The Best Dresses For Women Who Don’t Wear Dresses

I don’t write about dresses all that often. I’ve always been more comfortable in trousers, and felt more attractive in them.?There’s something inherently sexy about a woman wearing masculine clothing. Of course, this approach relies on the presence of?one distinctly feminine element, be that a vibrant red lip, a kick ass heel or a hint of lace beneath a boyish blazer.

But lately, I’m exploring my feminine side. Last week, I wore either a skirt or dress to the office every day of the week, which is unheard of for me. Trousers are my failsafe. I can go months without ever wearing a dress, and often when I do, it’s over trousers.

I think it was Finery London that started to pique my interest, in particular its?Lynton Seam dress (below). The simple, straight cut, its lack of any fussiness and modern asymmetric hemline appealed to me instantly, so much so that I bought it in both burgundy and black. I’m wearing the black version today, although admittedly over trousers!?For women who feel overly feminine in a dress, this piece is ideal. It’s almost perfect in its plainness.

Since this unexpected double dress purchase, I’ve graduated onto an suprisingly?girlish piece – the pleated skirt. I spend a lot of time looking at street style images and I think it was this fabulous lady, below, who convinced me that I could wear a pleated skirt.

This is exactly the type of outfit I’d wear, but with trousers. How cool to flip the look entirely on its head by throwing a pretty pleated skirt into the mix? Of course, the grey colourway, trainers and grandfather cardigan are what keep the look grounded in boyish charm. I took the leap two weeks ago and bought a black pleated skirt in H&M. And I love it. I’ve also dressed it down with unfussy knits and minimal accessories.

Next on my shopping list is this forest green sweater dress from & Other Stories.

It’s an oversized jumper essentially, so an easy way to ease into wearing dresses. I’ll also style mine over leather trousers?and biker boots. And for those days when I revert back to my boyish sartorial roots, I’ll wear this over slouchy wide-leg trousers and a pair of trainers. Although if?this new fashion direction of mine really takes hold, you may see me wearing?florals instead. Watch this space.