With resort vacations, backyard parties, and wedding weekends around the corner, the warmer weather always feels like the perfect excuse to refresh my collection of sundresses.
For this year’s restock, I turned to one of my go-to retailers: Old Navy. From breezy linen styles to tiered maxis and playful prints, there was no shortage of options to choose from.
After trying on eight different sundresses, a few stood out as versatile staples I’d happily wear all summer long. Others, however, missed the mark when it came to fit, fabric, or overall design.
I was excited about a flowy pink mini dress I found, but it turned out to be my least-favorite option.
When I saw the pink sleeveless drop-waist swing mini dress on the rack, I was immediately drawn to its pretty hue and relaxed silhouette. This style seemed ideal for hot days and casual outings.
After putting it on, however, I was disappointed. I tried it on in my usual size, but the dimensions seemed incredibly off for my triangle body type, which means my hips are wider than my shoulders.
I didn’t think this dress was very flattering on me.
The straps, which were not adjustable, were too long for me and would need to be tailored, as the neckline dropped below my décolletage, showing the top of my bra.
The material, made from 100% cotton, was lightweight and comfortable, but it was incredibly wrinkly and felt thin. It would definitely need to be steamed before wearing.
I also thought the silhouette lacked any real shape and felt unflattering. Since I’m 5-foot-2, I’d be interested to try this in petite sizing, but it wasn’t available in-store.
Considering it was 100% cotton, it seemed fairly priced at $40. However, I wouldn’t consider buying it. This option might work well on other body types, but it wasn’t a fit for me.
I really liked the peach lace midi dress when I saw it on the rack.
Next, I tried on the fit-and-flare lace midi dress. I loved the unexpected combination of such a bold peach color and dainty lace, and was drawn to the asymmetrical hemline and subtle ruffle detail.
Overall, I loved the body-hugging fit. The dress was also available in a pistachio shade and white, and the latter seemed like it could be cute for my “bridal era.”
Unfortunately, though, the fabric was see-through.
In the fitting room, I noticed the material (made of 86% nylon and 14% Spandex) was incredibly sheer, and my undergarments were clearly visible through it.
The dress might work better with neutral-colored underwear or a nude slip, but I’m still not confident that either is a perfect solution.
Given the $50 price point, I want something I can easily throw on without overthinking what I have to wear underneath. Although the style was flattering, I probably wouldn’t buy this dress.
I was drawn to the purple gingham-patterned mini dress.
I’m a big fan of dainty and feminine details, so when I saw the gingham print and lovely lilac color of the strappy mini shift dress, I knew I had to grab it off the rack.
After being a little disappointed by the first few options, I was excited to try this one on.
This option really won me over.
Although I don’t typically love the boxy cut of shift dresses, I actually really liked the structured look of this one. It gave off a vintage summer feel.
This, combined with the mini length and thoughtful touches (like the bow ties on the back), won me over. Plus, it had adjustable straps, so I could maneuver it to fit my body.
Made from 100% polyester, it wasn’t as breezy as the other options, but it was still lightweight and comfortable enough for the summer heat. Plus, for $30, I thought it was a steal.
Next, I tried on another pink midi dress.
The next option I tried on was the fit-and-flare cami mini dress. I loved the pinstripe print combined with the classic empire waistline.
I also appreciated the tie detail and the scoop neckline, which added a feminine touch.
The style was nice, but I wasn’t impressed by the fit.
Once I tried this on, I found it lacked shape and felt poorly constructed. The straps kept falling off my shoulders, and the dress billowed at the bust.
Again, this issue may have been mitigated with a petite size — which I, unfortunately, could not find in store.
I did appreciate that this dress was made from 100% cotton, but like the previous option I tried on, it felt a bit flimsy and wrinkled easily.
With this in mind, I didn’t think it was worth $40.
I really liked this floral linen-blend midi dress.
Next, I tried the fit-and-flare sleeveless linen-blend midi dress.
When I saw the linen material, beautiful blue hue, and floral print, I thought it looked like the ultimate summer dress option. So, I promptly brought it to the fitting room.
The dress was pretty, but the sizing seemed a bit off.
Unfortunately, the scoop neckline fell below my bra (again), and the straps were too big to stay on my shoulders.
Still, I appreciated the durable yet lightweight linen blend (55% linen and 45% viscose rayon), and the full-length seams offered a more structured, elegant fit.
If it had fit properly on my body, it likely would have been my top choice of the bunch.
For those who don’t need petite sizing, I’d recommend trying this on for summer vacations and events. At $50, it seems like a worthy seasonal investment.
This yellow maxi caught my eye from across the store.
When in doubt, a flowy, lightweight maxi dress is an excellent choice for hot summer days. That’s why I tried on the airy smocked maxi dress in a bright-yellow print, which caught my eye from across the store.
Although this dress wasn’t for me, I think it would make a great maternity option.
My first thought when I tried this on was that it would be a good maternity clothing option. It was incredibly roomy and comfortable (made of 100% rayon), but it completely swallowed up my figure.
I appreciated the pockets and center pleating, but it made me feel a bit frumpy. I think this option would work nicely on taller or curvier frames. Plus, it’s only $40.
Although I wouldn’t order it myself, this dress would work for an easy, casual ensemble for a variety of occasions.
The smocked midi dress fit me beautifully.
My second-favorite option of the group — and favorite in terms of fit and shape — was the fit-and-flare smocked-bodice midi dress.
The light blue shade with pin stripes reminded me of something people might wear to the Hamptons or on an elevated coastal getaway.
I loved how comfortable this one was, too.
This was easily the most flattering design on my specific body type, thanks to the ruched bodice, thick straps, and fit-and-flare skirt.
Made from 100% cotton, the material was airy, comfortable, and something I could wear on repeat during summer. I definitely think it would be worth the $50 investment.
When I saw the beaded straps on the yellow boho maxi dress, I knew I had to try it on.
Out of all the options I tried on, the sleeveless boho maxi dress is the one I could genuinely picture myself wearing.
I was initially drawn to the simple mustard-yellow shade and the slouchy silhouette, but the beaded details on the straps convinced me to try it on.
Of all the dresses I tried, this one was my favorite.
This dress had a wide-cut shape, which normally isn’t as flattering on my body. But in this case, the bagginess of it seemed aligned with the laidback, bohemian style. The adjustable straps also made it easy to fit the bodice to my size.
I also liked the V-neckline paired with the stitching under the chest and an empire waist. Made from 60% cotton and 40% viscose rayon, the fabric felt comfortable and lightweight.
Overall, this is a simple, stylish, and flattering sundress that I’d wear all summer long. And for $45, you can’t beat the price.
Read the original article on Business Insider
The post I tried on sundresses from Old Navy. Of the 8 I tested, only 3 would earn a spot in my closet. appeared first on Business Insider.
