Designer Day & Casual Dresses

Sundresses

The sundress is the summer staple: cotton, linen and poplin, with thin straps, a fitted bodice and a skirt that moves. White sundresses are the classic, and ballet-length sundresses are an Alémais signature. Read our guide to how to style a white sundress, and browse linen dresses and resort and vacation dresses.

T-shirt dresses and tee dresses

A T-shirt dress is the easiest dress to wear: cotton jersey cut like a long tee, in relaxed and fitted shapes from mini to maxi. Wear it with sneakers and a denim jacket for day, then add a leather jacket and ankle boots in autumn.

Jersey dresses

Jersey drapes, packs flat and never needs an iron, which makes it the travel and work-from-anywhere fabric. Look for viscose and wool jersey for colder months, and cotton jersey for summer. For office versions, see work dresses.

Cotton, poplin and tank dresses

Crisp poplin holds a shape, so it suits printed day dresses and full skirts; a ribbed tank dress is the minimal option. Read about cotton maxi dresses and tunic dresses, and shop shirt dresses and denim dresses.

How to wear a casual dress

Keep the shoes flat and the layers easy: sneakers, loafers and sandals in summer, knee boots and a long coat in winter. Our summer capsule wardrobe shows how a few day dresses carry a whole season. Browse by length with mini dresses, midi dresses and maxi dresses.

Casual dresses: FAQs

What is a casual dress?

A casual dress is an easy day dress in a soft, practical fabric such as cotton, jersey and linen, worn for weekends, errands, travel and relaxed offices.

What is the difference between a day dress and an evening dress?

A day dress is made in matte cotton, jersey and linen with a simple cut; an evening dress uses silk, satin, sequins and a longer, more formal shape.

What is a sundress?

A sundress is a light summer dress, usually sleeveless with thin straps, in breathable cotton, linen and poplin.

What shoes go with a casual dress?

White sneakers, loafers and flat sandals work for day; ankle boots and knee boots take a casual dress into autumn and winter.

How do you wear a T-shirt dress in winter?

Add opaque tights, knee boots and a long wool coat, and layer a fine knit over the top.

Is jersey a good fabric for dresses?

Yes. Jersey is a stretch knit that drapes well, resists creasing and moves with you, so it suits travel and long days.

Can you wear a casual dress to work?

Yes, in a smart office: choose a midi length in plain jersey and poplin, and add a blazer and loafers.

How do you dress up a casual dress?

Swap sneakers for heeled sandals, add a structured bag and gold jewellery, and belt the waist.