
Even though I’ve been housebound by the pandemic, I decided I wouldn’t allow that to derail my summer dress plans. So while I have mostly been lounging around in house dresses, I occasionally spice things up with more shapely options. To that end, I’ve been ordering fun dresses to try on from time to time, and here are some of those purchases.
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I’ve ordered clothing from third-party sellers on Amazon before, with mixed results, so I am careful not to build up my expectations. And while I thought this wrap dress with flutter sleeves was reasonably priced, I wasn’t sold on either the print or fit (sizes are somewhat limited, so the style probably is not a good option for those on either extreme of the size spectrum; the size 0/2 fit me loosely, though I liked the demure neckline). The material, an unremarkable polyester blend, is flowy, and hides wrinkles well.
Status: Return
Similar options: A&F Flutter Chiffon Midi Dress, Reformation Brewer Dress, Bobeau Orna Wrap Dress, WAYF Zoey Short Sleeve Wrap Dress, Love Stitch Floral Flutter Sleeve Wrap Dress, and Julia Jordan Flutter Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress.
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I’ve been loving the many square-neck mini dresses with puff sleeves available this summer, and was eager to try the well-reviewed ASTR the Label Rabia Fit & Flare Minidress (also sold here and here), but the fit was totally off on me: I couldn’t get the three-quarter length puff sleeves, which are quite oversized to start with, to stay on my shoulders (and I have pretty wide shoulders for my size), so had to wear it as an off-the-shoulder dress here. This might be a better option for a tall(er) person, and I’d suggest sizing down from your normal size. The material is a denim-like cotton blend (97% cotton, 3% elastane), which feels nice, but is a little stiff out of the bag. While I’m bummed this dress didn’t work out, I did end up finding a similar style that worked for me, which I will share next month.
Status: Return
Similar options: A&F Puff-Sleeve Linen-Blend Mini Dress, Free People Violet Mini Dress, Alice + Olivia Bauery Puff-Sleeve Dress, Lulus Square To Next? Black Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, and ASOS DESIGN Square Neck Puff Sleeve Smock Dress.
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Did I mention I’m swept up in the idea of square neck dresses with puff sleeves? It’s great for showing off neckwear, and I’ve had some luck with similar styles at Reformation. This BB Dakota Scattered Daisy Dress (also sold here), however, missed the mark for me; the style fits slightly large to size, especially around the neckline, so the sleeves hang awkwardly off center on me. But I do like how it looks on the fit model, so YMMV. The dress is lined, and the shell is a lightweight polyester blend (97% polyester/3% elastane) that can be hand washed or dry cleaned.
Status: Return
Similar options: Reformation Laurent Dress, SHEIN Square Neck Ditsy Floral Dress, W. Concept Puff Sleeve Dress, and Forever 21 Daisy Print Puff Sleeve Dress.
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I’ve been waiting anxiously for the Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Oxford Shirtdress to be restocked in my size (which is looking less and less likely, now that the style went on sale), since the size I previously ordered was a touch too big. In the meantime, I’ve been trying on other shirtdresses and finding mixed results. BB Dakota’s Every Occasion Cotton Shirt Dress is one option I tried on recently: the price is reasonable, but it looks more like an oversized shirt than a shirtdress on me. (For my more rectangular shape, I really should focus on options that have a more clearly-defined waistline.) The fit is true to size, but runs short, so is probably not suitable for those who are average height or taller. The 100% cotton material is starched and shows wrinkles clearly.
Status: Return
Similar: Club Monaco Strawberta Dress, ASOS DESIGN Cotton Mini Shirt Dress, Everlane The Cotton Shirtdress, Tuckernuck White Burnout Sleeveless Royal Shirt Dress, Monrow Jersey Shirt Dress With Front Tie, and ASOS DESIGN Cotton Mini Smock Shirt Dress.
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If you have recommendations for summer dresses, please email me or leave a comment below!