The most flattering midi dresses out there

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Make no mistake, as much as mini dresses and midaxis (between midi and maxi, just above the ankle) are having a moment, the midi dress is still reigning supreme this season.

A firm favourite among the fash-pack including Alexa Chung and Camille Charriere, and one of Kate Middleton's wardrobe staples too, it is universally flattering.

Sitting somewhere between the knee and the ankle, not quite pencil skirt length and falling a little higher than the maxi - the mid-length hemline is the style of choice for the new-season, and it just so happens to suit pretty much any figure.

While we love a skirt as much as the next person, the midi dress is the easiest way to work the trend, especially as they can work for almost any event on the calendar. Think work, evening, weekend or even occasion dressing - whatever it is you're after, there is definitely a style to suit. They're also a great seasonless piece, which you can layer under an oversized jumper or leather trench coat come autumn/winter.

Why not check out the latest midi dresses styles on Marie Claire Edit

For summer, don't hesitate to go for bright colours and bold prints. Citrusy shades of orange and yellow are the go-to choice for AW20, while we're also seeing soft pastels and more neutral shades.

Channel the retro 60s and 70s trend and go for something printed and feminine (Rixo always come up trumps here), or why not try something a little more structured, and paired back, like a safari dress or tailored shirt dress? Another big trend to look out for is the prairie dress, which offers a flattering shape thanks to puff sleeves and full skirts.

For an evening out, look to the minimal slip dress where you just need to add a pair of heels, simple jewellery and you are good to go. A long-sleeved dress will see you through the seasons, but don't banish strappy styles to the back of your wardrobe until the hot weather hits. They key is to layer, so wear them over a crisp white shirt, or for a look that's even more on trend, over an oversized sleeve top with bow detailing.

But for autumn/winter 2020, the hero investment piece is no doubt the knitted midi dress, whether you're going for a chunky 80s look with big sleeves or a more fitted fine V neck dress. Look to Khaite for a lesson in timeless elegance.

Scroll down to shop our edit of the best dresses to buy now.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.