As London Fashion Week draws to a close today, the Cosmopolitan fashion desk has been taking notes on all the trends you'll be wanting to shop soon for the colder months. From what designers are debuting on the runway, to what the buyers, editors, and stylists are wearing IRL to the shows, there's a whole lot of fun stuff to take in. (Notably: ballet flats from Miu Miu and Dear Frances, jewelled Bumper bags from J.W. Anderson, loads of camo print cargo pants, and "blokette core" sports jerseys in every colour of the rainbow.)
But there was one dress in particular that we kept spotting on the front row, and guess what? It's actually affordable. And wearable. I know, shocker. I'm talking about the Dakota Bow Midi Dress by London label of the moment Damson Madder. It retails new for £115, and we spotted the gorgeous flowy silhouette in both a gingham and a floral pattern at the shows, on multiple guests.
Shop Damson Madder Dresses
Damson Madder Dakota Bow Midi Dress in Floral
The female-owned brand launched in 2020, and founder Emma Hill has a knack for knowing what women love to wear. This particular dress ticks a load of boxes: the coquettish bow trend (times three, for good measure), long sleeves for winter, a romantic scooped-out neckline, a flowing skirt for comfort, and forgiving ruching around the midsection. Plus, dreamy on-trend patterns. For days when you want to throw on something comfy and easy with your cowboy boots, but still feel pretty and pulled together, this dress is an absolute winner.
The brown gingham version is already starting to sell out in some sizes, but good news: a December restock is already planned. We love the ditsy floral version too though; it's impossible to pick a favourite. As a bonus, everything by the label is made with organic cotton and a commitment to sustainability. Now that's a trend we can get behind.
Maddy Alford is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK, covering fashion content online and in print. Maddy specialises in shopping galleries and first-person reviews of the best fashion buys, from jeans and jewellery to wedding dresses, gymwear, and winter coats. She also writes op-eds on on pop culture, viral fashion moments, travel journalism, fitness, and the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with style. Maddy is also a fashion stylist who has worked on over 100 photoshoots at Hearst, including those starring Raye, Niall Horan, and Lena Dunham. Previously, she has worked in fashion PR and e-commerce, including stints at ELLE US and UK, Net-a-Porter, InStyle, and Time Out New York. Maddy has ten years of experience in the fashion industry in both London and New York City, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is passionate about second-hand shopping, inclusive fashion, running on Regent's Canal, and finding London's cosiest pubs.
