Dress It Up With AllSaints

Ok, let's chat about AllSaints dresses!

One of my signature looks is a dress, and a go-to for me when not in jeans and trainers. It’s easy to grab from your wardrobe, a dress is a win if you are short on time and don’t have a moment spare to think about a top and bottom combo but still want to look polished and put-together. 

With AllSaints being the newest arrival to Womenswear at Elys, here is my round-up of my favourite dresses from their autumn / winter ’21 collection. 

My first pick is the Ari Caledonian Dress, it’s wild floral print is just stunning, and the khaki base is perfect for autumn. I’ve teamed it here with nude strappy sandals to make the perfect late summer wedding guest outfit. Add a denim jacket and AllSaints white Leather Trainers and it immediately makes things more casual. 

You can drape the gorgeous Nell Jumper over the shoulders giving this look a rather cute preppy vibe. This is the perfect boxy sweater to layer up and get cosy in when the weather starts to get a little chilly. My Instagram fashionista friends call this Winterising…I’m not 100% sure on the phrase but I’m all for giving you more ideas to keep wearing your summer dresses and getting more use out of all the pieces that you love in your wardrobe. This gorgeous sweater so nearly came home with me! I adore that it’s made from sustainable wool and the bell sleeves give it a 70s feel which would be fabulous teamed with some simple wide-leg or flared blue jeans. 

For a more casual look, dress down with a classic denim jacket and white pumps or alternatively the AllSaints Suri Bomber Jacket. 

I have to admit, I own a fair few leopard print dresses but I don’t have a shorter one. Even for a lady of approaching 50, the Ilora Leppo Linen Blend Dress is a great length - just above the knee and can be teamed with nude sandals to elongate the leg and give it a more dressy feel; or add black strappy heels and a biker to toughen up the look a little. 

If bare legs are not something you’re comfortable with, add black 80 denier tights and boots, or if you’re running around doing errands slip on the Sheer Leather Trainers. I also added the Kady Recycled Cashmere Cardigan as an alternative extra layer to keep cosy. 

Let’s shift gears and go #OUTOUT…and what better outfit than the Madeline Skye Dress to take you out dancing until the early hours (now we’re allowed to go out and party again!). Whilst I’m not wearing a bra here, this strappy slip midi dress with slits up the side and side straps hold me in; however, for bigger busted ladies I would recommend using some clever stick-on underwear as a solution.

A classic biker jacket is the perfect piece to change a dress and give it an edgier look in seconds. If you don’t own one already, the team of expert Elys Personal Stylists are on hand to show you how versatile they can be and guide you through buying the perfect one to suit your shape. It doesn’t have to be black, there are so many different options available in-store which I guarantee will be a welcome addition you will keep pulling out of your wardrobe time and again for years to come.

A third way to style this dress? Simply throw a hoodie and you have a really cute, relaxed weekend look for lunch with the girls or shopping. Ultimately we don’t want you to save your clothes for best; get as much wear out of all your favourite pieces as you can. 

For a pop of colour but keeping a similar 90’s vibe going, dress this beautiful pink dress from AllSaints down with their Sheer Leather Trainers and the oversized denim jacket or sweater. Just add heels and you are date night or, dare I say it, Christmas party ready!

The Tierny Satin Slip Dress is an AllSaints favourite and I think most leopard print lovers will agree this is a beauty. Dressed up or down, all slip dresses can be paired with a simple sweater to layer over, like this cute little black sweater with extra-long sleeves and a slash neck line. 

Alternatively, revert to how I used to dress in my late teens and add a basic tee, like the Anna AllSaints T-Shirt, under a slip dress for a cute way to offer a little more coverage and warmth. Layer over with any of the jackets in my AllSaints autumn / winter ’21 edit. I chose the trusty and faithful denim one here. Wear with heels, boots or trainers, they all work - you decide! 

Find AllSaints in Womenswear on the First Floor.

Follow Alice on Instagram for more style advice and book a complimentary Styling Session with her in-store at Elys.