For everyday moments and special occasions
Girls' Dresses & Cheongsams
From easy dresses for ordinary afternoons to cheongsams, tulle skirts and special pieces for the big family occasions, this collection is made for girls who like to feel lovely and still be able to move. Discover signature Elly prints, comfortable cotton and jersey styles, modern cheongsams and Disney favourites for birthdays, celebrations, holidays and the days in between.
Designed for: Everyday wear, birthday parties, weddings, festive celebrations, holidays and family photographs
Sizes available: 12M to 14Y
Dresses and cheongsams she will want to wear again
The best special dress is one that does not feel precious the moment she puts it on. Choose a soft cotton or jersey dress for all-day ease, a modern cheongsam for a festive lunch or family celebration, or a fuller skirt when the occasion calls for a little more twirl. With a few thoughtful layers and the right shoes, one lovely dress can take her from the car ride to the family photo and straight back to playing with her cousins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Girls' Dresses & Cheongsams
For the dresses that will get the most mileage, I would start with soft cotton or jersey and a silhouette she can pull on, sit in and run around in comfortably. A simple short-sleeved, sleeveless or easy-fit dress can handle a family lunch, a playdate and the supermarket afterwards. Save the more detailed piece for the days when she enjoys dressing up, rather than making every outing feel like an occasion.
A cheongsam is lovely for Chinese New Year, weddings, birthdays, family dinners and photographs, especially when you want something festive that still feels like her. If she will be wearing it for several hours, choose one with enough room to sit and eat comfortably, and pack a light cardigan in case the venue is cold. A modern, softer cheongsam is often the easiest option for younger children.
Think about the longest part of the day, not just the first ten minutes of photographs. For a party with games, a buffet and lots of running about, a comfortable cotton dress with a pretty detail is usually the wiser choice. For a wedding, performance or a seated celebration, a fuller skirt, tulle layer or more structured dress can feel special without needing to be worn all day.
It is a lovely gift when you know her favourite colour, character or the kind of clothes she normally enjoys. A pretty everyday dress is the safest choice if you are unsure, because she can wear it straight away. A cheongsam feels more memorable for a birthday that falls near a festive season or when there is a family celebration ahead.
For tulle, sequins, delicate trims or a fuller skirt, check the care label before the first wash and use a mesh bag if the instructions allow machine washing. Turn printed dresses inside out and wash with similar colours. I would always let a special piece air dry rather than rushing it through a hot dryer, so it is ready for the next invitation too.