Shift Dress and Jacket Outfits

Buying a classic shift dress and matching jacket will always be a timeless investment. Its vintage appeal will serve well on many occasions from formal events, weddings and garden parties to a fun day at the races. Whatever the occasion a simple shift dress can speak volumes with its classic appeal and chic tailoring. When it comes to special event dressing classic shift dresses offer understated elegance.


Roman Mother of the Bride outfits and occasion dresses under £50

Occasion DressesJerseyLBDMidi & MaxiColourblock

Shift Dresses & Jacquard Occasionwear

Gina Bacconi Julie Stretch Jacuqard Shift Dress and Jacket, Aqua/Nude
Gina Bacconi Julie Stretch Jacuqard Shift Dress and Jacket, Aqua/Nude
John Lewis & Partners

£380.00

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Gina Bacconi Kathy Jacquard Shift Dress & Bolero, Champagne
Gina Bacconi Kathy Jacquard Shift Dress & Bolero, Champagne
John Lewis & Partners

£360.00

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Gina Bacconi Kathy Jacquard Shift Dress & Bolero, Champagne
Gina Bacconi Kathy Jacquard Shift Dress & Bolero, Champagne
John Lewis & Partners

£360.00

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Gina Bacconi Millie Embroidered Lace Midi Shift Dress, Sky Blue
Gina Bacconi Millie Embroidered Lace Midi Shift Dress, Sky Blue
John Lewis & Partners

£340.00

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L.K.Bennett Folly Crepe Shift Dress
L.K.Bennett Folly Crepe Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£329.00

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L.K.Bennett Folly Crepe Shift Dress
L.K.Bennett Folly Crepe Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£329.00

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L.K.Bennett Sky Shift Dress, Black
L.K.Bennett Sky Shift Dress, Black
John Lewis & Partners

£329.00

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L.K.Bennett Sky Shift Midi Dress, Light Blue
L.K.Bennett Sky Shift Midi Dress, Light Blue
John Lewis & Partners

£329.00

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Helen McAlinden Penny Shift Dress, Citrus Yellow
Helen McAlinden Penny Shift Dress, Citrus Yellow
John Lewis & Partners

£310.00

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Gina Bacconi Women's Embroidered Lace Knee Length Shift Dress - 14 - Light Blue, Light Blue
Gina Bacconi Women's Embroidered Lace Knee Length Shift Dress - 14 - Light Blue, Light Blue
Marks and Spencer UK

£299.00

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Gina Bacconi Michaela Floral Embroidered Shift Dress, Hydrangea
Gina Bacconi Michaela Floral Embroidered Shift Dress, Hydrangea
John Lewis & Partners

£299.00

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L.K.Bennett Marjorie Crepe Shift Dress, Navy
L.K.Bennett Marjorie Crepe Shift Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£299.00

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L.K.Bennett Mia Peplum Shift Dress, Ivory
L.K.Bennett Mia Peplum Shift Dress, Ivory
John Lewis & Partners

£299.00

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L.K.Bennett Royal Ascot x LKB Adele Crepe Shift Dress, Lilac
L.K.Bennett Royal Ascot x LKB Adele Crepe Shift Dress, Lilac
John Lewis & Partners

£299.00

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James Lakeland Eyelet Neckline Shift Dress, Navy
James Lakeland Eyelet Neckline Shift Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£285.00

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Calvin Klein Long Sleeve Shift Dress, Ck Black
Calvin Klein Long Sleeve Shift Dress, Ck Black
John Lewis & Partners

£280.00

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Gerard Darel Elenia Check Shift Dress, Navy
Gerard Darel Elenia Check Shift Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£265.00

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L.K.Bennett Lux Shift Dress, Cream
L.K.Bennett Lux Shift Dress, Cream
John Lewis & Partners

£259.00

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Gina Bacconi Niara Short Rosette Shift Dress, Navy
Gina Bacconi Niara Short Rosette Shift Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£250.00

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Gina Bacconi Rosetta Lace Shift Dress, Navy
Gina Bacconi Rosetta Lace Shift Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£240.00

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Gina Bacconi Plus Size Passion Sequin Lace Shift Dress, Spring Navy
Gina Bacconi Plus Size Passion Sequin Lace Shift Dress, Spring Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£240.00

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Gina Bacconi Gemma Dress Jacquard Waterfall Jacket and Shift Dress
Gina Bacconi Gemma Dress Jacquard Waterfall Jacket and Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£230.00

