Dresses for day and nightThe perfect styles for any occasion

Whether it’s a casual day, a 9-to-5 at the office, or a night out, finding the right dress can feel impossible. To help you crack the code, we’ve linked up with designer Laura Tønder to show us how to spot — and style — the perfect dress for you.

By Julia Carevic

30 September 2025 · 4 min read

Some of the most iconic garments in pop culture have been dresses: Marilyn Monroe’s flowy white halter, Princess Diana’s LBD, Carrie Bradshaw’s “naked” slip, and JLo’s jungle-print Versace. Different eras, different moods, but each instantly recognisable, forever etched into fashion history.

And while those designs definitely live rent-free in our heads, finding your perfect dress is a whole different story. The truth is, it’s never as simple as it looks. The silhouette, the fabric, and even your styling choices can make or break the vibe.

That’s why for this episode of THE PERFECT X, we turned to fashion designer Laura Tønder to break down what to look for (and what to avoid) when it comes to your everyday go-to, office-ready options, and party showstoppers you’ll reach for on repeat.

Day dresses

Shop day dresses

How do you style a daytime dress to keep things fresh each time you wear it?

The secret to keeping things interesting is all in the accessories. You can create new silhouettes by adding a belt or a hair tie. I also love experimenting with layering, like wearing a dress over trousers, or even a skirt to change the hemline.

Any tips to make a summer dress work for autumn?

Simply add boots and a bag. Personally, I love the look of a summer dress with slouchy boots and a massive shoulder bag.

What are your go-to fabrics for a daytime dress?

Cotton, because it’s so versatile. From jersey and knitted fabrics to lightweight cotton and heavyweight workwear and denim, cotton truly has it all.

When it comes to dress lengths, what do you usually reach for and why?

I like a maxi or mini, but I am definitely opening up to midi too, especially with boots for autumn.

The DVF wrap dress is an icon. What do you think has made it stand the test of time?

It’s comfortable, versatile, and endlessly flattering. That’s precisely why it remains an icon today.

Shop the look

Office-ready dresses

Shop office-ready dresses

What are your biggest no-goes when buying a dress for the office?

During my corporate years, when I was in the office for eight to nine hours a day, the worst thing was being stuck in an uncomfortable outfit. Uncomfortable dresses are my biggest no-go.

How does your go-to dress change when you’re dressing for the office vs. your off-duty days?

I wear my everyday dresses with a sharp coat or blazer and a classic bag — it’s the perfect look for a meeting.

Are there certain silhouettes or fabrics that make you feel especially polished for the office?

An A-line midi dress paired with boots and a coat is my ultimate office look. Think Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. In general, that film is my go-to inspiration for polished office wear.

Any styling tips for making a dress feel office-appropriate without being too bland?

It’s all about the accessories. A little kitten heel, beautiful jewellery, a belt, and an oversized shoulder bag can make all the difference.

Shop the look

Party dresses

Shop party dresses

What are some common mistakes people make when styling a party dress?

Wearing something uncomfortable, hands down. Being comfortable at a party is the most important factor when dressing for the night. If you feel good, you can stay the entire night and enjoy it to the fullest — nothing’s worse than having to leave early because your outfit is uncomfortable. I did that in my 20s, now I want to be able to eat, sit, and dance.

How do you choose the right level of glam, especially when the dress code is vague?

If in doubt of the dress code, go for something that showcases your personal style and add a little elegance to it.

When you're starting with the dress, what's your approach to styling it?

The dress is the main piece, but the accessories are what make it fit for the occasion. Think boots for a more casual feel, or high-heel stilettos for a party. A belt can create a casual-chic vibe, while jewellery takes it to the next level.

What’s your go-to party-silhouette and why?

I’m a chameleon when it comes to silhouettes. Sometimes it’s a structured shoulder situation, but recently, I’ve been leaning towards more fluid, long silhouettes with a bohemian vibe. I’ve also found that with my flat chest, what suits me best is either a very high neck or a really low one. I’m also a huge fan of an open back and dresses that show off my shoulders.

When choosing a party dress, how do you balance statement and timelessness so you’ll wear it again and again?

It’s tricky but I do love a statement piece. Some of my statement dresses have become wardrobe favourites because of the good memories I have wearing them, how well they fit me, and all the compliments I get. Sometimes, a bold choice is a great investment.

Finally, is there such a thing as a dress that can do it all? And if so, what would it look like for you?

I have many dresses that I feel can work for most occasions. They usually have a few things in common: They fit great, are adjustable — like a wrap style — are made from a comfortable fabric like cotton, and feature a timeless colour or print.