Three things in life are certain: death, taxes and longevity of pink.
The mood-boosting colour is everywhere at present. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie film starring Margot Robbie made sure of that. The actress has doled out the most delicious host of Barbiecore looks, spanning archival Vivienne Westwood dresses to vintage Versace frocks. Naturally, it encouraged us to take a look at our own wardrobes - and what was missing? The perfect pink dress.
There have been many iconic pink dresses that have captured the public imagination throughout the years. Marylin Monroe’s fuchsia number in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Gwyneth Paltrow’s taffeta Ralph Lauren gown at the 1999 Academy Awards, Baby’s pink chiffon ensemble in Dirty Dancing. And now, every single outfit Robbie has worn during the promotion of the plastic-fantastic blockbuster feature.
Pepto-Bismol hued press tour aside, the pink dress is a hard garment to get right. With its eternally divisive nature, it’s often pigeonholed as uber-feminine. However, if you hit the history books, you’ll discover that pink was originally a genderless tone sported by both men and women in the 18th century. Initially a symbol of status and luxury, the pigment was rebranded during the postwar era as a female colour. It became hyper-commercialised and Westernised in turn, yet remained one of the most coveted colours in fashion.
Valentino’s autumn/winter 2022 collection turbocharged our fascination with fuschia. The brainchild of Pierpaolo Piccioli catapulted hot pink (aka ‘Valentino Pink’) into the sartorial stratosphere with pink-clad models sent down pink-clad runway, cementing himself among a long list of designers who have successfully championed a magenta mood board.
Moschino’s spring/summer 2015 ready-to-wear collection was ahead of its time, serving Barbie supremacy in the form of candy-coloured logo-printed tops, cowboy boots, roller skates, leather pencil skirts and of course, dresses.
More recently, Donatella Versace’s La Vacanza collection co-helmed by Dua Lipa caused a stir during Cannes Film Festival. Lila Moss, Behati Prinsloo and other famous faces graced the catwalk in pastel mini silhouettes, paying homage to the unwavering popularity of pink.
So join us as we revel in the reign of pink and elevate your seasonal wardrobe with some punchy pieces from partywear to office attire and more.
See the best pink dresses below
Rixo Simone Satin Midi Dress
Rixo’s Simone dress is an It-girl favourite for a reason. This ethereal occasion midi dress is ideal for any event in your calendar, from garden parties to weddings and more. It is crafted from pink satin with an ivory ace trim and a bias-cut.
Buy now £255.00, Rixo
Molly Goddard Kate Bow-embellished Velvet-trimmed Taffeta Midi Dress
Fairytale fantasy comes to life with Molly Goddard’s romantic taffeta offering. Embellished with delicate bow adornments, velvet straps and a ruched bodice, this frock gives Cottagecore a girlish whirl.
Buy now £476.00, Net-A-Porter
LoveShackFancy Lionel Draped Lace-trimmed Silk-charmeuse Mini Dress
LoveShackFancy is a brand that is known and loved for playing with pink. The gorgeously lustrous mini number offers the ideal blend of sleek and sultry, courtesy of its cowl neckline and asymmetric skirt spliced with web-like lace.
Buy now £471.00, Net-A-Porter
Acne Studios Davita Oversized-bow Checked Halterneck Dress
Picnic chic is epitomised by Acne’s halter-neck gingham dress that showcases a sweet pink and cream palette, bow detailing and a floaty cut.
Buy now £450.00, Matches
Kitri Bunty Pink Stripe Knit Dress
Move over ‘Quiet Luxury’ - maximalism is back and better than ever. This sleeveless knitted midi dress in multicolour striped crochet can be effortlessly coupled with some chunky sandals for a beach babe aesthetic or layered under a casual denim jacket for sunny soirees.
Buy now £165.00, Kitri
Nensi Dojaka Keyhole Slit-hem Chiffon Sleeveless Dress
Lingerie but make it eveningwear. Nensi Dojaka’s romantic offering is whimsical slip-on that proves that less is sometimes more.
