BELONGSCI V-Neck Bell-Sleeve Shift Dress

The trend of disposable clothes seems to be on the way out. A decade or two ago, fashionistas were getting rid of clothing items after as few as seven wears, with low prices and changing trends driving them to keep things moving.

But those trends have shifted in recent years. With younger generations having an increasing awareness about sustainability, shoppers are looking for those timeless pieces that won’t go out of style from one season to the next. One of those pieces is a dress, and there are a variety of timeless classics in the dress category.

You’ve probably heard of the “little black dress,” but what is that, exactly? The classic version of the little black dress was a cocktail dress that worked for a variety of dressy occasions. If you’re regularly invited to events with strict dress codes, having one of these in your closet can save the day.

But whether it’s a cocktail dress or a sundress you wear on vacation, there are a variety of styles. First is the length. There are mini, midi and maxi lengths, with the mini dress falling somewhere around mid-thigh. A maxi length comes all the way to the ankle, while a midi length falls somewhere around mid-calf. Each of these lengths comes and goes in style, and a typical knee-length dress can tend to survive fashion changes.

The cut of the dress is also important. Shift dresses can be a comfortable, casual option no matter what the fashion magazines are showing as trendy. On the opposite end is a bodycon dress, which hugs the body and shows off all your curves.

Lastly, A-line and wrap dresses can be flattering on a variety of figures. An A-line dress cinches at the waist, then widens from the waist to the hem, creating an hourglass shape. A wrap dress has one layer crossing over the other and tying at the hip. As with other styles, often it’s a matter of finding out what works best with your body shape.

• Some dresses will only work for warmer seasons, while others can take you into fall and winter. You might be able to pair a lighter-weight dress with leggings, boots and a cardigan or jacket to take your look into winter.
• If you find a dress you like, check to see if it’s available in other colors. That favorite dress could become a wardrobe staple, giving you a different look each time you wear it.
• There’s no understating the value of a dress with pockets. Some dresses bring both comfort and convenience, giving you pockets as a handy place to store things throughout the day.
• You can find dresses that go casual or dressy depending on the shoes and jewelry you pair them with. Go from a daytime look with sandals and a sun hat to a nighttime look with heels and sparkly jewelry.
• Although many lightweight dresses are made with rayon, some have a little spandex built in that gives them that stretch you need to stay comfortable throughout the day.
• Dresses are typically sized in small, medium and large sizing rather than by number. That can make it tough to find the exact size, but many build in features like spandex and elastic in the waist to make them more flexible in their fit.
• If you’re looking for a dress for work that you can take from one season to the next, a dress with three-quarter-length sleeves can help. If it’s a sheer fabric, you can even pair it with a shirt underneath that gives it a little extra coverage.
• One of the best ways to make sure you’re getting a classic dress is to monitor trends and keep them in mind while you’re shopping.