Forget Trends, I Always Prioritise These “Dated” Dresses

Summer, is that you? My diary has already started to fill up with events, and I’ve been tracking down the outfits to match each occasion. My first-ever Chelsea Flower Show called for a linen suit—I somehow couldn’t bring myself to wear a floral dress, simply because I’m belligerent and like to buck the norm! The team hosted a fabulous dinner at Mimi Meifair to launch our debut Beauty Issue, and it called for a “wow” gown (more on that below). I celebrated Roksanda X & Other Stories in a chic two-piece from the collection, and I had a sneak peek of another collaboration, Monsoon by The India Edit, for my monthly dress column, with which I fell in love! I hosted a live shopping segment from H&M’s showroom, which you can rewatch (and shop from) right here. It’s been busy and full of new-season outfit tips, so carry on reading to find out my latest recommendations.

Remember, you can ask me anything about style, and I’ll answer as many questions as I can through this newsletter. Simply submit one through Instagram at @whowhatwear.uk or contact me at @hannahalmassi.

Here's What I'm Obsessed With This Month

1. I WON’T SHUT UP ABOUT: Vintage-Look Dresses

Style Notes: In my twenties, I would spend almost every weekend (hungover) combing the best vintage stores of Brick Lane in East London for choice secondhand finds. My wardrobe was predominantly made up of interesting pieces from the ‘60s and ‘70s, combined with the occasional high-street buy and even rarer designer purchase. As life has moved on, so has my free time, waistline and energy for spending hours raiding rails of musty stores for a hidden gem. That’s why I’m glad to have a slew of go-to brands for reliably vintage-looking dresses crafted from more modern (read: less sweaty, synthetic) fabrics that fit well, last longer and still give that enduring, unique appeal of a “dated” silhouette. Here are some favourite brands and what I go to them specifically for:

Shop Vintage-Look Dresses:

Rixo create throw-on summer dresses that always fit (in my size!) and never feel challenging to wear, day or night.

If it’s a whimsical cotton dress you’re after, look no further than Californian brand, Dôen for a plethora of options (that I keep buying). Ischia is the best style—trust me.

Queens of Archive

Bianca Dress

Queens of Archive is excellent for a more dramatic evening look (like the pictured mimosa-yellow Bianca dress I wore for our recent supper club).

Ghost

Lillie Lace Trim Satin Dress

Ghost has been my go-to for bias-cut, slinky satin dresses since the ‘90s. I own more of these than I care to reveal!

If Only If is your best bet for antique-looking nightgown-style frocks that aren’t a century old and falling apart.

Réalisation Par

The Claudia Dress

For sassy slip dresses, It-girl brand Réalisation Par is always the one.

2. UNDER THE RADAR: My Jewellery Go-To's

Style Notes: As much as I’d like to own a Juste Un Clou from Cartier or a Serpenti watch from Bulgari (hint, hint), the reality is that my jewellery box is a melting pot of more affordable and mid-tier finds than anything from the fine-jewellery realm. From contemporary brands you won’t have heard of before through to my secret Amazon go-tos, here’s a peek inside my collection, because no outfit is complete without a smattering of gold jewellery, imo.

Shop My Jewellery Go-To's:

FUNTE

Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings

LIÉ STUDIO

The Elisa Choker

MILAKOO

Chunky Cuff Bracelet

COMPLETEDWORKS

Pearl Necklace

MANGO

Sun Design Earrings

3. ASK HANNAH ANYTHING (about style)

“I’m looking for some comfy sandals that I can walk a lot in. Do you have any suggestions?”

Hannah says, "Thank you to the reader who sent this question in, because I think it’s something we all want to know! Once upon a time, long, long ago (before the pandemic, when I was pregnant), I came to appreciate Teva sandals immensely. I know they’re not considered quite as “cool” now, but they still do a good job as a practical, sportier option—I would recommend the sturdier Hurricane style over the foam-soled Universal. If you’re looking for something sleek, many of our editors recommend A.Emery. For simple, minimalistic styles that aren’t overly chunky, I would suggest Ancient Greek Sandals—they’re made from soft, great-quality leather, and they’re quick to soften and wear in. Overall, I’d advise looking out for thicker straps, real leather or suede and a heavier sole or moulded footbed to take the hit of a high step count! Find these, plus a few other top choices, below."

Shop Comfy Sandals:

ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS

Karina Sandals