Whether you’ve got a school formal, a wedding, a black tie or cocktail event, finding the perfect dress can be tough. And while online shopping can make it easy (and great to narrow down your choices), sometimes you just want to do it the old-fashioned way and try before you buy so you know you’ll love it.
From black tie to cocktail dress codes (and from designer to budget fashion), we’ve rounded up 10 of the best places to look for that special occasion dress in Sydney.
10. Myer
Price: $-$$$
About: With locations all over Sydney, and stocking brands including Alex Perry, Acler, We Are Kindred and Maticevski, as well as international designers including Diane von Furstenberg, Ganni and Victoria Beckham. They also stock a number of affordable brands including Cooper Street, Finders Keepers and their own in-house Miss Shop label.
9. David Jones
Price: $-$$$
About: Also with locations all over Sydney, and a vast range of brands, DJs is a perfect starting point. With Aussie labels including Zimmermann, Camilla and Marc, Dion Lee and Manning Cartell to international designers including Valentino, Balmain and Altuzarra as well as wide range of affordable options from Keepsake to CMEO Collective and Bec & Bridge
8. White Runway, Alexandria
Price: $$
About: For formal dresses at affordable prices (and all dress codes) – White Runway even stock some of your fave designer brands including Alex Perry and Aussie faves Keepsake and C/MEO Collective.
7. Hansen and Gretel, Mona Vale and Paddington
Price: $$
About: Pretty feminine dresses but with a cool-girl edge will help you stand out in a crowd.
6. Desordre boutique, Darlinghurst
Price: $$$
About: Their Instagram bio says it all, “Life’s a party, dress for it”. This is where you go for a dress no one else will have, they stock a mix of up-and-coming Aussie designers, alongside faves like Aje, Karla Spetic, Josh Goot and Dion Lee as well as a range of international designers you won’t easily find elsewhere.
5. Burke Boutique, Mosman
Price: $$
About: Stocking Aussie faves including Bec & Bridge, Viktoria & Woods, Shona Joy, Tallulah and Stevie May you’ll find formal dresses in pretty prints and good prices.
4. Parlour X
Price: $$$
About: If your budget is high then this is where you go to buy! Think international designers including Saint Laurent, Valentino, Pucci and Chloe.
3. Alice McCall, Sydney CBD, Paddington, Bondi, Macquarie, Warringah Mall, Miranda
Price: $$
About: For the perfect little party dress Alice McCall is your go-to. Think fun, flirty minis and gorgeous lace, embroidery and intricate detailing.
2. Bec & Bridge, Westfield Bondi Junction
Price: $$
About: Think perfect cocktail dresses at great prices – and that you’re sure to wear again and again.
1. Zimmermann, Paddington, Bondi, CBD, Chatswood, Warringah Mall, Macquarie, Miranda, Rosebery
Price: $$-$$$
About: For a statement piece that you will keep forever, you can’t go past Zimmermann for the perfect formal dress. From stunning lace and silks to their signature prints, everyone needs a Zimmermann piece in their wardrobe.