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Gina Bacconi Gemma Dress Jacquard Waterfall Jacket and Shift Dress
Gina Bacconi Gemma Dress Jacquard Waterfall Jacket and Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£230.00

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Gina Bacconi Claire Embroidered Shift Dress, Taupe
Gina Bacconi Claire Embroidered Shift Dress, Taupe
John Lewis & Partners

£230.00

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Gina Bacconi Fiona Floral Cape Shift Dress
Gina Bacconi Fiona Floral Cape Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£230.00

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Gina Bacconi Fiona Floral Cape Shift Dress
Gina Bacconi Fiona Floral Cape Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£230.00

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Chinti & Parker Ditsy Floral Shift Dress, Navy/Cream
Chinti & Parker Ditsy Floral Shift Dress, Navy/Cream
John Lewis & Partners

£225.00

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Gina Bacconi Aidee Shift Dress, Wine
Gina Bacconi Aidee Shift Dress, Wine
John Lewis & Partners

£199.00

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chesca Tiered Chiffon Knee Length Shift Dress, Navy
chesca Tiered Chiffon Knee Length Shift Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£195.00

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Gina Bacconi Magda Floral Shift Dress, Navy/Multi
Gina Bacconi Magda Floral Shift Dress, Navy/Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£190.00

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Gina Bacconi Edie Jersey Shift Dress with Chiffon Overlay, Navy/Multi
Gina Bacconi Edie Jersey Shift Dress with Chiffon Overlay, Navy/Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£190.00

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Gina Bacconi Kesley Metallic Shift Dress, Light Gold
Gina Bacconi Kesley Metallic Shift Dress, Light Gold
John Lewis & Partners

£190.00

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Hobbs Women's Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Pink, Pink
Hobbs Women's Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Pink, Pink
Marks and Spencer UK

£189.00

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Gina Bacconi Erith Embellished Shift Dress, Navy
Gina Bacconi Erith Embellished Shift Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£180.00

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Gina Bacconi Merna Sleeveless Moss Crepe Shift Dress
Gina Bacconi Merna Sleeveless Moss Crepe Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£180.00

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Gina Bacconi Merna Sleeveless Moss Crepe Shift Dress
Gina Bacconi Merna Sleeveless Moss Crepe Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£180.00

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Gina Bacconi Merna Sleeveless Moss Crepe Shift Dress
Gina Bacconi Merna Sleeveless Moss Crepe Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£180.00

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Gina Bacconi Chaselynn Plain Diamante Brooch Shift Dress, Fuchsia
Gina Bacconi Chaselynn Plain Diamante Brooch Shift Dress, Fuchsia
John Lewis & Partners

£180.00

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Gina Bacconi Chaselynn Plain Diamante Brooch Shift Dress, Fuchsia
Gina Bacconi Chaselynn Plain Diamante Brooch Shift Dress, Fuchsia
John Lewis & Partners

£180.00

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HotSquash Sequin Leaf Embroidery Shift Dress, Black
HotSquash Sequin Leaf Embroidery Shift Dress, Black
John Lewis & Partners

£179.00

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HotSquash Sequin Stripe Shift Dress, Multi
HotSquash Sequin Stripe Shift Dress, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£179.00

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Jaeger Women's Linen Rich Embroidered Tie Neck Midi Shift Dress - 8 - Ivory Mix, Ivory Mix
Jaeger Women's Linen Rich Embroidered Tie Neck Midi Shift Dress - 8 - Ivory Mix, Ivory Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£175.00

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Jaeger Women's Printed Funnel Neck Maxi Shift Dress - 18 - Multi, Multi
Jaeger Women's Printed Funnel Neck Maxi Shift Dress - 18 - Multi, Multi
Marks and Spencer UK

£175.00

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Phase Eight Women's Floral Lace Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Pink Mix, Pink Mix
Phase Eight Women's Floral Lace Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Pink Mix, Pink Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£170.00

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Gina Bacconi Briah Square Neck Crepe Shift Dress, Cosmic Blue
Gina Bacconi Briah Square Neck Crepe Shift Dress, Cosmic Blue
John Lewis & Partners

£170.00

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Gina Bacconi Gilly Lace Panel Shift Dress, Navy
Gina Bacconi Gilly Lace Panel Shift Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£170.00

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Gina Bacconi Jaya Contrast Bow Shift Dress, Black/Ivory
Gina Bacconi Jaya Contrast Bow Shift Dress, Black/Ivory
John Lewis & Partners

