For a long time, knitwear meant the weekend: a jumper, a cardigan, something soft to wear at home. Try On Dress has spent the last few seasons proving otherwise. The Dubai-based label makes knit dresses for the evening — floor-length, body-skimming, with open backs and a little lurex shine — and they are some of the most quietly glamorous pieces on WONROB.
Who is Try On Dress?
Try On Dress (often shortened to TOD) is an independent womenswear label founded by Suzanna Karslian and based in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Karslian, who works as the brand’s art director, has said that her first trip to the UAE shaped the label’s style, and that she has long been drawn to Eastern influences. Knitwear is the core of every collection, released in capsules of dresses and sets designed to be mixed and matched.
The brand’s idea of femininity is a restrained one. It sets out to dress both Muslim and European women, balancing modesty with allure: high necklines and long hemlines paired with an open back, a sheer inset or a fitted line. For a hot climate, the label works with lighter yarns and blends, and runs fittings on different body types for each style.
Why a knit dress works for evening
It sculpts without constructing. A dense, soft knit follows the body the way a structured gown cannot — there are no seams fighting the figure, just a clean line from neck to floor.
It is comfortable for hours. Stretch knit moves when you sit, dance and travel, which is exactly what most evening dresses forget.
It is easy to size. Many Try On Dress styles come in one stretch size, in Petite and Standard lengths, so the hem lands where it should.
The most elegant dress in the room is often the one that looks the easiest to wear.
The Try On Dress pieces to know
Anita: the signature
The Anita is the label’s statement piece and the Try On Dress style our customers have bought on WONROB this year. A sleeveless knit maxi with a high mock neck, a fitted ribbed bodice and a racerback that opens into a deep cutout at the back, it finishes in a richly textured tiered skirt. It comes in lemon, champagne, black, pink, chocolate and light blue — plus a closed-back version in black for those who prefer more coverage.
Iren: shimmer, minimal
A straight knit column in a subtly shimmering lurex-flecked yarn, with a high halter that ties at the nape. In red it is a black-tie dress; in ardesia grey, it is the most understated way to sparkle.
Saint-Tropez and Bellini: the long line
The Saint-Tropez is a textured knit maxi with a scoop neck, thin straps finished with a wooden bead toggle and a fishtail-inspired hem that pools at the floor. The Bellini pairs a fitted bodice with a sheer triangular mesh inset at the chest and diagonal seaming that releases into a flowing skirt.
TRY ON DRESSIren Dress, red€578
TRY ON DRESSSaint-Tropez Dress, pink€438
TRY ON DRESSBellini Dress, mint€508
Which Try On Dress for which occasion?
Galas and black tie
The Anita or the Iren: both are floor-length, both cover the front and play with the back. Add a sculptural sandal such as the gold Rimma, a pointed slingback on a 9 cm stiletto.
Wedding guest
Soft colour, full length, nothing white. The Florence in light pink contrasts smooth knit with sheer micro-mesh, with an off-shoulder neckline and long sleeves; the mint Bellini and pink Saint-Tropez are lighter alternatives for a summer ceremony.
TRY ON DRESSFlorence Dress, light pink€438
TRY ON DRESSAnita Dress, black€630
TRY ON DRESSRimma Sandals, gold€350
Summer evenings and resort
The Sicilia is a bodycon maxi with an open back and a delicate pearl string detail; the Caroline is a fitted dress with a deep open back and spaghetti straps, made to be worn with its matching cape in Italian viscose with a subtle lurex shimmer.
TRY ON DRESSSicilia Dress, lime€543
TRY ON DRESSCaroline Dress, blue€578
TRY ON DRESSCaroline Cape, blue€263
Mix and match: the sets
The other half of the Try On Dress wardrobe is built from coordinated knit separates that work for day as well as night. The Andrea jumper — oversized, with a polo collar and wide bell sleeves — pairs with a ribbed maxi skirt in the same yarn; the Mia cardigan, in a semi-sheer openwork knit, goes over the matching Mia maxi dress, which has a round open back. Wear the pieces together for a polished look, or split them into a week of outfits.
TRY ON DRESSAndrea Jumper, graphite€298TRY ON DRESSAndrea Skirt, graphite€263
TRY ON DRESSMia Cardigan, milk€420
For colder evenings, the Amara knitted coat — long, open-front and collarless, with oversized dolman sleeves — is the layer that goes over everything.
A note on fit
Most Try On Dress pieces are cut from stretch knit and offered in one size or a small range of sizes (such as XS/S to M/L), often in both Petite and Standard lengths. Check the length guide on each product page: on floor-length styles, the right length makes all the difference.
Frequently asked questions
Who designs Try On Dress?
Try On Dress is an independent womenswear label founded by Suzanna Karslian, who is also its art director. The brand is based in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
What is Try On Dress known for?
Knitwear. Try On Dress makes knit maxi dresses for evening and special occasions, as well as coordinated knit sets that can be mixed and matched, combining modest silhouettes with details such as open backs and lurex shimmer.
Where can I buy Try On Dress in Europe?
Try On Dress is available on WONROB, the Paris-based online concept store for independent designers, with worldwide delivery and free shipping on orders over €450.
How does Try On Dress fit?
Most pieces are made from stretch knit in one size or a small size range, and many styles come in Petite and Standard lengths. Check the length guide on each product page before ordering.
