6 essential dresses every Singapore woman should own

SHOP THE STORY: No woman's wardrobe is complete without a dress. Find out what are the six key silhouettes that we shouldn’t get by without

By Cheng Jee Yan - 28 Mar 2016

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I know you ladies love your dresses: I do too. Dresses have earned their right as one of the permanent staples in our wardrobe because of their versatility. They are our all-in-one zip-and-go outfits that can be easily jazzed up or toned down with just a switch in accessories.

With that being said, not all dresses are equalÃ¢â‚¬â€there are certain silhouettes every woman should have in her fashion arsenal. Click on to find out what are the six must-have styles.

Woven cotton dress, $105.82 by ASOS

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1. Work sheath

We have always been talking about the importance of investing in good work wear since we spend a majority of our time at our offices, so this should come as no surprise! No matter what type of dress-code your office has in place, a professional sheath work dress will ensure that you’re covered for everything from job interviews to a major presentation at work.

Note: Work dresses don’talways have to be black. Venture out of your comfort zone and try working some prints into your work wardrobe. I find that the pop of colour from a print is really refreshing and does help to lift your spirits!

Buy this dress at ASOS

Polyester maxi dress, $139 by mango

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2. Maxi dress

The maxi is your answer to days when no outfit seems to work in your favour. This billowing number ups your glam factor effortlessly, making you look great while keeping you comfortable. It’s perfect for an errand-running day or even a casual date. All you have to do is to pair it with some strappy lace up sandals and you are ready to go.

Buy this dress at Mango

Polyester rayon dress, $224 by Halston Heritag

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3. Cocktail dress

You might have a social event at work to attend that doesn’t call for a totally formal dress. Cue the life-saving cocktail dress. This dress should be able to take you from dinner and drinks to a party at a club, so select one with a great design in a neutral colour to maximise its mileage and keep it versatile for different occasions.

Buy this dress at The Outnet

Polyester applique dress, $79.90 by Topshop

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4. Brunch date dress

Time to raise the hem lines and bring on the colours! Whether you’re setting out on a nerves-filled first date or celebrating an anniversary, this dress should be the answer to that what-do-I-wear dilemma. These dresses should look stylish and presentable yet be comfortable and loose enough for you to be able to snuggle down in a cinema seat.

Buy this dress at Topshop

Smooth woven fabric gown, $209.44 by ASOS

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5. Formal dress

Every now and then, you get invites for wedding dinners, formal events and special dinners that get you scrambling and scouring the stores for an appropriate dress. Skip all that drama and have one go-to dress ready in your closet! Remember to opt for one in one single hue with minimal details so that it can be reinvented each time you wear it just by switching out the accessories.

Buy this dress at ASOS

Polyester midi dress, $240 by AQ/AQ

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6. Little black dress

This dress needs no introduction. According to Karl Lagerfeld, one of fashion industry's most accomplished designers, “One is never overdressed or underdressed with a little black dress.” You will probably use this dress for almost everything, from social events, funerals, parties and sometimes even wedding, so I usually recommend a midi length. There are many iterations of this must-have silhouette, so take your time to find one that you truly love because you will be wearing it for a long time to come.

Buy this dress at Shopbop