£170.00

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Phase Eight Women's Doube Layer Lace Shift Dress - 6 - Blue, Blue
Phase Eight Women's Doube Layer Lace Shift Dress - 6 - Blue, Blue
Marks and Spencer UK

£169.00

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Phase Eight Women's Cotton Rich Embroidered Shift Dress - 12 - Light Pink, Light Pink
Phase Eight Women's Cotton Rich Embroidered Shift Dress - 12 - Light Pink, Light Pink
Marks and Spencer UK

£169.00

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Monsoon Women's Floral V-Neck Tie Waist Midi Shift Dress - 16 - Green Mix, Green Mix
Monsoon Women's Floral V-Neck Tie Waist Midi Shift Dress - 16 - Green Mix, Green Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£165.00

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Hobbs Women's Midi Shift Dress - 8 - Green, Green
Hobbs Women's Midi Shift Dress - 8 - Green, Green
Marks and Spencer UK

£159.00

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Hobbs Women's Knee Length Shift Dress - 16 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Hobbs Women's Knee Length Shift Dress - 16 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£159.00

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Hobbs Women's Tweed Button Detail Knee Length Shift Dress - 16 - Black Mix, Black Mix
Hobbs Women's Tweed Button Detail Knee Length Shift Dress - 16 - Black Mix, Black Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£159.00

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Phase Eight Women's Embroidered Round Neck Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Phase Eight Women's Embroidered Round Neck Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£159.00

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L.K.Bennett Natasha Shift Dress
L.K.Bennett Natasha Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£159.00

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L.K.Bennett Natasha Shift Dress
L.K.Bennett Natasha Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£159.00

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Jaeger Women's Pure Lyocell™ V-Neck Midi Shift Dress - 10 - Black Mix, Black Mix
Jaeger Women's Pure Lyocell™ V-Neck Midi Shift Dress - 10 - Black Mix, Black Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£150.00

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Monsoon Women's Lace Midi Shift Dress - 10 - Blue, Blue
Monsoon Women's Lace Midi Shift Dress - 10 - Blue, Blue
Marks and Spencer UK

£150.00

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Jaeger Women's Linen Rich Embellished Shift Dress - 16 - Black Mix, Black Mix
Jaeger Women's Linen Rich Embellished Shift Dress - 16 - Black Mix, Black Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£150.00

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Phase Eight Women's Embroidered Short Sleeve Shift Dress - 10 - Blue, Blue
Phase Eight Women's Embroidered Short Sleeve Shift Dress - 10 - Blue, Blue
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Hobbs Women's Cotton Rich Floral Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Ivory Mix, Ivory Mix
Hobbs Women's Cotton Rich Floral Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Ivory Mix, Ivory Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Celtic & Co. Women's Floral Notch Neck Midaxi Shift Dress - 14 - Red Mix, Red Mix
Celtic & Co. Women's Floral Notch Neck Midaxi Shift Dress - 14 - Red Mix, Red Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Hobbs Women's Floral Knee Length Shift Dress - 16 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Hobbs Women's Floral Knee Length Shift Dress - 16 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Hobbs Women's Keyhole Knee Length Shift Dress - 10 - Purple, Purple
Hobbs Women's Keyhole Knee Length Shift Dress - 10 - Purple, Purple
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Ro&Zo Women's Satin Floral Halter Neck Midaxi Shift Dress - 14REG - Black Mix, Black Mix
Ro&Zo Women's Satin Floral Halter Neck Midaxi Shift Dress - 14REG - Black Mix, Black Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Phase Eight Women's Embroidered Lace Belted Midi Shift Dress - 10 - Green, Green
Phase Eight Women's Embroidered Lace Belted Midi Shift Dress - 10 - Green, Green
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Phase Eight Women's Embroidered Lace Knee Length Shift Dress - 10 - Blue Mix, Blue Mix
Phase Eight Women's Embroidered Lace Knee Length Shift Dress - 10 - Blue Mix, Blue Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Alie Street Macie Floral Lace Shift Wedding Dress, Ivory
Alie Street Macie Floral Lace Shift Wedding Dress, Ivory
John Lewis & Partners

£149.00

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Hobbs Women's Floral Midi Shift Dress - 16 - Multi, Multi
Hobbs Women's Floral Midi Shift Dress - 16 - Multi, Multi
Marks and Spencer UK

£145.00

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Boden Broderie Linen Shift Dress, White
Boden Broderie Linen Shift Dress, White
John Lewis & Partners

