Growing up in the UK can be described via a series of rather bleak facts. Dreary wet weather, left-hand traffic, a preference toward beige food, the royal family, the London underground, et cetera. Like other European cities, however, we’re also relatively well-known for our compulsory school uniform.
Across the pond in America, the concept of wearing a stiff collared shirt daily from as young as 10 years old is entirely alien. Aside from the most prestigious American private schools that roll out strict uniforms, ties are rarely seen (unless you’re channelling early Avril Lavigne).
As a result of our association with business casual clothing from such a young age, many of us have an aversion toward it today – especially collars. But thanks to the revival of all things Indie Twee, collars are back and better than ever before.
Faux collars, built-in collars, collared shirts and, of course, collared dresses, are taking the fashion world by storm. Characterised by a twist on classic 60s and 70s styles, the indie twee revival has delivered an influx of new and vintage-inspired collared designs.
A far cry from the cotton summer dresses of our school days, today’s designers are offering so much more than a standard oxford collar. Instead, find oversized Peter Pan options complete with delicate broderie anglaise details. The classic school uniform of a collared dress and pumps has been veritably morphed into an it-girl staple.
While a classic Wednesday Addams-inspired black shift dress paired with a white collar is a timeless ensemble, contemporary iterations have seen brands play with the size, shape, and intensity of collar shapes. Paired with a relatively modest vintage silhouette which cinches at the waist, these juxtaposing features work together to create a unique trend.
How to wear it best? Accessorise with ribbons, brightly coloured sweater vests and patent red ballet pumps for nonchalant Nordic appeal. Or mix in a little Cowboy Carter and pair of lace tights with cowboy boots for an edgier take on collared dresses.
Keep scrolling for the best collared dresses to spend your money on right now.
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Exquise Tobie Button-Front Pleated Midi Shirt Dress
Featuring side-seam pockets and beautifully flattering pleating, this slick pinstripe dress by Exquise looks as good in the boardroom as it will on the beach.
The structured tailoring makes this cotton frock appear high-end, yet at sub-£200, it’s a steal. Available in sizes XS - XL.
Buy now £165.00, Anthropologie
& Other Stories Collared Midi Shirt Dress
This slim-fit,50s-inspired midi dress by & Other Stories is made for picnicking. Pair with a Jane Birkin-inspired basket bag and a pair of ballet pumps for true coquette appeal.
Buy now £75.00, & Other Stories
Monsoon Adira shirt dress blue
Every capsule wardrobe needs a dress that instantly creates an outfit from the minute it’s thrown on. This embroidered shirt dress from Monsoon is effortlessly chic and occasion-appropriate with a re-wear factor that is frankly off the charts.
Buy now £85.00, Monsoon
Stella Nova Checked Cotton-Seersucker Mini Dress
Characterised by a true Scandi silhouette, this cotton seersucker mini dress from Stella Nova features a classic oxford collar bordered by oversized scalloped edges and a cheeky peek-a-boo cut-out. Crafted from 100 per cent organic cotton, this is the kind of dress that you’ll want to spend all summer in.
Buy now £260.00, The Hut
Striped Crossover Shirt Dress
Minimalistic yet eye-catching, Mango’s structured shirt dress is realised in those It-Girl blue and white stripes for your trendiest summer wardrobe yet. If English weather doesn’t quite allow for bare legs, we’d pair it with ruby-red tights and black ballet pumps.
Buy now £49.99, Mango
Belkis blue midi dress
Complete with an adorable, ruffled denim collar and mother-of-pearl buttons, we’re head over heels for this deep denim midi dress by eco-conscious label Balzac Paris. Manufactured using 100 per cent organic cotton and finished with a loose, flowing silhouette, it’ll keep you cool as a cucumber whatever the temperature.
Buy now £160.00, Balzac Paris
Lace-collared bouclé dress
Wednesday Addams who? Everyone needs a dress inspired by the iconic gothic character in their closets in our book. We’re fans of this grungy sleeveless option from H&M, with its bouclé body and dramatic lace collar.
Buy now £37.99, H&M
Aje. Francois tiered cotton-poplin mini shirt dress
This tiered cotton poplin dress by Aje features glorious, buttoned cuffs and a golden, wavy zip detail. While it’d definitely suit a frolic around some Greek islands (preferrably on a yacht), this dress is fully lined which makes it office-appropriate too. Just watch the wind on that hemline.
Buy now £183.00, The Outnet
Ganni Checkered Stretch Seersucker Fitted Dress
Ganni’s signature seersucker gingham is a bestseller for a reason. Snap up this slim-fit, zip-collar design in racing red and blue to instantly elevate your spring/summer wardrobe to Scandi cool heights.
Buy now £285.00, Ganni
Aligne Gabriella Short Sleeve Broderie Dress
Who says utilitarian clothing can’t have delicate details? This cotton poplin dress by Aligne is complete with a stunning broderie design and is available in a range of neutral tones.
Buy now £135.00, Aligne
JW Anderson Deconstructed Shirt Dress
It’s collars galore over at JW Anderson, for this deconstructed shirt dress features an additional, stray collar which adds some stunning structure to the skirt hem.
Buy now £330.00, MyTheresa
Pomegranate Collar Mini Dress
Embody the spirit of St Valentine beyond February with a red and white lover dress from coquette specialist Sister Jane. The colour is removable, allowing you to play with the look or simply make the sparkly buttons the star of the show. The sweet style comes in size XS - XL.
Buy now £79.00, Sister Jane
