3 Must Have Dresses For 2019 And How To Style Them (AD)

This post contains gifted items from Pretty Little Thing, and affiliate links. All gifts and affiliate links are marked "AD".

As you might remember from my Blog Overhaul Post from the end of last year, I'm on a bit of a mission to bring more useful content to my blog and social channels in 2019. A big part of that is going to involve bringing you more fashion related posts, looking at what's on trend, and translating that into outfits that look fab, but also function as wearable clothing for the average 40 plus woman. (Or at least, that's the aim!) So when Pretty Little Thing got in touch to ask if I'd like to collaborate on a dresses post with them, I did my research first. And, as a result, each of the three dresses I've picked ticks off not one but two key trends for 2019, making them real must have pieces for this year, especially when spring comes along.

Dress 1: Leopard Print And Prairie (AD)

I'm sure I'm not the only one who's thrilled that animal print styles are going nowhere fast! There's something so playful and fun about them, yet they can also look super chic when done right. Another trend that seems to be growing in popularity is the Prairie trend, and the style of this dress definitely gives me cowgirl vibes! I've teamed mine with high heeled ankle boots, as my short legs tend to need a height boost when dresses hit me mid calf. I've also added a thin waist belt, my current favourite bag - apologies if you're already sick of seeing it - and rolled up the sleeves.

This dress works really well with a slim fitting black turtle neck top underneath and thick black tights, which is great in this bitterly cold weather, but I can also see it in spring with a nice pair of wedges or mules. Or, if you're really feeling the Prairie thing, you could always team it with cowboy boots. Definitely a versatile piece, and one I'll be getting plenty of wear out of from now until the summer.

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Dress 2: Sunset Orange And Feminine Shape (AD)

Have you noticed how longer length dresses and elegant, feminine cuts seem to be everywhere lately? Great news as far as I'm concerned, as I find this type of dress so flattering and easy to wear. The shape of this one in particular - flowing skirt, shirt style bodice, side split - reminds me of one of the must have dresses from earlier on in the season. I can't remember where that one was from, but it had polka dots and used to pop up every third photo or so on my Instagram feed! I was always admiring it, so I'm thrilled that the style is still very much in vogue and that I'm now able to enjoy it for myself with this Pretty Little Thing number!

The second trend box this dress ticks is the colour - this lovely sunset orange is going to be big news in 2019 and I can see myself loving it, especially when the weather gets a bit warmer. I have paired the dress with a simple cream bag and flat mules, letting the gorgeous vibrant colour do all the talking. I also think it would work beautifully with tan accessories - for example some tan suede over the knee boots would look great with it and also be more weather appropriate right about now!

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Dress 3: Dusky Pink And Pleats (AD)

My final must have dress from Pretty Little Thing is definitely more of an occasion piece, and without question more suited to spring and summer - I almost froze to death getting these photos! This is just the kind of dress I love to have waiting in the wings for any weddings or special parties that might pop up during the warmer months - just add heels and a clutch bag in a metallic hue and you are good to go! The dusky pink colour (kind of like millennial pink, but a touch more muted) is very much on trend for 2019. Good news for me, but if you're not a fan, it also comes in black!

In my opinion, the best thing about this dress is its beautiful, finely pleated skirt, and again this is a style detail that is bang on trend for 2019. It's definitely something of a princess dress, so I would recommend going slightly more "grown up" with your choice of footwear - nothing too chunky!

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Which is your favourite of the three dresses? And which trends do you think you'll be embracing in 2019?

Kate x