£145.00

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Calvin Klein Cotton Linen Belted Shift Dress - Brown
Calvin Klein Cotton Linen Belted Shift Dress - Brown
very.co.uk

was: £280.00

£140.00

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Hobbs Women's Round Neck Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Navy, Navy
Hobbs Women's Round Neck Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Navy, Navy
Marks and Spencer UK

£139.00

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Hobbs Women's Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Black, Black
Hobbs Women's Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Black, Black
Marks and Spencer UK

£139.00

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Hobbs Women's Floral High Neck Ruffle Shift Dress - 6 - Blue Mix, Blue Mix
Hobbs Women's Floral High Neck Ruffle Shift Dress - 6 - Blue Mix, Blue Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£139.00

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Hobbs Women's Linen Blend Floral Knee Length Shift Dress - 16 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Hobbs Women's Linen Blend Floral Knee Length Shift Dress - 16 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£139.00

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Baukjen Michaela Midi Shift Dress, Caviar Black
Baukjen Michaela Midi Shift Dress, Caviar Black
John Lewis & Partners

£139.00

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Phase Eight Women's Zafia Shift Dress
Phase Eight Women's Zafia Shift Dress
Phase Eight

£139.00

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Monsoon Women's Lace Floral Knee Length Shift Dress - 20 - Orange, Orange
Monsoon Women's Lace Floral Knee Length Shift Dress - 20 - Orange, Orange
Marks and Spencer UK

£130.00

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Gina Bacconi Madeline Floral Shift Dress, Black/Sapphire
Gina Bacconi Madeline Floral Shift Dress, Black/Sapphire
John Lewis & Partners

£130.00

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Hobbs Women's Printed Knee Length Shift Dress - 6 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Hobbs Women's Printed Knee Length Shift Dress - 6 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£129.00

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Alie Street Pippa Shift Knee Length Dress, Sparkle Black
Alie Street Pippa Shift Knee Length Dress, Sparkle Black
John Lewis & Partners

£129.00

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Dress and Matching Jacket Outfits

Roman Butterfly Print Fit & Flare Dress in Navy
Roman Butterfly Print Fit & Flare Dress in Navy
Roman

£70.00

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Roman Abstract Print Pleated Chiffon Midi Dress in Navy
Roman Abstract Print Pleated Chiffon Midi Dress in Navy
Roman

£70.00

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Roman Dipped Hem Fit & Flare Dress in Green
Roman Dipped Hem Fit & Flare Dress in Green
Roman

£65.00

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Roman Scallop Edge Plain Bodycon Shift Dress in Navy
Roman Scallop Edge Plain Bodycon Shift Dress in Navy
Roman

£50.00

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Roman Lace Bodice Shift Dress in Navy
Roman Lace Bodice Shift Dress in Navy
Roman

£50.00

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Roman Scallop Edge Plain Shift Dress in Lilac
Roman Scallop Edge Plain Shift Dress in Lilac
Roman Originals

£50.00

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Roman Floral Pleated Halterneck Maxi Dress in Cerise
Roman Floral Pleated Halterneck Maxi Dress in Cerise
Roman Originals

£80.00

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Roman Leaf Print Ruched Shift Dress in Cerise
Roman Leaf Print Ruched Shift Dress in Cerise
Roman Originals

£55.00

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Roman Lace Bodice Shift Dress in Ivory
Roman Lace Bodice Shift Dress in Ivory
Roman

£50.00

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Roman Belted Lace Detail Tiered Midi Dress in Light Pink
Roman Belted Lace Detail Tiered Midi Dress in Light Pink
Roman Originals

£48.00

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Roman Originals Petite Floral Stretch Ruched Shift Dress in Blue
Roman Originals Petite Floral Stretch Ruched Shift Dress in Blue
Roman Originals

£55.00

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Roman Lace Embellished Trim Dress in Silver
Roman Lace Embellished Trim Dress in Silver
Roman

£80.00

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Roman Pleat Textured Bodycon Shift Dress in Light Grey
Roman Pleat Textured Bodycon Shift Dress in Light Grey
Roman

£50.00

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Roman Sleeveless Textured Bodycon Dress in Pink
Roman Sleeveless Textured Bodycon Dress in Pink
Roman

£38.00

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Roman Pleat Textured Bodycon Shift Dress in Black
Roman Pleat Textured Bodycon Shift Dress in Black
Roman

£40.00

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Roman Floral Pleated Halterneck Maxi Dress in Orange
Roman Floral Pleated Halterneck Maxi Dress in Orange
Roman Originals

