Sleek, chic and practical, the midi dress is making a comeback in a big way. While midi dresses are easy to find on the high street and in all major shopping centres, they are not always easy to wear. Designed to sit just below the knee of halfway down the calf, the midi has the potential to look stunning when executed properly. But get it wrong, and this iconic fashion item has the potential to make you look frumpy.

Wear the classic midi dress in one of five particularly impressive ways, and you can't fail to create a look to be proud of.

Particularly during the warmer months of the year, a combination of midi with button-down shirt can strike the perfect balance between elegance and practicality. The feminine beauty of a soft and flowing midi can be perfectly complemented by the empowering masculinity of a classic shirt - the best results can be achieved with cotton, silk or denim. Whether you’re dressing for business or pleasure, this combination will never lose its mass appeal.

Make your midi the star of the show by wearing it with textured, multi-coloured layers. For instance, a black or beige trench coat is perfect for adding a layer during the winter months, while a leather jacket will add an element of individuality to your look. Bring your ensemble to the next level with a pair of thick black boots to create an image of confidence and youthful exuberance.

A midi is great for striking an elegant pose at formal gatherings and in professional environments, but it can look just as good with most casual ensembles.

One way to dress down in your midi is to wear it as a makeshift coat. Slip on your favourite T-shirt and jeans and wear your midi on the outside - with the buttons undone. Complete the look with a pair of trainers or ankle boots.

Skinny jeans and a vest work fantastically well when covered with an opened midi, as they can deliver smart-casual as well as comfort. Another way to dress down with your midi is to wear some chunky knit over your dress. Dressing down with your midi doesn't mean looking frumpy or unkempt. Get the combination right, and you'll look like you've made a real effort.

If you're worried that things look a little untidy when you wear your midi, tighten things up by wearing a belt. The power that the addition of a simple belt can wield over your entire look cannot be underestimated.

Change the shape of your dress and change your look completely with a carefully chosen belt that emphasises your shape by pulling everything into your waist. With a selection of accessories and a range of different belts at your disposal, you will be able to transform a single midi into several different ensembles - a combination for every imaginable occasion.

With the right shaping, you can dress to impress during the summer months by simply letting your midi become the star of the show. In many ways, the real beauty of the classic midi dress is its simple elegance. And what better way to showcase this than to wear it alone? With minimum effort, you can create an on-trend look that is just at home in the office as it is in a nightclub. Pair your dress with a clutch and your favourite pair of heels for a night on the town, or keep things simple for a shopping day with a pair of black boots.

The midi dress is highly versatile - and always comfortable. Choose the right accessories and accompanying garments at the right time, and your midi dresses will serve you well during every imaginable occasion.