We Try: The Aere linen dress taking over social media feeds
It’s the versatile dress that took over social media feeds for months and with the weather warming, now’s the time to jump on the trend.
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Smock dresses are not a new silhouette – it’s a style you may remember from childhood dresses.
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But a Sydney label, AERE, has taken the old-school frock to new, refreshing heights. Thanks to tiered, pintuck pleating throughout its skirt; high, ruffled neckline; and perhaps most beloved, full-length balloon sleeves with pintucked pleating and tie detail on the barrel cuffs, this dress has taken over social media feeds.
A cotton poplin slip makes it perfect for transeasonal dressing and it’s available in three colours – ivory, lilac and black so it works for different personal styles.
THE BEST SMOCK DRESS
AERE Pleat Detail Linen Smock Dress, The Iconic, $139
The Iconic’s Head of Style, Nicole Adolphe, told news.com.au exactly why this dress is winning so many fans. “The smock dress could not be hotter this season. Perfect for dressing up, or down, this go-to AERE number – with its cool lilac colour and statement balloon sleeve – can take you seamlessly through the seasons all depending on how you style it.”
There was nothing for us to do but try it on.
Mariela Summerhays, Commercial Content Writer, Smock dress newcomer
AERE Pleat Detail Linen Smock Dress in Ivory, $139
Mariela recommends with: Nina Armando Ivanka, $249;Wittner Hawn Patchwork Leather Block Heel Long Boots, $420
“I will wear a dress over absolutely any other item of clothing – as seen here – but am loyal to the form-fitting, knitted variety. Blame years of high school spent in bulky kiltlike skirts – I’ve been convinced that any type of billowing silhouette will look unflattering on my figure.
Though sceptical at first, I was pleased to know this dress-of-the-moment was from AERE. I love their minimalist colour palettes and affinity for linen, and actually already own one of their creations.
The verdict? I guess I’ll be investigating smock dresses more in the future, because I absolutely adore this dress. A drawback of my beloved form-fitting dresses is the impulse to constantly smooth my front and back throughout the day, worried that the fabric is catching on my bra or underwear – hey, I might as well be honest, right – but the volume of this AERE dress means that I can get on with my day without thinking twice about how my clothes are sitting.
I can absolutely see me wearing this throughout the seasons, as pictured – with my easy slides in summer, and over-the-knee boots in winter. Sheerness – always a concern with white linen – has been taken care of, courtesy of an attached cotton slip; and with beautiful detail throughout, including those to-die-for pleated balloon sleeves, I don’t have to spare extra thought on accessories when running out the door in the morning.
If between sizes, I would suggest getting the size down – it really is quite voluminous – but rest assured that you can easily swap it for another size should you not feel your best in your first choice.”
Rating out of five: ★★★★½
Edwina Carr Barraclough, Best Of Editor, Soon-to-be mother-of-two
AERE Pleat Detail Linen Smock Dress in Lilac, $139
Edwina recommends with: Wittner Qadira Stretch Textile Pointed Toe Ankle Boots, $175 (RRP$230);Cotton On Pleat Sleeve Denim Jacket, $27.95 (RRP$69.99)
“At nine months pregnant, my clothing choices were resigned to ‘whatever fits’, not ‘what looked good’. So when I spied this dress, by Sydney label AERE, that looked roomy enough for a full-term baby bump, I felt more excited about clothing than I had in a long, long time. The perfect maternity dress, this smock dress fitted effortlessly over my bump with zero restrictions, discomfort or riding up at the front (pregnant friends, you know what I’m talking about here).
And unlike most actual maternity clothes, it didn’t scrimp on fun sartorial features, like the balloon sleeves with cute ties and the very now ruffled high neckline that I adore. The lilac purple shade and breezy linen fabric works for any season and I could easily pair it with boots (these leopard print ones pictured are from Sol Sana a few seasons back), a denim jacket, strappy heels or sandals. I’m looking forward to trying it on post-baby (when I’ve graduated out of newborn spew-covered track pants and dressing gowns, that is) and taking it for a spin. If you’re tossing up which size to get, I’d recommend sizing down as this dress has some serious volume and room.”
Rating out of five: ★★★½
Jessica Wang, Commercial Content Writer, No-fuss dresser
AERE Pleat Detail Linen Smock Dress in Black, $139
Jessica recommends with: NOVO Kaesha Boots, $89.95;Morgan & Taylor Lisa Beret, $29.95
“The very definition of a ‘throw on and go’ dress, the charm of this outfit is that you can just as easily run out the door with a pair of black boots or sneakers, or spice up the basic black frock with those wardrobe statement pieces you wish you wore more often. For me this was a beret (because, why not) and a pair of dramatic snake-print boots; but the frock is equally as suited to a pair of strappy heels, statement earrings and a bold lip.
The statement sleeves also lends the dress to being a perfect transeasonal, autumn-to-winter option. The linen is breathable enough to wear as is during warmer weeks; but as the weather gets cooler, you can add a coat and a pair of tights for extra warmth. Other important dress notes include its expert ability to hide a ‘food baby’, the versatile sleeves you can wear at full or three-quarter length and the frilly, Victorian-inspired neckline that’s oh-so-chic.”
