The Party Dress: A Maximalist Edition
I ended up scouring the whole internet to find the perfect dress
I am planning my 40th birthday party, and in true Tibi fashion, I decided the dress code will be TON. Explaining this to my guests, however, turned out to be a challenge. I tried sending screenshots from Amy’s book and explaining the concept, but even my fashion-forward friends didn’t quite get it. Eventually, someone suggested calling it "maximalist," and that worked much better. With the dress code finally settled, I felt a sense of relief - this was going to be a great party.
That relief, however, was short-lived. I soon realized I didn’t have a maximalist outfit for myself! Panic set in, and I launched into a full-on search across all corners of the internet to find the perfect dress. Since I tend to scour systematically, I wanted to share my findings with you in case you're also searching for something special for the holiday season.
When faced with any style dilemma, my first stop is always Irene’s Substack, and this was no exception. Her posts from last year’s holiday season are still a treasure trove of ideas. Irene shows how to play with colorful tights, sequins, and clever styling touches, creating cohesive looks from separates that can be reused endlessly.
That said, while separates are versatile and can be reused after, I tend to feel much better in dresses for festive occasions. Separates, for me, come with challenges—tucking, adjusting, bloating, and just overall inconvenience. A dress, on the other hand, is a one-and-done solution.
I started my search with "Scandi girl party outfits" on Pinterest and Instagram, which quickly led me to Jeanette Madsen’s Instagram. She wore a stunning dress from her brand, Rotate, that caught my eye.
The dress also appears on the Rotate Birger Christensen website.
The website photo, however, doesn’t do the dress justice. On Jeanette’s Instagram, the bow looked softer and less precious, giving the dress an effortlessly draped appearance. I imagined pairing it with pink tights and matching shoes or finding another way to amplify its charm in a maximalist way. My excitement lasted for days, but I eventually realized the dress was too mini for my comfort - and at EUR 430, it was more than I wanted to spend. Still, if you’re comfortable in minis, it’s a wonderful option. Rotate also has many other options on their website and an archive sale starting Nov. 25, with plenty of other party-ready styles.
From Rotate, I ventured into other Scandi brands. While Scandinavian day-to-day style leans minimal, their partywear throws minimalism out the window. Brands like aforementioned Rotate, Stine Goya, Ganni, Baum und Pferdgarten offer some incredible maximalist options. If you’re interested, the Stine Goya Archive Sale (running until Nov. 24) is a great place to start, with prices as low as $100 for party dresses. I considered the silver Celsia Dress on the top left below as a sparkly base to accessorize maximally but decided it might look too mature on my frame. Still, the sale has plenty of other exciting pieces.
Top row left to right: Celsia Dress, Chiara Dress, Eiffel Heels; Middle row left to right: Heidi Dress, Jesabelle Pants, Kiana Jacket; Bottom row left to right: Naemi Heels, Roxy Jacket, Floretta Skirt
Next, I turned to my tried-and-true favorites. Tibi was an obvious choice, but it’s outside my budget at the moment. If it’s within yours, their 4-Ply Silk T-Shirt Dress in red is stunning and my top pick. Other options, like the Fringe Cape (sold out) or the Artemis Beading Tank Dress, also make effortless, reusable statements.
Top row left to right: 4-Ply Silk T-Shirt Dress, Artemis Beading Tank Dress, Bottom row left to right: 4-Ply Silk Fringe Cape (sold out), Melee Crepe V-Neck Dress With Organza Lining.
Another favorite, A.W.A.K.E. Mode, has some spectacular pieces with circular designs and I vaguely remember thinking a year ago that this will be the brand I will wear on my 40th birthday. Their Multi Circle Layered Cape Top and signature Multi Circle Layered Maxi Skirt could even work somewhat casually, though they were beyond my budget - maybe the 45th birthday will be the year of A.W.A.K.E Mode for me :)
Left to right: Cutout crepe maxi dress, Multi Circle Layered Maxi Skirt, Multi Circle Layered Cape Top
While looking for more affordable and second-hand A.W.A.K.E. Mode designs, I stumbled upon their collaboration with John Lewis that is surprisingly not sold out. It offers more affordable options, like the Knitted Knot Slim Fit Maxi Dress. I almost bought it but realized the wool-cashmere blend might be too warm for dancing all night.
I also stumbled upon the Belgian brand Essentiel Antwerp - a maximalist, modern dream. From oversized mini dresses to fringes and sequined mechanic shirts, the brand’s playful take on fashion was irresistible. Their mini dresses definitely made my shortlist.
My favorites, all from Essentiel Antwerp
I briefly checked Toteme and Rohe Frames, which offer beautiful silk and satin dresses in bold colors. If my chosen dress doesn’t work out, these are my backup options - they are on a more expensive side, but silk is silk, and the cuts are both elegant and effortless.
Left to right: Rohe Frames Fluid Silk Dress in Red and Blue, Toteme Slouch waist dress pearl
A quick visit to SSENSE turned up several sequined options. I loved the Simon Miller Silver Argan Maxi Dress and almost reconsidered my "no separates" rule for the Dries Van Noten Tinsel Midi Skirt.
Left: Simon Miller Silver Argan Maxi Dress, Right: Dries Van Noten Blue Tinsel Midi Skirt
Finally, almost in despair, I went back to my beloved COS to take another look at their dress section.
Left: Tie-Detail Satin Midi Dress, Right: Zebra-Print Cutout Midi Dress
COS primarily focuses on neutrals, and while I loved the Tie-Detail Satin Midi Dress, I realized it would require some effort to make it truly maximalist. The Zebra-Print Cutout Midi Dress didn’t quite fit the bill either.
My winner: Cos Fluid T-shirt Dress!
Then, I noticed that the Fluid T-shirt Dress in yellow from COS Atelier had reappeared in my size, so I quickly snagged it. The bold color is inherently maximalist, so let’s see if I can make it work with additional accessories - stay tuned for updates on how it turns out!
Love your process! And how you sticked to your criteria. Didn't give in on price or design.
You will look stunning in the Cos dress!
i tried that John Lewis x AWAKE Mode bag many times and it is so so so delightful. Is this my sign to get it? hehe x