When it comes to fashion, versatility is the key to creating a wardrobe that effortlessly transitions from work to play, day to night and does everything in between. Pieces that lend themselves to any event are few and far between, but FatFace’s best-selling Adele dress is a prime example of a wardrobe staple that can be styled in various ways to suit different occasions.
The FatFace Adele dress is one that ticks every single box. The thoughtfully designed dress comes in two lengths – regular and short – to ensure that whether you’re petite or tall, you can confidently rock this dress without worrying about the hemline.
This versatile style features a square neckline and shirring bodice, alongside soft volume sleeves finished with an elasticated cuff allowing you to adjust the sleeve length to your liking. But naturally, the most exciting feature of this dress – and many of FatFace’s designs – are the handy side pockets, combining functionality with fashion without compromising on style. Available in sizes 6-24, it’s got a pretty inclusive size range, and the elasticated design allows for you to size up or down to find a preferred finish.
I’ve already proven its ageless appeal in a Mum vs. Millennial where my 50-something year old mum styled the navy version of this do-all dress, and I – a 26-year-old – wore it in pink, proving just how gorgeous it looks on people of different ages, sizes and with different personal styles.
Having fallen in love with the dopamine-dressing pink number, I decided I needed the black version in my fashion arsenal, too, and it quickly became one of my most-worn pieces, not just for the fact it’s super easy to throw on alone, but for the fact you can pair it with so many different pieces to make it feel like a completely different dress. Here are some of the ways I’ve been wearing it recently:
This is the trickiest way to wear the dress, but the most transformative, too. To disguise the sleeves, I turn them inside out and wear the dress like a bandeau before adding a sheer shirt with an oversized collar over the top. Over this, I layer my Damson Madder leopard print gilet which I got secondhand on Vinted, which smoothes out the silhouette and provides both a new pattern and added texture to the outfit. I top it off with a black padded headband and complete the ensemble with my trusty black cowboy boots. This outfit really nails my personal style and is the perfect choice for a casual day out or a lively evening gathering.
By throwing a pink sweatshirt over the shoulders, it exudes that kind of sporty look that’s oh-so on trend at the moment. This particular one is from Nemo and Co, and has my dogs embroidered on the chest. It’s the perfect soft muted shade that compliments my pink Uniqlo crossbody bag perfectly (I’m obsessed with these), keeping it comfortable yet chic with pink Adidas Gazelle’s I copped for £2 on Vinted. This look is not only trendy but also practical, offering a different take on athleisure fashion. It’s an ideal choice for a weekend brunch or a day of shopping with friends.
The pop of red trend is a bit of me, and this ensemble effortlessly combines modern comfort with vintage charm, making it a standout choice for a casual day at the office or a stroll through the city. This time, I paired the Adele dress with red socks, thrifted black leather loafers from a carboot, and a red vintage sweater vest from Vinted. I completed the look with a black string shopper bag and a ruffled red headband from the independent accessories brand Rommy. I think this is my favourite of the bunch as I love the layering and the way the socks just peek from beneath the hem of the dress to break everything up.
For a more evening-appropriate outfit, I doll up the Adele dress by adding a velvet blazer, which gives it a bit of a festive feel, too. The dress can be belted – and I think this silver buckle belt is a great choice – and paired with silver jewellery, sparkly chelsea boots and a glitzy bag, finished off with a black felt fedora for a glamorous and edgy look. Whether you’re heading to a date night or for drinks in town, this effortless outfit is comfortable but still makes a big impact.
Priced at £69 and made from supersoft material, the Adele dress is a worthy investment for any fashion fan in 2024, and will no doubt be your go-to piece for any occasion. It’s the epitome of a blank canvas, and while it looks stunning on its own, the fact you can pair it with almost anything in your existing wardrobe makes it the perfect piece for experimenting with your personal style. Shop the FatFace Adele Dress here.
