INTELLIGENT DRESSES
Find Your Perfect Dress Shape
4Aug
2025Words by: Isla Philo. Design by: Melanie Makariou
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Finding a dress shape that you can reliably return to each season can feel like a mammoth task. That’s why we’re breaking down our key dress silhouettes and the intelligent design details behind each style, so you can find the perfect shape for your figure.
Midi
Few dress silhouettes have cemented their place in the modern woman’s wardrobe like the midi. A go-to for all kinds of occasions: weddings, barbecues, workdays, weekend outings, which benefit from the smart look of a long dress, yet not so long that it limits footwear options.
The best part about our midi dress selection is how they’re cut and scaled so they finish at the perfect maxi length for petites. We also include waist-defining details like underbust ruching or elasticated panels, which we bring slightly higher up on our midi styles so you still get the flattering look of a long, sweeping skirt, but everything else is kept in proportion. This is especially important for petite dressers, as it means the fitted portion of the dress sits at the right place, rather than feeling too low.
Intelligent Design
+ Removable belts for a fitted or flowing look.
+ Functional + cleverly placed pockets.
+ Clever ruching. Elasticated waistbands or panelling cinches at just the right place.
+ The way we cut our midi hemlines means they can work as a maxi for petites.
+ Inverted V underbust bands create a flattering elongating effect.
Swing
One of our most popular dress styles, and for good reason. The swing silhouette is all about balancing proportions. Whether it’s a sleeveless, short or long-sleeved style, this cut is defined by a wider hem that can serve many purposes: complementing narrower or wider shoulders, highlighting the waist of a pear-shaped or hourglass figure, or skimming over the body if you prefer a looser fit.
No matter the length of the dress, this hem shape has a flattering effect. Longer styles highlight the narrowest part of the calf or ankle, while above-the-knee lengths show just the right amount of skin and look great with a knee-high boot.
Intelligent Design
+ The way we stitch and finish the hem of a swing dress creates a naturally weighted effect, so it holds its softly flared shape.
+ Balanced proportions: a fitted bodice and a wider hem = a balanced silhouette.
+ Thoughtful fabrics. A lot of consideration goes into the right fabric for each style, from crisp poplin that holds its shape or soft jersey gathered into tiered panels.
30% Off
Climbing Buds Print Short Tiered Slub Dress
£94.50£135.00Brick Pink/Summer Chocolate/Powder Lavender (2 Colours Available)
30% Off
30% Off
Shirt
The shirt dress is the ultimate balance of feminine and masculine codes, which gives it an equally timeless yet contemporary look. Just like the little black dress or tailoring, shirt dresses are iconic styles that transcend time and trends and can easily be adapted to any occasion.
When we design a shirt dress, we always try to include a subtle twist or a clever detail that sets it apart from the standard buttoned-up collared style, and assures it will stand the test of time in your wardrobe.
Intelligent Design
+ An optional belt for the choice of a fitted waist or a loose fit.
+ Side slits add fluid shape to midi and maxi lengths.
+ Functional buttoned necklines open the door for versatile layering.
+ Traditional tailoring codes like buttoned cuffs and collars are balanced by feminine twists like pouf shoulders or ruffle trims.
30% Off
30% Off
30% Off
30% Off
30% Off
Maxi
Fitted bias-cut, tiered, floaty or floral, slipping into a sweeping maxi dress can instantly transform your mood + look. Delivering coverage, comfort and a hit of colour in one fell swoop, they’re a season-spanning essential that deserves a spot in every wardrobe.
Our maxi dresses are carefully shaped so you can enjoy the benefits of an elongating effect and extra coverage where you want it, without being overwhelmed in fabric. Clever details and thoughtful materials mean these styles work just as well with flats as they do elevated by heels.
Intelligent Design
+ Pocket placement. Side pockets are placed further forward, in front of the side seams. This prevents a bulky look around the hips.
+ Clever cuffs. Ruffled trims are designed to peek out of jackets and knit top layers.
+ Elasticated sleeve cuffs allow for a customised sleeve length.
+ Discreet fastenings like a hidden zip or hook-and-eyes to adjust the neckline depth.
+ Strategically placed ruching or elasticated panels on our maxi dress bodices deliver a fitted look while prioritising comfort.
Short
Our edit of short styles proves you don’t have to go for a mini hemline to enjoy the carefree energy of a short dress. It’s a hot-weather saviour in summer, and come cooler weather, simply layer over a high neck, long sleeves and add knee-high boots.
Intelligent Design
+ A curved or flared swing hem creates a flattering finish.
+ Discreet details like zips or button plackets allow for customisable necklines.
+ Slim pockets are placed in front of the seams to maintain a clean silhouette.
Limited stock
