I Tried The Rixo Autumn Dress Drop: Here's What I Think

What’s worth the hype? …

Co-founders of Rixo, Cheshire-born Henrietta Rix and Derry-born Orlagh McCloskey, know a thing or two about a good dress. (See inside Rix’s vintage-inspired wardrobe here.) The style set agrees, too: see the rotation of original dressers who gravitate towards the brand season after season. By this stage, it’s so synonymous with a great printed dress that it’s carved its own niche (the fact that Rix and McCloskey have such an effortless boho-style certainly helps boost sales).

Then there’s the new Irish store, the first bricks-and-mortar in the country: it opened at Kildare Village at the beginning of the summer, comprised of stock from both new and previous collections. In other words, it’s a go-to destination for when nothing less than a fabulous frock will do. Whether it’s event dressing, finding the perfect wedding guest dress or you’re simply looking for a do-it-all dress that will see you through the year.

The just-launched collection for this season is already receiving some buzz, so there’s no better time to explore what’s new. From striking black velvet and feminine ruffles to classic polka dot prints, the autumn drop is certainly covetable. In the spirit of (important and essential!) research, I tried some of the latest and greatest styles available now at Kildare Village. Scroll to shop an edit of lust-worthy dresses – and to see how they look in real life.

The Everyday Hero

Why we love it: The Kaila dress, RRP €360, Village price €180, is a reliable daytime dress that holds its own for eveningwear. The definition of an all-rounder, this long-sleeved, printed midi can be worn with a pair of brown suede loafers or boat shoes for a cool daywear look, and dressed up for dinner with cool kitten heels or cowboy boots.

The Boho Buy

Why we love it: Don’t be fooled by its cotton fabric, the Edina maxi dress, €360, is the kind of unicorn dress that works just as well for autumn as it does summer. With its boho lace detailing and embroidery, it’s the perfect layering piece to go with a seasonal leather jacket, trench coat or chocolate brown blazer.

The LBD

Why we love it: To anyone who says you simply must have an LBD (Little Black Dress) in your artillery, I say go for its chicer counterpart, the Long Black Dress. The Amari black dress, RRP €335, Village price €268, boats a flattering midi length that cuts off on (in heels) at exactly the right spot on your calf to creating a slimming silhouette (in flats, it sits just above my ankles). What’s more, the velvet fabric feels wholly decadent as autumn cedes to winter and we face a roster of events that demand a healthy selection of ‘good’ dresses.

The Classic Print

Why we love it: The perfect shade of scarlet, the Evie printed dress, €435, is a polka dot style that won’t date, while the shape – with its ruffled frills at the waist – has that something extra for eveningwear or occasions. Teamed with a tux blazer or a faux fur coat, this feels like the perfect transeasonal wedding guest dress.

The Winter Floral

Why we love it: Everyone needs a floral print to serve them during the winter months and, with its black background and delicate rosebud print, the Amari dress in Sienna, €325, is entirely fit for purpose. Wear it to brunch, a work event or, better yet, team it with a long tan suede jacket and take it for drinks.

The Dress-Up Statement

Why we love it: If you’re looking for the kind of dress trend that’s a statement-maker, the Clementina silk chiffon dress, €370, is it. The vintage-inspired, flouncy ruffles have a romantic feeling and the water-colour florals are timeless.

The Vintage Throwback

Why we love it: The nighties-as-daywear trend abounded for summer and, as we head into the new season, the line between wispy nightwear and covetable dress remains as blurred as ever. Enter: the Marlice dress, €495, which is fashioned from silk, has an antique-look lace trim and boasts a dainty ribbon under the bust for maximum cuteness. The cornflower blue is refreshing (and complementary to pale skin), but the navy and black options also available online are equally elegant.