It’s timeless, it’s versatile, and depending on how you style it, it can be the anytime, anywhere garment – the dress! The 6th of March is International Dress Day, and here at Sandton Central, we’re excited to celebrate one of our favourite fashion statements! Whether you’re looking to keep it easy and breezy in a floaty casual fit for a trip down to the grocery store or go full glitz and glam in a resplendent black-tie number, you’ll be able to find the dress for any occasion in Sandton Central.

We’ve taken a closer look at the history of dresses and found a few of our faves for a seasonal wardrobe refresh next time you stop in to our neighbourhood. Hot off the dresses – this is Sandton Central’s Frock 101.

Dresses: Where did they come from?

Dresses have been worn by humans for thousands of years, and the style and construction of dresses have evolved significantly throughout history. In ancient civilisations like Egypt and Greece, women wore draped dresses made of lightweight fabrics such as linen and silk. These dresses were often lavishly adorned with embellishments such as embroidery and beading, dripping in ornamentation and maximalist styling.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, dresses became more structured and ornate. Women’s dresses featured elaborate sleeves, corsets and hoopskirts, and were made of luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, and satin. This is the era we typically associate with old-timey, “princessy” fantasy dresses. The industrial revolution in the 19th century brought about a revolution in new fabrics and construction techniques, which meant huge changes to the way women’s dresses became more fitted and streamlined.

In the early 20th century, dresses became shorter and less ornate, with the introduction of the flapper style in the 1920s, a la Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby. Since then, dresses have continued to evolve in style and design, reflecting the changing attitudes and fashions of each era, sometimes swinging vastly through aesthetics across a single decade. Today, dresses are available in a wide variety of styles, from the ever-so-classic little black dress to the daring, figure-hugging mini, to the bohemian maxi dress.

Dress trends for 2023

1. Bold, bright colours: Vibrant hues like neon and bold jewel tones are expected to make a comeback in 2023, both in clothing and accessories.
2. Oversized silhouettes: Oversized dresses are becoming increasingly popular and are expected to continue to be a trend in 2023. They offer a comfortable and relaxed look while still being fashionable.
3. Asymmetrical designs: Asymmetrical hemlines and necklines are expected to be popular in 2023. This trend offers a modern and unique look to dresses. If you’re a more daring fashionista, try out drastically asymmetrical hemlines for a real attention-grabbing look.
4. Sheer fabrics: Sheer fabrics like chiffon and organza are expected to be popular in 2023. These fabrics offer a romantic and ethereal look to dresses. Layering is the key to successfully pulling off sheer fabrics, and you get to add as much (or as little) coverage as you want.

Our top picks for easy casual dresses

1. Mr Price:This Zebra Patterned Trapeze number

Accessorise with: Tall boots, casual boho wavey hair and a statement pendant.

2. Cotton On:This Terrycloth Cottagecore must-have

Accessorise with: Preppy white sneakers, a delicate multi-chain choker and a linen cross-body bag.

3. Forever New:These flowy brunch date staples

Accessorise with:  Gold hoop earrings, a slouchy blazer over the shoulders, open toe slides.

Our picks for dresses to climb the corporate ladder in

1. Queenspark:This bold checkered bodycon dress

Accessorise with: Patent black leather pointed-toe heels, a black clutch, and a knee-length wool trench coat in a statement colour.

2. Poetry: This autumn-themed patchwork dream

Accessorise with: Knitted over-layers, neutral-toned leather bag and shoes, and statement wide-brimmed hat for to-and-from the office.

3. Truworths: This classic little black dress

Accessorise with: Chunky ankle boots, a printed bolero jacket, and sharp geometric sunglasses.

Our picks for occasion dresses to bring the ultimate glitz and glamour

1. YDE:This showstopping symmetrical slit gown

Accessorise with: Wet look, slicked back hair, strappy nude heels, a minimal clutch purse

2. Guess:These warm-toned patterned ensembles

Accessorise with: Rose gold bracelets, metallic flatforms, shimmery bronzer

3. Foschini: This Va-Va-Voom pleather mini

Accessorise with: Dark lipstick and eyeliner, a statement sheer coverup and sneakers for extra edginess.

Are you ready to hit the town?

Then grab the dress of your dreams from one of the many fashion-forward outlets at Sandton City shopping centre in Sandton Central; accessorise it so it highlights your individuality and celebrate International Dress Day with us on the 6th of March! Make sure to snap a picture of yourself in your fresh new frock and tag us on @sandtoncentral on Instagram, so we can share your look to our stories. See you soon, in style, in Sandton.