Buy now £479.00, Matches
Massimo Dutti Long Airy Dress with Ruffles
Massimo Dutti’s fanciful ruffled number is what we imagine Sleeping Beauty will have thrown on after a long night’s slumber. Dress it up with gold heels and a glimmering evening bag for maximum wow-factor.
Buy now £199.00, Massimo Dutti
Omnes Rosanna Lace Slip Dress in Pink
Fashion shouldn’t cost the earth, an ethos Omnes embraces whole-heartedly. A hot pink Nineties slip dress complete with a vibrant orange lace trim, this slinky piece is a must-have for those wanting to stand out from the crowd, while shopping sustainably.
Buy now £35.00, Omnes
Roksanda Gathered Cotton-poplin Midi Dress
A voluminous gown with sleeves to coo over, Roksanda’s puff-perfect poplin midi dress is a mature choice for those who remain playful at heart.
Buy now £547.25, Net-A-Porter
Gimaguas Pink Daniela Mini Dress
Thanks to its knit-tastic designs and eye-popping colour schemes, Gimaguas has acquired a cult following. This knit acrylic and merino wool-blend dress can be coolly slung on for a club night out or a beachside stroll, whatever takes your fancy.
Buy now £48.00, SSENSE
River Island Pink Check Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Disco fever comes to life in River Island’s checkerboard sequin mini. Team with some towering heels for a head-turning party look.
Buy now £95.00, River Island
Rodarte Tie-detailed Lace-trimmed Silk-satin Maxi Dress
Nobody does nostalgic elegance quite like Rodarte. This delightfully pretty garment conjures up Victoriana romance with a touch of black lace and swathes of baby pink silk.
Buy now £547.50, Net-A-Porter
Atsu Bow Maxi Dress
Go big or go home with Atsu’s operatic gown which boasts a strapless neckline, large bow detailing, a ruffled skirt and the richest shade of cerise.
Buy now £158.00, Anthropologie
De La Vali Floral lace-trim Maxi Dress
Halternecks are considered the most sculpting of necklines, and this mesmeric slip from cult label De La Vali is all about enhancing the figure in the most elegant way.
Buy now £460.00, Farfetch
Fiorucci Monogram Logo Bandeau Maxi Dress Pink
Logomania meets mesh magnificence in Fiorucci’s strapless midi dress. This bodycon will take you from day to night with its versatility. It will be as at home living it up beachside as it would frequenting a swanky cocktail bar.
Buy now £275.00, Fiorucci
Nobody’s Child Pink Linen-blend Simone Jumpsuit
Maintain your pink prowess while channelling hun-on-the-run with this easy-wear jumpsuit in a vivid pink hue. The ideal choice for coffee dates out and office days in.
Buy now £35.00, Nobody’s Child
De La Vali Delilah Lace-panelled Stretch-silk Maxi Dress
Regencycore is coming hot on the heels of Barbiecore. Luckily for us, De La Vali has got us covered, marrying both trends to create this divine maxi dress. Gentle puff sleeves, a high neckline and caramel lace panels with eyelash trims culminate in a dreamy black-tie look.
Buy now £620.00, Harvey Nichols
Reformation Adalynn Knit Two Piece
What do Harry Styles, Hailey Bieber, Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman all have in common? A penchant for corsages. The Gen-Z trend is ubiquitous on the red carpet, and Reformation’s rendition is an adorable, comfort-forward choice.
Buy now £228.00, Reformation
Never Fully Dressed Pink Marla Cut Out Dress
Embrace Flamenco flair with Never Fully Dressed’s cut-out dress. Layer up with some chunky gold jewels and be prepared to leave your soul on the dance floor.
Buy now £149.00, Never Fully Dressed
Ganni Striped Cotton Cut-out Dress
Ganni girls understand that everyday attire never needs to be monotomous. Sashay in stripes with the label’s easy breezy number, which we’d couple with flatform sandals.
Buy now £265.00, Ganni
16Arlington Ione Exaggerated-collar Satin Shirt Dress
Seventies nostalgia turns Barbiecore with 16Arlington’s Ione maxi, which boasts a sharp collar, button-down detailing, long sleeves and a shirt style. Skip the accessories and let the statement piece do all the talking.
Buy now £715.00, Matches