Rating out of five: ★★★★★
OTHER BRILLIANT SMOCK DRESSES TO CONSIDER:
Still on the lookout for the smock dress of your sartorial dreams? We’ve rounded up a few more of our favourites, fit for every budget and style.
THE BEST AFFORDABLE SMOCK DRESSES
Reverse Frill Sleeve Midi Dress, The Iconic, on sale $39 down from $89.95
Cut from lightweight, pure cotton, this Australian designed, midi-length smock dress is another breathable option that can be taken through the seasons with ease. Simply pop a figure-hugging white turtleneck under its frilled, voluminous sleeves in cooler months; and take advantage of its tiered skirt, wearing leggings underneath for warmth.
Love Letter Cut-Out Mini Dress, The Iconic, on sale $62.99 down from $89.99
Long may the cut-out trend live, I say. This iteration of the statement style is from Dazie, one of The Iconic’s own in-house labels, and features a pure cotton construction, wrist-length balloon sleeves, and drawstring tie cut-out detail to sides. The Australian retailer clearly knew we’d want one in more than one colour, giving the option of four, from this chic black to apple green.
THE BEST DESIGNER SMOCK DRESSES
Oroton Gathered Smock Dress, The Iconic, on sale $279 down from $399
Ladylike gets a contemporary makeover with this gathered smock dress from Australian luxury label, Oroton. Made from pure cotton, this eggshell-hued, knee-skimming smock dress does away with unnecessary bells and whistles, highlighting only an exaggerated placket and soft gathering to back yoke and balloon sleeves. Wear as is, or cinch at the waist with an accompanying fabric-covered metal shank.
Gorman Floating Points Linen Dress, The Iconic, on sale $186 down from $249
If you’re starving for some colour and print in your wardrobe, there are few who do it as well as Australian fashion house, Gorman. Known for their playful and daring silhouette and textile combinations, their Floating Points Linen Dress is no exception. Constructed from pure natural linen, its billowy silhouette is given structure by a strong pleat to the back and contrasting soft gathering to bustline. Though certainly its rust and oatmeal print is the hero of this piece, it has to be said – this dress also has side seam pockets (ladies, you know what I mean).
THE BEST SIZE INCLUSIVE SMOCK DRESSES
Atmos & Here Curvy Carmen Linen Blend Smock Mini Dress, The Iconic, on sale $44.50 down from $89.99
If you were a fan of the pleated detail on our reviewed dress, but maybe wanted to ease into the trend, this Carmen Linen Blend Smock Mini Dress may be just the thing. Constructed from a linen-blend fabrication – breathable and light – its stand collar with tie detail, mini-length hem and monochromatic hue grounds voluminous sleeves and tuck detailing. The perfect option for minimalist dressers dipping their toes into the world of embellishments.
Atmos & Here Curvy Amora Cotton Mini Dress, The Iconic, on sale $39.99 down from $79.99
So often labels will shy away from print and pattern on exaggerated silhouettes, worried about overwhelming a dress. If your mantra is ‘more is more’ – and quite honestly, we could all use a bit more of that in our lives – this cotton mini from another of The Iconic’s in-house labels (honestly, is there anything they can’t do?) is destined for you. Made from pure cotton, its tiered skirt is paired with relaxed sleeves, with a keyhole closure to nape of neck. Love the cut but not the print? It also comes in a blush pink and snow white.
HOW DO YOU STYLE A SMOCK DRESS FOR SUMMER?
“When it comes to the warmer months, it’s all about keeping the overall aesthetic light and fresh,” Nicole advises. “Think accessorising with pastel and neutral tones like the Billini Zenayda chunky slide, or try the Steve Madden Assist mules for a more dressed up vibe.”
Nicole suggests considering how accessories might also complement the silhouette, adding, “Add additional flair with classic hoop earrings and a pair of trending 90s inspired shades like the Soda Shades GG to match. When picking the perfect bag, opt for a cross body or tote bag, such as the Oroton Maple Bucket Bag or Fall The Label Half Moon Ivory Cross Body Bag to keep it cool and casual.”
HOW DO YOU STYLE A SMOCK DRESS FOR WINTER?
“On the flip side, to take this style into winter, all you need to do is pair it with darker accessories,” Nicole explains. “The combat boot will be one of AW21’s must haves, and I love the AERE Chunky Cleated Sole Leather Lace Up Boots or Dazie Marc Ankle Boots to give this look added edge.”
“For something different, you could even style a chunky necklace over the collar of the dress, such as the Bling Bar Cinzia Choker and Reliquia Jewellery Alma Necklace,” she tells news.com.au.
WHY IS THE SMOCK DRESS SUCH A TRANSEASONAL STAPLE?
According to Nicole, it’s all about the silhouette and versatile colour choices. “The transeasonal versatility of this dress really comes down to its statement long sleeve and short length that makes it the ideal piece to suit either season,” she says. “The beautiful soft lilac colourway can be styled to be more summery with lighter tone accessories while also providing wear in the cooler months with darker accessories, boots and a trench coat.”
“A hot tip I love is working with this dress’ statement sleeves to completely change the look. In warmer months push them up to the elbow for a timeless voluminous look and when things cool down, you can work with the high neckline by layering a thin top underneath.”
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