi was one of the fashion items they had “to move on from”.
“It’s not easy as customers love them, but it’s a trend that’s been around for too long,” she said.
I thought surely something so popular, a staple in many women’s wardrobes, wasn’t about to become obsolete.
How could it be killed off, just like that? If we want it, surely the shops should supply it.
Look fantastic
But I was proven wrong. Shopping over the past six months, when usually I’d be inundated with dresses, I’ve struggled to find a single decent design on the whole of the high street.
I’m afraid it’s true — the dress is dead. But why?
While some people may think dresses are mumsy, styled the right way they can look fantastic.
Just look at Holly Willoughby or the Princess of Wales to see how to make an impact with the midi. But the fashion overlords have decided dresses are not stylish at the moment. They’ve been replaced by the likes of midi skirts and wide-leg trousers.
Of course, as a stylist and fashion writer, I’m embracing the trends, particularly blazers. But I have to say, I think John Lewis got it wrong.
According to Google data, there are still 12,000 searches for “floral midi dresses” a month and Love The Sales says demand has doubled since the start of 2024. Many still want the midi.
I know women in their 20s right through to their 50s, 60s and 70s whose go-to look is a midi dress, and ladies of all sizes.
When it comes to shopping for a pair of trousers online, I know I have to buy two sizes, because I’m worried about the fit.
But with a midi-dress, this is not the case. As long as I know the shape is right for me, usually an empire line or a wrap dress, it not only fits me but looks good too.
A “throw-on dress” is what I often describe them as.
You don’t have to think about putting an outfit together — just chuck it on, usually with a pair of trainers or sandals. It’s easy, flattering and stylish (or should I say, it was stylish).
The lack of dresses in the shops means putting together an outfit takes more thought.
What top to pair with that skirt? Do I wear a jumper with those trousers?
They say low-key dressing is meant to be all the rage, but to me this seems more high-maintenance than ever.
Now when I’m out shopping, the only dresses I see appear to be aimed at Gen Z — they are either skin-tight and clingy, or totally shapeless and plain boring. I am a firm believer in wearing what you love and what you feel comfortable in, but sadly none of these dresses tick those boxes for me.
According to Google data, there are still 12,000 searches for ‘floral midi-dresses’ a monthSupplied
I know women in their 20s right through to their 50s, 60s and 70s whose go-to look is a midi-dress, and ladies of all sizes, says AbbySupplied
Abby a floral version of her favourite frockSupplied
The perfect patterned midi for workSupplied
Abby in an off-the-shoulder lookSupplied
There is some hope — I got a sneak peek at John Lewis’s spring/summer collection last week and there were a couple of midi dresses in there.
Ideal for a summer holiday or a wedding.
Luckily, I still have a quarter of my wardrobe dedicated to them, ready for such occasions.
For now, though, I guess I’ll be sticking to my chuck-it-on blazer and skirts.
WHAT TO WEAR AFTER YOU HANG UP THE MIDI
Lilac is big for 2024 and this one from Cotton Traders will be lovely going into springSupplied
BLAZER: A blazer, which can be worn over pretty much anything (even a hoodie), makes any outfit look smarter.
And they come in so many colours, fabrics and prints.
Lilac is big for 2024 and this one from Cotton Traders will be lovely going into spring.
SuppliedA pair with an elasticated waist gives extra comfort[/caption]
WIDE-LEG TROUSERS: From classic black, grey and beige to checked and pink, I find wide-leg trousers work with trainers, fancy flats or heels, depending on your vibe.
While they can be quite restricting around your middle, a pair with an elasticated waist gives extra comfort.
SuppliedYou can add a blazer over the top, too[/caption]
MIDI SKIRT: It made a resurgence last year and it’s here to stay for 2024, from denim skirts that were all the rage in summer to satin styles like this one from F&F.
For a super-simple look, wear with a T-shirt. Add a touch of flounce with a blouse, or go corporate with a shirt.
You can add a blazer over the top, too.
This blouse from Monki is a lovely shade of trendy lilac and can be worn with jeans, wide-leg trousers or midi skirtsSupplied
BLOUSE: If you feel you are missing out on the print or frills that the midi-dress offers, look towards a blouse instead.
Currently, I’m loving fun ones which add some interest to my looks.
This blouse from Monki is a lovely shade of trendy lilac and can be worn with jeans, wide-leg trousers or midi skirts.
IT’S obvious to anyone who knows me that I love a midi dress.
They’re easy to throw on, there’s one for every occasion and they can suit every shape.
The Sun’s fashion writer Abby McHale comes out fighting for the midi-dress that she and countless other women refuse to give upWTFDW Christmas Fabulous Magazine News UK
Holly Willoughby makes an impact with the perfect midi-dressInstagram
AFPThe Princess of Wales looks perfectly as home in the midi-dress, but the fashion overlords have decided dresses are not stylish at the moment[/caption]
Over the years, I’ve worn midis to work, on holiday, to weddings, even to a festival.
