How to choose a satin dress

A satin dress is one of the most flexible things you can own. The fabric reads dressed-up on its own, so one dress can take you from a wedding to a cocktail party to dinner. Here's a quick way to narrow it down, by style, occasion, color, size and price.

The best satin dress styles

The cut sets the tone. A slip dress is cut on the bias, so it follows your curves instead of hanging off them. A bodycon satin dress sits closer for a sharper line. Length matters too: a maxi reads formal, a midi suits cocktails, and a mini is built for a night out. The neckline is the last call. A cowl neck drapes soft and a little retro; a halter or strapless cut puts the focus on your shoulders. There are wrap and asymmetric styles in the mix as well.

Which occasions a satin dress works for

Pretty much all of them. As a wedding guest, a midi or maxi in a soft color stays elegant without stealing focus from the couple. For prom or a black-tie event, a long satin gown does the talking. For a party or a date, a short or bodycon dress turns it up. And for an ordinary day, a satin shirt dress with sneakers keeps things low-key.

How to style it

Let the dress be the loudest thing you're wearing. Pair a satin midi with flat sandals and simple jewelry by day, or strappy heels and a clutch at night. A satin slip layers neatly under a blazer for work. One honest heads-up: satin shows water marks and creases easily, so steam it instead of ironing, and deal with any marks while they're fresh.

Colors and sizes

Our satin dresses come in black, white, red, blue, green and pink, plus seasonal florals and neutrals, so there's a shade that suits your skin tone and the event. Sizes start at XXS and go up, with cuts made for different body types. Check the size chart on each product for exact measurements before you order.

Buying satin online without the guesswork

Buying a dress you can't try on is a gamble, so we try to take the guesswork out of it: close to 700 satin styles for women, a clear size chart on every product, and an honest price. Have a look at the full satin dress collection and find the cut, color and size that fits.