Okay so… I’m just going to say it straight — I have a thing for dresses that make you look put together with minimal effort. And lately? My closet has been quietly taken over by the cinched waist dress.

Not sponsored, not a secret collab — just me, here, oversharing about my latest wardrobe crush.

Last weekend when I was out with friends, I wore my new lantern sleeve waist floral dress, and no kidding… three people asked me where I got it before we even got to our brunch reservation. There’s just something about a dress with a nipped-in waist — you feel feminine, effortless, and a little bit “I have my life together” even when you don’t.

This style has been around forever, sure, but Cloris does it in a way that feels very… Hong Kong chic. If you’ve shopped fast-fashion or those bigger regional brands like Mango or Love, Bonito before — you’ll know sometimes the fit can be a bit generic. But with Cloris, I feel like the tailoring is kinder to an actual woman’s body. Not every one of us is five foot nine with endless limbs! Their cuts flatter without suffocating.

Here’s the thing — a cinched waist dress is kind of like a magic trick. You can play it ultra girly, layer it with edgy pieces, or even tone it down for work. One of my current favourite ways to style it is with a light Harrington jacket thrown over the shoulders, plus one of those slouchy casual bags for ladies that practically swallows everything in your life.

The other day, I tried pairing my floral number with a slim tan belt I found at the back of my drawer and oh wow — it gave me that retro cinched-in waistline without looking too costume-y. Pro tip: if your dress already has a self-tie, swap it out for a textured belt to make it look fresh.

I’m also low-key obsessed with their A-line fringe dress, which isn’t a full-blown cinched waist dress, but the shape still flatters. That’s the Cloris thing — even pieces that aren’t labelled as “waist defining” end up making you look great through clever cutting. Honestly, I believe their elegant dresses collection is a danger zone for my wallet.

And okay, story time — the funniest thing happened.

So, I was at a coffee place wearing my Cloris embroidered floral ruffle dress, which is one of those delicate whimsical ones. A woman tapped me on the shoulder and asked if it was an Iora dress. I laughed (LOL this is too funny) and told her no, it’s Cloris, and she was genuinely shocked when I mentioned it’s from a local Hong Kong brand. She said it looked “more premium” than what she was used to seeing in stores. And honestly… she’s right. That’s the other advantage: Cloris gives you that boutique, limited-run vibe so you don’t walk around looking like everyone else in IFC Mall.

For casual days, I’m tempted to grab their loose striped suspenders + high waist wide-leg skirt pants set. I mean, not a dress, but you could still cinch in the waist with — yep — a belt, and pair it with sneakers. I can already see it next to my spring jackets in my wardrobe…

Have you noticed how the right waistline detail can completely change your mood? There are mornings when I’m not feeling 100% but I slip into a cinched waist dress, glance in the mirror, and instantly stand taller. Maybe it’s psychological, but fashion is kinda magic like that.

Personally, my go-to colours are neutrals, so the black dress collection is where I always get stuck browsing for too long. But if you’re a summer dress girl, the summer dresses collection is just joy on a hanger — so many floaty fabrics and light waist tie designs.

And let me just say, if you’ve ever found yourself in Love, Bonito changing rooms wishing the waistline was an inch higher or the skirt a tad longer — Cloris has somehow… fixed all that. Proportions matter! And Cloris seems to get that we want flattering shapes without feeling squeezed by bodycon cuts.

So yes, consider me a full convert to the cinched waist dress life. Whether it’s the lantern sleeve floral one for Sunday brunch, the embroidered beauty for coffee runs, or even using the concept to style pants sets — it’s giving daily elegance without the effort.

If you’re browsing, start from their casual dress collection or work dresses for versatile pieces you’ll actually wear on repeat. And if you do pick one up… please tell me. How do you style yours? 😌

Now excuse me while I try not to “accidentally” add that V-neck halter slim top to cart. Slay.