Laid back glam. The shirtdress has never looked better. The comfort of black, dressed up with an embroidered floral organza A-line skirt. All tied up with a pretty bow! Sizes 2 to 16. Buy from Neiman Marcus.

 

Elegant and timeless. Flattering A-line style, three quarter sleeve and illusion detailing. Available in black as well as navy. Sizes 2 to 20. Buy from Bergdorf Goodman

A dress you could take from day to night—and will definitely find occasion to wear again and again. The bold color blocking is balanced by simple chid cut. We love the two-tone adjustable kimono-style belt and the way the skirt screams for a twirl. Plus, it's different from every angle.  Sizes 2 to 12. Buy from The Fold London.

Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

The perfect choice for afternoon or cocktail events. A dress that says I am not fussy or high maintenance, but also no wallflower. We love the lipstick pink hue and ruffle detail. A-line, below the knee is always elegant and the stretchy Italian wool crepe should lay nicely. The Fold is a London startup we've got our eye on—just allow extra time and expense for shipping to the states. Sizes 2-12. Buy from The Fold.

Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

 

First, a disclaimer: tent styles are tricky and can make you look bigger than you are. That said, this high-low "Tien" dress caught our eye, from its halter neckline (self tie in back!) to the bubble hemline. It's flirty and forgiving. Worth a try! Sizes XS to XL (0 to 16). Buy from Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

 

Feathers make everything more fun—especially when they provide a festive punch to an otherwise minimalist crewneck silhouette. We love the sleeves, the side slits and the flexible length, which could look good midi or maxi, depending on your height and preference. Sizes XXS to XXL (which is about 0 to 18). Buy from Tuckernuck.

Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

 

When regular ruffles feel a bit too pedestrian, here's a strong alternative. That asymmetrical, draped ruffle is a powerful, unexpected statement. We love that it's cinched at the waist for definition. And beneath the draped fabric, you've actually got a sleeveless crewneck with a high-low hemline. You can do this! Sizes 00 to 12. Buy from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

One of those everywhere dresses that would look fantastic on a beach, or at a cocktail party. The subdued floral is tasteful; the cut is timelessly chic and the ruching makes it so much more comfortable to wear. With the mid calf length, this would be especially great on some of our more petite mamas. Sizes 0 to 14. Buy from Bergdorf Goodman.

Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Great silhouette; delicate design. The all-over floral pattern is raised—a combination of lace embroidery and appliqué to give it a really memorable, elevated look. The tea length, lower in back, makes it perfect for a garden wedding where you may be walking in the grass, but this dress could take you just about anywhere. Sizes 4 to 16. Buy from Dillard's.

Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Glamorous and forgiving—a winning combo in our book! Show off that décolletage while covering the upper arm and the crepe material is strategically ruched along the sides and in back. The ruffled neckline and back slit add extra flair. Sizes 14 to 22. Buy from Dillard's.

Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Stylish and forgiving—a winning combo in our book! Show off that décolletage while covering the upper arm. The crepe material is strategically ruched along the sides and in back. The ruffled neckline and back slit add extra flair. Sizes 4 to 16. Also available in petite and plus sizes. Buy from Dillard's.

Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

If you have the sort of build that can do strapless without spending the day feeling like you have to keep hoisting, this is a chic way to convey: I'm fancy—so fancy that I don't need to scream it. Elegant in its simplicity, with just enough going on—the color; that bow—to really pack a punch. Sizes 0 to 14. Buy from Bloomingdale's.

Mother Of independently curates the dresses we recommend. When users buy through our links, we may earn a commission.