Shop women's dresses by fabric

Viscose crepe knit breathes and moves easily, which is why the Crepe Knit Tee, Shirt and Button Dresses get worn so often. Silk dupioni gives the Audrey and Maria Dresses a quiet sheen and a shape that holds. Our Papori jacquard, a custom Italian silk interpreting an Indonesian textile technique, falls on the bias in the Anisa. Sheer organza lets the Tia Dress reach the floor without weighing a thing.

Minis, shifts and floor-length dresses

The Chelsea Dress is our classic mini shift: sleeveless, round collared and clean in line. The Christy Dress tightens things up in ribbed Italian cotton with a shaped waist. The Esme is a square-cut shift with broad straps and a distinctly retrograde mood. At the other end of the hemline, the Citra Dress borrows from the tuxedo in wool silk suiting, falling to the ankle from a draped back.

Women's dresses for weddings and events

Some women's dresses are built for the long lunch, others for the reception that follows it. The Stella Dress takes tuxedo tailoring into an evening silhouette with a raso silk turn-back neckline. The Sabine Strapless Quilted Dress brings structure in Japanese semi-matte cloth, and the Coralie Off Shoulder Knit Dress leads our knitted dresses in silk Milano knit. The wider eveningwear edit covers the rest of the guest list.

Layering women's dresses with knitwear and outerwear

A dress rarely travels alone. Throw a cardigan from our women's knitwear over the Chelsea when the restaurant runs cold. Add a coat from women's outerwear to carry the Laras into a cool evening, and let accessories set the tone, from a belt at the waist to sunglasses for the long lunch.

Find your dress at a P. Johnson showroom

Length and fit are easier settled in person. Visit our showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or internationally to try women's dresses on, compare silks and knits side by side, and find the hemline that suits the occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should a women's dress fit through the bust, waist and hips?

Shift styles like the Chelsea and Esme should skim the body, with easy room through the hips. Shaped styles like the Christy should meet the natural waist without pulling across the bust or creasing at the side seams.

What is the difference between day dresses and occasion dresses at P. Johnson?

Day dresses, like the Crepe Knit Shirt Dress and Athena Mini, use breathable cloths and easy shapes made for regular wear. Occasion dresses, like the Stella and Anisa, use silk, jacquard and suiting with more construction for events.

Can I have my P. Johnson dress hemmed or altered?

Yes. Our in-house tailors can adjust hemlines and fine-tune the fit on many styles, depending on the cut and fabric. Visit one of our showrooms and our team can advise on the best approach.

Which women's dresses work best for an Australian summer wedding?

Lightweight cloths are the safest choice. Ankle-length silk like the Laras or sheer organza like the Tia stays comfortable in the heat, while silk dupioni styles like the Audrey hold their shape through a long day.