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.

Occasion DressesJerseyLBDMidi & MaxiColourblock

Shift Dresses & Jacquard Occasionwear

Gina Bacconi Gladys Shift Dress with Jacket, Blush
Gina Bacconi Gladys Shift Dress with Jacket, Blush
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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Alexis Black Wool Crepe Shift Dress, Black
Alexis Black Wool Crepe Shift Dress, Black
LK Bennett

£359.00

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

£310.00

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Marjorie Navy Crepe Shift Dress, Midnight
Marjorie Navy Crepe Shift Dress, Midnight
LK Bennett

£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 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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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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Gina Bacconi Hanneli Floral Embroidered Shift Dress, Peach
Gina Bacconi Hanneli Floral Embroidered Shift Dress, Peach
John Lewis & Partners

£260.00

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Gina Bacconi Lariah Chiffon Overlay Shift Dress
Gina Bacconi Lariah Chiffon Overlay Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£260.00

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Gina Bacconi Lariah Chiffon Overlay Shift Dress
Gina Bacconi Lariah Chiffon Overlay Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£260.00

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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 Zenna Beaded Cape Shift Dress, Navy
Gina Bacconi Zenna Beaded Cape Shift Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£250.00

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Gina Bacconi Daniella Spot Print Shift Dress
Gina Bacconi Daniella Spot Print Shift Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£240.00

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

£240.00

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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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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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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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Posy Green Lace Shift Dress, Green
Posy Green Lace Shift Dress, Green
LK Bennett

was: £399.00

£199.00

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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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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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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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Ghost Womens Satin High Neck Midaxi Shift Dress - XS - Black, Black,Green
Ghost Womens Satin High Neck Midaxi Shift Dress - XS - Black, Black,Green
Marks and Spencer UK

£189.00

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Gina Bacconi Chaselynn Crepe Shift Dress, Plum
Gina Bacconi Chaselynn Crepe Shift Dress, Plum
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 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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Live Unlimited London Womens Sequin Knee Length Shift Dress - 14 - Black, Black
Live Unlimited London Womens Sequin Knee Length Shift Dress - 14 - Black, Black
Marks and Spencer UK

£179.00

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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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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 Womens Doube Layer Lace Shift Dress - 6 - Blue, Blue
Phase Eight Womens Doube Layer Lace Shift Dress - 6 - Blue, Blue
Marks and Spencer UK

£169.00

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Phase Eight Womens Floral Embroidered Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Light Pink, Light Pink
Phase Eight Womens Floral Embroidered Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Light Pink, Light Pink
Marks and Spencer UK

£169.00

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Adrianna Papell Floral Lace Scallop Trim Shift Dress, Ivory/Mint
Adrianna Papell Floral Lace Scallop Trim Shift Dress, Ivory/Mint
John Lewis & Partners

£169.00

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Alie Street Lila Floral Lace Shift Dress, Vintage Rose
Alie Street Lila Floral Lace Shift Dress, Vintage Rose
John Lewis & Partners

£169.00

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Phase Eight Women's Rachel Floral Shift Dress
Phase Eight Women's Rachel Floral Shift Dress
Phase Eight

£169.00

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Folly Black Crepe Shift Dress, Black
Folly Black Crepe Shift Dress, Black
LK Bennett

was: £329.00

£164.00

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Folly Green Crepe Shift Dress, Dark Green
Folly Green Crepe Shift Dress, Dark Green
LK Bennett

was: £329.00

£164.00

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Calvin Klein Fine Wool Blend Shift Dress, Neutral Taupe
Calvin Klein Fine Wool Blend Shift Dress, Neutral Taupe
John Lewis & Partners

£160.00

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Hobbs Womens Knee Length Shift Dress - 6 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Hobbs Womens Knee Length Shift Dress - 6 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£159.00

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Hobbs Womens Midi Shift Dress - 8 - Green, Green
Hobbs Womens Midi Shift Dress - 8 - Green, Green
Marks and Spencer UK

£159.00

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Hobbs Womens Tweed Button Detail Knee Length Shift Dress - 6 - Black Mix, Black Mix
Hobbs Womens Tweed Button Detail Knee Length Shift Dress - 6 - Black Mix, Black 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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Monsoon Womens Lace Midi Shift Dress - 10 - Blue, Blue
Monsoon Womens Lace Midi Shift Dress - 10 - Blue, Blue
Marks and Spencer UK

£150.00

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Monsoon Lillian Lace Shift Button Thru Dress
Monsoon Lillian Lace Shift Button Thru Dress
very.co.uk

£150.00

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Monsoon Lillian Lace Shift Dress, Black
Monsoon Lillian Lace Shift Dress, Black
John Lewis & Partners

£150.00

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Hobbs Womens Floral Knee Length Shift Dress - 6 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Hobbs Womens Floral Knee Length Shift Dress - 6 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Hobbs Womens Keyhole Knee Length Shift Dress - 10 - Purple, Purple
Hobbs Womens Keyhole Knee Length Shift Dress - 10 - Purple, Purple
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Phase Eight Womens Embroidered Lace Belted Midi Shift Dress - 8 - Green, Green
Phase Eight Womens Embroidered Lace Belted Midi Shift Dress - 8 - Green, Green
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Phase Eight Womens Embroidered Short Sleeve Shift Dress - 10 - Blue, Blue
Phase Eight Womens Embroidered Short Sleeve Shift Dress - 10 - Blue, Blue
Marks and Spencer UK

