Why you need a hero dress to see you through autumn

Olivia Buxton Smith

Updated October 9, 2017 at 7:57 PM

Olivia Palermo wearing a printed midi dress from the impending Preen by Thornton Bregazzi X L.K.Bennett collection - Getty Images Europe

Thought a printed or colourful dress was the preserve of summer? Think again. A trophy dress will provide a cornerstone of your transitional wardrobe too.

We're talking about a frock that hits your somewhere between your mid-calf and ankle, and is silhouette-skimming but that clings and bunches in all the right places. It might be floral, or velvet or silk, it likely has sleeves (for both practicality and style purposes), and is fluted in shape.

Still not sure what we're talking about? Take you cue from Isabel Marant, who offered up fabulous moody floral printed dresses with claret knee-high boots for Autumn/Winter 2017. Or look to Valentino, where pastel patterns stood out on black silk midis, and Loewe, where creative director Jonathan Anderson offered up a number of excellent polka dot and striped variations.

This hero piece hasn't gone unnoticed by the street style set either, with myriad front row dwellers stepping out in a version at the recent round of shows, offering up a welcome dose of inspiration in the process.

Here's why an It dress is your transitional saviour...

It offers a one stop way to look stylish

A hero dress eliminates any angst involved in the getting dressed process. It leaves little room for decision, and as a result, little room for error.

Forget trying to colour match your look while you're still bleary-eyed, or attempting to work out what trousers you can wear based on which blouse is ironed before you've had your first coffee; a jazzy midi or maxi offers an effortless way to look stylish and pulled together.

kate foley - Credit: Getty — Kate Foley wearing a siky Joseph midi dress at London Fashion Week Credit: Getty

You can wear it everywhere

Not only does this handy wardrobe component mean you avoid having to think about the other facets of your outfit, but it also ensures you're armed, ready for any curve ball your day might throw at you.

We're often drawn to impractical (but lovely) pieces of clothing. You know, that sequin skirt that glints at you from the corner of Zara, or that cream coat that keeps popping up every time you search for something on Google? Well this autumnal warrior has all of the appeal, with none of the regret. It's a hard working, 7-to-11 item, that will see you through a working day through to evening with little more than a swipe of lipstick.

lisa aiken - Credit: Getty — Net-a-porter's fashion director Lisa Aiken, wears a mustard-hued midi dress at Paris Fashion Week Credit: Getty

There isn't a shoe you can't pair it with

Whether you reside in trainers all year round, jump at the chance to invest in new boots come autumn or are never without a pair of heels; this dress doesn't discriminate when it comes to footwear.

What's more, if you're grappling with the idea of donning a pair of over-the-knee boots this autumn, a below-the-knee hemline is an excellent - and universally flattering - way to do so.

Thassia Naves - Credit: Getty — Blogger Thassia Naves wears a floral midi dress with over with knee-high boots at Paris Fashion Week Credit: Getty

You can layer it over trousers

The dress-over-trousers trend is going nowhere. Just ask creative director at Tibi, Amy Smilovic, who offered up a series of silky and velvet midi dresses worn over trousers in a matching shade as part of her Autumn/Winter 2017 collection.

Not only does layering a midi dress over jeans or tailored trousers make for very chic combination that will keep the October chill at bay, but it will also mean you get maximum wear out of your favourite frock.

caroline duar — Blogger Caroline Daur wearing a silky bottle-green dress at Paris Fashion Week, which would look equally as good worn over trousers

...And underneath your winter coat

While the current temperature might mean you can just about get away with wearing a sleeved dress on its own or underneath a lightweight trench coat, it's only a matter of weeks before we're forced into heftier outerwear.

The good news is a mid-length or ankle-grazing dress looks very chic worn underneath a weighty wool pea coat, or a robe-esque wrap style. Opting for a coat with a hemline that is an inch or two shorter that your dress is also a nice touch, that will allow your frock to feature even in the depths of winter.