When Zara’s polka dot midi dress became a sell-out in 2019, I was one of the millions of owners — but I’d like it noted I bought it long before it became popular.
From renting designer midis for special occasions, right down to my favourite supermarket versions, the humble midi has been the core of my closet for the past decade.
If this sounds familiar, you might want to sit down before I break this to you. Fashion experts have declared that the perma-dress — the trans-seasonal number in your wardrobe that you can wear at any time — is done.
And the midi — think floral, ditsy, bold-print frock that ends a few inches below the knee — is the biggest faux pas.
I actually first heard this rumour last year when John Lewis fashion director Queralt Ferrer said that the midi was one of the fashion items they had “to move on from”.
“It’s not easy as customers love them, but it’s a trend that’s been around for too long,” she said.
I thought surely something so popular, a staple in many women’s wardrobes, wasn’t about to become obsolete.
How could it be killed off, just like that? If we want it, surely the shops should supply it.
Look fantastic
But I was proven wrong. Shopping over the past six months, when usually I’d be inundated with dresses, I’ve struggled to find a single decent design on the whole of the high street.
I’m afraid it’s true — the dress is dead. But why?
While some people may think dresses are mumsy, styled the right way they can look fantastic.
Just look at Holly Willoughby or the Princess of Wales to see how to make an impact with the midi. But the fashion overlords have decided dresses are not stylish at the moment. They’ve been replaced by the likes of midi skirts and wide-leg trousers.
Of course, as a stylist and fashion writer, I’m embracing the trends, particularly blazers. But I have to say, I think John Lewis got it wrong.
According to Google data, there are still 12,000 searches for “floral midi dresses” a month and Love The Sales says demand has doubled since the start of 2024. Many still want the midi.
I know women in their 20s right through to their 50s, 60s and 70s whose go-to look is a midi dress, and ladies of all sizes.
When it comes to shopping for a pair of trousers online, I know I have to buy two sizes, because I’m worried about the fit.
But with a midi-dress, this is not the case. As long as I know the shape is right for me, usually an empire line or a wrap dress, it not only fits me but looks good too.
A “throw-on dress” is what I often describe them as.
You don’t have to think about putting an outfit together — just chuck it on, usually with a pair of trainers or sandals. It’s easy, flattering and stylish (or should I say, it was stylish).
The lack of dresses in the shops means putting together an outfit takes more thought.
What top to pair with that skirt? Do I wear a jumper with those trousers?
They say low-key dressing is meant to be all the rage, but to me this seems more high-maintenance than ever.
Now when I’m out shopping, the only dresses I see appear to be aimed at Gen Z — they are either skin-tight and clingy, or totally shapeless and plain boring. I am a firm believer in wearing what you love and what you feel comfortable in, but sadly none of these dresses tick those boxes for me.
According to Google data, there are still 12,000 searches for ‘floral midi-dresses’ a monthSupplied
I know women in their 20s right through to their 50s, 60s and 70s whose go-to look is a midi-dress, and ladies of all sizes, says AbbySupplied
Abby a floral version of her favourite frockSupplied
The perfect patterned midi for workSupplied
Abby in an off-the-shoulder lookSupplied
There is some hope — I got a sneak peek at John Lewis’s spring/summer collection last week and there were a couple of midi dresses in there.
Ideal for a summer holiday or a wedding.
Luckily, I still have a quarter of my wardrobe dedicated to them, ready for such occasions.
For now, though, I guess I’ll be sticking to my chuck-it-on blazer and skirts.
WHAT TO WEAR AFTER YOU HANG UP THE MIDI
Lilac is big for 2024 and this one from Cotton Traders will be lovely going into springSupplied
BLAZER: A blazer, which can be worn over pretty much anything (even a hoodie), makes any outfit look smarter.
And they come in so many colours, fabrics and prints.
Lilac is big for 2024 and this one from Cotton Traders will be lovely going into spring.
SuppliedA pair with an elasticated waist gives extra comfort[/caption]
WIDE-LEG TROUSERS: From classic black, grey and beige to checked and pink, I find wide-leg trousers work with trainers, fancy flats or heels, depending on your vibe.
While they can be quite restricting around your middle, a pair with an elasticated waist gives extra comfort.
SuppliedYou can add a blazer over the top, too[/caption]
MIDI SKIRT: It made a resurgence last year and it’s here to stay for 2024, from denim skirts that were all the rage in summer to satin styles like this one from F&F.
For a super-simple look, wear with a T-shirt. Add a touch of flounce with a blouse, or go corporate with a shirt.
You can add a blazer over the top, too.
This blouse from Monki is a lovely shade of trendy lilac and can be worn with jeans, wide-leg trousers or midi skirtsSupplied
BLOUSE: If you feel you are missing out on the print or frills that the midi-dress offers, look towards a blouse instead.
Currently, I’m loving fun ones which add some interest to my looks.
This blouse from Monki is a lovely shade of trendy lilac and can be worn with jeans, wide-leg trousers or midi skirts.
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