£149.00

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Adele Lilac Recycled Crepe Shift Dress, Lavendula
Adele Lilac Recycled Crepe Shift Dress, Lavendula
LK Bennett

was: £299.00

£149.00

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Clara Jade Recycled Crepe Shift Dress, Green
Clara Jade Recycled Crepe Shift Dress, Green
LK Bennett

was: £299.00

£149.00

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Leonora Pink Shift Dress, Pink
Leonora Pink Shift Dress, Pink
LK Bennett

was: £299.00

£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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Alexis Orange Wool Crepe Shift Dress, Orange
Alexis Orange Wool Crepe Shift Dress, Orange
LK Bennett

was: £359.00

£143.00

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Phase Eight Women's Floris Embroidered Shift Dress
Phase Eight Women's Floris Embroidered Shift Dress
Phase Eight

£140.00

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Hobbs Womens Button Detail Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Purple, Purple
Hobbs Womens Button Detail Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Purple, Purple
Marks and Spencer UK

£139.00

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Hobbs Womens Round Neck Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Navy, Navy
Hobbs Womens Round Neck Knee Length Shift Dress - 8 - Navy, Navy
Marks and Spencer UK

£139.00

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Phase Eight Women's Anita Placement Shift Dress
Phase Eight Women's Anita Placement Shift Dress
Phase Eight

£139.00

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Phase Eight Women's Maeve Floral Tiered Shift Dress
Phase Eight Women's Maeve Floral Tiered Shift Dress
Phase Eight

£139.00

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Phase Eight Women's Verity Lace Shift Dress
Phase Eight Women's Verity Lace Shift Dress
Phase Eight

£139.00

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French Connection Womens Embellished High Neck Shift Dress - Black, Black
French Connection Womens Embellished High Neck Shift Dress - Black, Black
Marks and Spencer UK

£130.00

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Hobbs Womens Printed Knee Length Shift Dress - 6 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Hobbs Womens Printed Knee Length Shift Dress - 6 - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£129.00

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Live Unlimited London Womens Lace Round Neck Midi Shift Dress - 14 - Black, Black
Live Unlimited London Womens Lace Round Neck Midi Shift Dress - 14 - Black, Black
Marks and Spencer UK

£129.00

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Adrianna Papell Chiffon Shift Dress,  Adrianna Papell
Adrianna Papell Chiffon Shift Dress, Adrianna Papell
John Lewis & Partners

£129.00

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Dress and Matching Jacket Outfits

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

£80.00

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

£50.00

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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

£125.10

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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

£199.00

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

£91.26

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Hobbs Women's Marcella Silk Blend Beaded Dress - Pale Pink
Hobbs Women's Marcella Silk Blend Beaded Dress - Pale Pink
Hobbs Ltd

was: £299.00

£197.10

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Hobbs Women's Darcie Shift Dress - Sage Green
Hobbs Women's Darcie Shift Dress - Sage Green
Hobbs Ltd

was: £189.00

£134.10

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

£169.00

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

£169.00

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

£169.00

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Phase Eight Women's Fenella Floral Jersey Dress
Phase Eight Women's Fenella Floral Jersey Dress
Phase Eight

was: £110.00

£76.50

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Phase Eight Women's Franky Floral Lace Fitted Dress
Phase Eight Women's Franky Floral Lace Fitted Dress
Phase Eight

was: £140.00

£98.10

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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

£89.10

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Hobbs Women's Gwen Floral Jacquard Dress - Oyster Multi
Hobbs Women's Gwen Floral Jacquard Dress - Oyster Multi
Hobbs Ltd

was: £299.00

£197.10

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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

£71.10

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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

£89.10

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Hobbs Women's Petite Fiona Floral Dress - Pale Blue Multi
Hobbs Women's Petite Fiona Floral Dress - Pale Blue Multi
Hobbs Ltd

was: £149.00

£107.10

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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

£67.50

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Phase Eight Women's Aria Embroidered Fit And Flare Dress
Phase Eight Women's Aria Embroidered Fit And Flare Dress
Phase Eight

was: £169.00

£107.10

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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

£107.10

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Phase Eight Women's Isobel Tapework Lace Fitted Dress
Phase Eight Women's Isobel Tapework Lace Fitted Dress
Phase Eight

£199.00

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Hobbs Women's Fiona Cotton Blend Shift Dress - Ivory Fuchsia
Hobbs Women's Fiona Cotton Blend Shift Dress - Ivory Fuchsia
Hobbs Ltd

was: £149.00

£107.10

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Phase Eight Women's Dahlia Ditsy Floral Fitted Dress
Phase Eight Women's Dahlia Ditsy Floral Fitted Dress
Phase Eight

was: £110.00

£71.10

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

was: £199.00

£134.10

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Phase Eight Women's Anoushka Floral Jersey Dress
Phase Eight Women's Anoushka Floral Jersey Dress
Phase Eight

was: £99.00

£75.00

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Phase Eight Women's Nessa Embroidered Dress
Phase Eight Women's Nessa Embroidered Dress
Phase Eight

was: £140.00

£80.10

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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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