The return of the IT dress

Perhaps it’s the rush of high-profile weddings with A-listers aplenty in attendance or the fact that taste-makers' European trips are flooding our TikTok right now but it feels like you cannot move for head-turning dresses that are crafted to attract attention. These gowns are all about dressing up as much as possible – we call it it 'maximalism with purpose' –, especially when paired with impeccable hair and make-up and an impressive backdrop to match. From Zendaya to Olivia Rodrigo, gen Z style icons are embracing bolder, body-conscious silhouettes and confident colour choices to make a statement of individuality and modern femininity. 

Once a mainstay of early 2000s fashion, the IT dress is now reimagined through a modern lens – think sculptural draping, saturated colour palettes, and unexpected textures. Whether it’s a wedding guest-worthy design from Simkhai, a flowing and fringed gown by Taller Marmo, or a sharply structured piece from Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili, these dresses are designed to stand alone and stand out.

In the Middle East, the renaissance of the IT dress resonates deeply with the region’s love for elevated occasion wear, too. Weddings, iftar gatherings and black-tie dinners call for a dress that strikes the perfect balance between drama and refinement. Styles that nod to tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary style.

But how to style it? The IT dress is an item that does all the hard work for you. Often painstakingly made by experienced artisans, using a mix of time honoured techniques and modern approaches, stand out dresses and their design speak for themselves. Let the dress lead and allow the craft, intricate details and beauty of the piece to shine. Keep accessories intentional – think sleek mules or sculptural heels, and minimal jewellery with a directional edge. If there’s a chill and you need outerwear it should add contrast, like a sharply tailored blazer or a fluid coat with clean lines.