Carla Zampatti Dresses: The Midi, Gown and Occasion Dress Guide

Carla Zampatti dresses fall into three families: tailored crepe midis for work and day occasions, cape and drape dresses for weddings and the races, and gowns for black tie. Most are cut in a stretch-free acetate and polyester crepe, lined, and made in Australia. They run in AU sizes 4 to 16, which match UK sizes one to one. This guide takes each family in turn, with the pieces to buy from the Autumn 2026 collection and the house classics.

Key facts

• Main fabric: 71% acetate, 29% polyester crepe, lined in polyester. Lace, taffeta, georgette and satin appear in evening pieces.
• Sizes: AU 4 to 16. AU 8 is UK 8, roughly US 4.
• Made in: Australia for most crepe dresses; the label is on every product page.
• Care: most crepe dresses are dry clean only; taffeta and some lace can be hand washed cold.
• Best for: weddings, mother of the bride, the races, work events and black tie.

Crepe midi dresses

The crepe midi is the house workhorse. It is cut close through the body, finishes below the knee and usually carries one idea: a cape, a peplum, a tuck. The Black Crepe Drape Peplum Midi Dress has short sleeves and an asymmetric peplum that shapes the waist. The Navy Pinstripe Sheath Dress is the office version, sleeveless and narrow. From the classics, the Black Crepe Front Tuck Midi Dress and the Black Crepe Sheath Dress do the same job in plain black.

Cape and drape dresses

Capes are a Carla Zampatti signature. The Navy Crepe Cape Midi Dress pairs a pencil skirt with a cape that falls down one side and across the back. The Black Crepe Cape Mini Dress is the shorter version for cocktail hours. The Black Georgette Sleeveless Waterfall Dress drapes from the neckline instead, which is why the waterfall dress is one of the most searched Carla Zampatti styles in Australia.

Evening dresses and gowns

For black tie the house keeps the line long and puts the interest at the shoulder. The Black Crepe Layered Sleeve Gown has white petal panels over the shoulders. The Black Taffeta Asymmetric One Shoulder Dress is floor length with a sculptural drape. The Black Mesh Spot Contrast Gown pairs a sheer spot bodice with a crepe skirt. For more, see our Carla Zampatti evening gowns guide.

Lace dresses

The Black Metallic Lace Cap Sleeve Midi Dress is woven with fine copper thread and finished with a fluted lace hem. It is the evening midi for someone who does not want a gown.

The best Carla Zampatti dresses to buy now

1. Navy Crepe Cape Midi Dress

The most versatile occasion dress in the collection: weddings, the races and formal lunches.

2. Black Crepe Drape Peplum Midi Dress

Short sleeves and a peplum for events where a bare arm is not right.

3. Black Crepe Layered Sleeve Gown

The black-tie gown of the season.

4. Black Metallic Lace Cap Sleeve Midi Dress

Copper-threaded lace for evening, at midi length.

5. Navy Pinstripe Sheath Dress

The work dress. Add the Ivory Crepe Shawl Collar Jacket for meetings.

6. Black Georgette Sleeveless Waterfall Dress

The waterfall drape in soft georgette.

How Carla Zampatti dresses fit

The crepe is firm and does not stretch, so the dresses are cut to your measurements rather than to cling. Take your usual AU size. If you are between sizes, choose by your widest point: bust for the sheath and peplum dresses, hip for the pencil-skirted cape dress. Our Carla Zampatti size guide converts AU sizes to UK, US and EU.

Frequently asked questions

What fabric are Carla Zampatti dresses made of?

Most are made in a crepe of 71% acetate and 29% polyester, lined in polyester. Evening pieces use taffeta, metallic lace, georgette and satin.

Are Carla Zampatti dresses made in Australia?

Most of the crepe dresses in the Autumn 2026 collection are made in Australia. Coveti lists the country of origin on each product page.

Do Carla Zampatti dresses run true to size?

Yes. Carla Zampatti does not advise a change of size. The crepe has no stretch, so choose by your widest measurement if you are between sizes.

Which Carla Zampatti dress is best for a wedding?

The Navy Crepe Cape Midi Dress and the Black Crepe Drape Peplum Midi Dress both work for a day wedding. For an evening wedding, the Black Metallic Lace Cap Sleeve Midi Dress is the stronger choice.

How do I care for a Carla Zampatti crepe dress?

Most crepe dresses are dry clean only, with a warm iron and no steam. Keep jewellery and rough surfaces away from the crepe so it does not snag.