£80.00

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Hobbs Women's Suzanna Tweed Dress - Ivory Multi
Hobbs Women's Suzanna Tweed Dress - Ivory Multi
Hobbs Ltd

was: £199.00

£149.00

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Hobbs Women's Chara Fit And Flare Dress - Pale Pink
Hobbs Women's Chara Fit And Flare Dress - Pale Pink
Hobbs Ltd

was: £199.00

£159.00

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Hobbs Women's Marcella Silk Blend Dress - Oyster
Hobbs Women's Marcella Silk Blend Dress - Oyster
Hobbs Ltd

£329.00

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Phase Eight Women's Daisy Lace Double Layer Dress
Phase Eight Women's Daisy Lace Double Layer Dress
Phase Eight

£169.00

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Phase Eight Women's Zita Lace Sleeveless Dress
Phase Eight Women's Zita Lace Sleeveless Dress
Phase Eight

was: £169.00

£65.00

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Phase Eight Women's Isabella Lace Midi Dress
Phase Eight Women's Isabella Lace Midi Dress
Phase Eight

was: £169.00

£129.00

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Phase Eight Women's Leighton Floral Embroidered Midi Dress
Phase Eight Women's Leighton Floral Embroidered Midi Dress
Phase Eight

was: £169.00

£129.00

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Phase Eight Women's Isabella Lace Midi Dress
Phase Eight Women's Isabella Lace Midi Dress
Phase Eight

was: £169.00

£129.00

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Phase Eight Women's Joyce Printed Fit & Flare Dress
Phase Eight Women's Joyce Printed Fit & Flare Dress
Phase Eight

was: £130.00

£99.00

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Phase Eight Women's Effie Floral Scuba Dress
Phase Eight Women's Effie Floral Scuba Dress
Phase Eight

was: £110.00

£79.00

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Phase Eight Women's Antonella Print Fit And Flare Dress
Phase Eight Women's Antonella Print Fit And Flare Dress
Phase Eight

was: £155.00

£99.00

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Phase Eight Women's Evadine Floral Tea Dress
Phase Eight Women's Evadine Floral Tea Dress
Phase Eight

was: £99.00

£75.00

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Phase Eight Women's Alisha Double Layer Lace Peplum Dress
Phase Eight Women's Alisha Double Layer Lace Peplum Dress
Phase Eight

was: £165.00

£89.00

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Phase Eight Women's Saphy Tapework Dress
Phase Eight Women's Saphy Tapework Dress
Phase Eight

was: £199.00

£149.00

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Dresses and Matching Coats

Paired with a matching jacket or frock coat and you have the ultimate wedding ensemble. The simple structure speaks volumes in the style stakes. The figure-flattering design suits most shapes and is a popular choice for a Mother of the Bride outfit, Mother of the Groom and Grandmother of the Bride too.

Plus Size Shift Dresses

Plus size clothing at Chesca and Navabi includes body-defining shift dresses to suit all shapes. New-season designer dresses can be found from Betty Barclay, Apanage, Tahari, Gina Bacconi and Vera Mont. Softly textured pale pink crepe lace front dresses, cotton-rich, smooth firm stretch jersey styles too. Flattering finishes include princess seaming, wide boat and round necks plus clever waist panelling to streamline the silhouette.

Sleeveless Occasion Shift Dresses

Classic sleeveless shift dresses in vibrant florals and dainty prints are at the ready. Slip-on styles come in gorgeous stretch fabrics and fluid silk wool. Make an entrance in a poppy print dress in red, navy and ivory. Coordinate with a tailored jacket, heels and clutch for smart occasions.

Formal Day Dresses

Jacques Vert,  Gina Bacconi. Kaliko, Coast and Phase Eight collections include these and many more classic styles ideal for formal affairs. Designer brands at John Lewis, as well as luxury stores such as L.K. Bennett, Fenn Wright Manson and Hobbs, are also great for formal day dresses too.

The shift dress and jacket is a good combination for petite ladies, especially in a block colour. The one-colour theme cleverly adds height and flatters the petite frame. Stores such as Precis Petite, CC Fashion and Minuet Petite have a fabulous collection including a variety of prints, shimmer fabrics and two-piece outfits.

Author Debra Binns
Curated by Debra Binns

Debra Binns is the co-founder of MotherOfTheBrideOutfits.org.uk. Debra has been creating and sharing relevant content about women's occasionwear since 2009, bringing together fabulous fashion from the high street and online stores for that special occasion.

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