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Anna Quan has quickly become one of my most-worn labels – I’m either wearing one of her pieces to work, to dinner, or when I want to look like I’ve made an effort without actually trying that hard. Over the past year I’ve built up a solid collection (accidentally, of course), and while I could wax lyrical about my entire AQ collection, today it’s all about the dresses.
For context: I’m 5’2 (158cm) and haven’t had to alter a single dress. They just work. No dragging hems, no drowning in fabric, no emergency trip to the tailor.
Below, I’m sharing mini reviews of four current-season styles that I wear on repeat – all still available, for now.
#1 – This polo-inspired knit dress
Anna Quan dress (sz AU 6), Gucci loafers, Ally Shoes red slingbacks* (use VIRGINIA40 for $40USD off), Bellroy bag* (review here), Status Anxiety sunglasses*
This was my first Anna Quan dress and it’s still the one I reach for regularly for the office. The ribbed fabric sculpts gently without clinging, and the refined polo neck makes it ideal for stylish office wear without veering into “robotic corporate lemming”. The brown shade I bought has sold out more than once since I bought it – it’s just been restocked, and for good reason. It’s an easy, flattering piece that looks just as good with a coat and boots as it does worn on its own. Size wise, I’m normally a size AU 8 but I followed the sizing notes and opted for a size AU 6.
#2 – The double-layered knit dress that works for everything
Anna Quan dress* (sz AU 8), Dries Van Noten heels (same style here, here; similar style here), Dragon Diffusion bag (also here and here); Loewe bag (featured here), Status Anxiety sunglasses*
This knit dress is one of those deceptively simple dresses that does a lot. The fit is streamlined and flattering thanks to the double-layered knit, which offers a bit of structure and a lot of comfort. It’s cut with a boat neckline, which gives it an understated elegance. I’ve worn it to work, to dinners, and events – it works with both loafers and heels, and always feels put together without being overdone. I stuck with my usual size AU 8 in this style.
#3 – The very bougie denim dress
Anna Quan dress* (sz 8 – AU link, US link), Ally boots* (use “VIRGINIATALLBOOT” for 10% off; review here), Loewe bag (featured here), Arms of Eve earrings*, Status Anxiety sunglasses*
This dress (AU link, US link) is quite possibly, the bougiest denim dress I own – and I mean that in the best way. It has that signature Anna Quan silhouette: fitted through the waist, flared through the skirt and panelled seams that flatter without being obvious about it. I wore it to the brand’s dinner launching their Pre-Fall collection and styled it with cowboy boots, but I’ve seen it styled by others with chic flats and knee-high boots and it looks great. It’s denim, but elevated – like if tailoring and off-duty dressing had a very chic child.
#4 – This funnel-neck ribbed midi in the perfect winter shade
Anna Quan dress* (sz AU 6), The Curated coat* (sz XS), Wittner boots*, Dragon Diffusion bag, Status Anxiety sunglasses*
Finally, this funnel-neck ribbed knit dress with a soft A-line cut is an easy, pull-on piece that somehow still looks styled. It’s available in carob which is a new season shade that sits somewhere between brown and grey (very flattering, very wearable). It’s the kind of piece that layers well under coats without bunching and gives enough shape to feel polished, even if you’re pairing it with sneakers or flats. I followed the size guide and sized down to a size AU 6 (though I would have been fine to stick with my usual size AU 8).
There are a few other dresses I’ve had my eye on – pieces that follow the same design principles: clean lines, premium fabrications, and a focus on flattering cuts that don’t demand too much effort. Take a look at some of my top picks below.
As always, thanks for stopping by!
P.S. Check out my daily outfits here.
