This bright python print is so right up my alley, and I love the knife-pleated skirt.
And there is nothing about this I don’t like; the combination of animal print and floral embroidery is unexpected as well as excellent.
I’m always looking for a clean-lined update on the hippie girl dress, and this specimen is pretty outstanding.
The horse pattern here reminds me of this iconic print by Florence Broadhurst.
I love the quietly dramatic neckline on this really pretty Vince dress.
Universal Standard’s Geneva dress has such a drapey and architectural Maria Cornejo-ish vibe.
I love the idea of a white dress—so smart and put-together—and this one is so interestingly (and flatteringly) cut.
A really well-priced shirtdress with a very modern shape.
I just think this is really understated and elegant, and you could dress it way up if you wanted to.
A boppy, bright floral print for kicking around on the weekend.
I’m not crazy about how this dress is styled here—it would be about a million times better with a black slip—but it has exactly the kind of clean, sophisticated lace details I go for when I go for lace details.
The gathered waist on this jersey dress is a cool, Japanese-y touch.
I could never get away with this purple dress in a million years, but I think it is rather fabulous, in an Ossie Clark kind of a way.
The acid-bright green floral print here looks more expensive than it is.
And here’s a very fetching yellow and black floral wrap dress with an appealingly ever-so-slightly-asymmetrical hemline.
Here’s an excellent, flattering choice for travel.
I like this pleated midi dress just as it is shown here, with flats and a dramatic necklace.
Apparently I’m really feeling super-bright animal prints right now.
Black Crane’s cocoon dress is such an easy shape, and the silhouette gets even better if you belt it.
I dig the oversized sleeves on this white shirtdress from Vince.
Another shirtdress, this one with modish stripes.
This feels very feminine and slightly dancer-ish.
I really appreciate this post. I’m soooooo tired of finding great-looking dresses that end up being too short—or too long. Hitting that truly “middle” spot is difficult. Sea does it well. I bought one of their dresses two seasons ago—silk, green colorway, paisley print, 3/4 sleeves, v-neck, slits on both sides—that has become one of the most-worn items in my closet come spring and summer. Can be dressed up or down, packs like a dream, fits beautifully. This one here is cool, except I try to stay away from sleeveless.
Clicked for details of many of these dresses – only to find: 100% polyester.
What could be less comfortable?
As I have said before (actually recently), synthetics are not the enemy. And they keep getting better, quality-wise. Still, you’ve got to take them on a case-by-case basis.
I’ll never tire of hearing your thoughts on polyester! I feel re-born, knowing I don’t have to avoid polyester like the plague. As I mentioned in another post, some of my favourite shirts have and are in fact 100 percent poly.
I’ve had issues with viscose shrinking (even though the care label said machine wash cold was fine; I use fancy detergent and don’t put things in the dryer). Stuff from & Other Stories has been the biggest offenders on that front, so viscose from them (or COS) is now on my never-buy list. I’d otherwise be all over that black shirtdress (and the tropical print in the same shape).
FWIW, I bought that black shirtdress a couple of years ago and wore it into the ground. Am about buy another.
I’m also not big on viscose, or as we called it in Olden Times, rayon. It never wore well, wrinkled, and often shrunk. OTOH, I’m totally ok with polyester.
Has anyone bought anything from & Other Stories that genuinely fit and didn’t disintegrate upon first wearing? (This is a real question. I’m curious. Intrigued by their designs, but the stuff I’ve tried on fit abominably, and seemed very cheaply constructed.)
Such a lovely post, so many, many lovely dresses – good work, Kim!! That Saloni dress is so freaking excellent, wish I had the funds for it. Jonesing for the horse print, but my size not available. And the acid green floral, very popping fresh!
Great assortment! I love the Universal Standard Geneva dress, I have it in a couple of different fabric and color combinations and it dresses up or down beautifully.
That Saloni dress is going to be haunting me!
Excellent selection.
Ditto, lovely post.
I love those Topshop animal prints as well, but unfortunately, the sizing is way off and made for teens only beware
DROOLING over the Eve dress.
I have to follow up and let you know I made my first GOACA recommended purchase – the acid green and black dress from & Other Stories. It arrived today and I LOVE it. The colors are unexpected and fantastic. It’s just as nice as the photo suggests and fit was perfect on me even though I am petite, so longer dresses can sometimes be tough. THANK you for turning me on to this brand!
So glad it worked out for you, Tamara!
In what parallel universe is a size XL equivalent to a US 10? That white ShopBop dress is so adorable, but the sizing is laughable.
Kim (or anyone) – has anyone bought a dress from Tucker NYC? Their sale stuff is all non-returnable, so I’ve been hesitant to take the plunge. Thoughts on fit, quality, etc.?
I love the Madewell one (navy/black with red floral print). How to wear/style without looking like one is en route to Lilith Fair?
I’d wear it with really clean-lined sandals or booties, and keep the jewelry simple.
Vince just gets me! And ever since Caroline Belhumeur took over as lead, things have been spectacular.
Hit the cover off the ball on this post Kim! Each dress is outstanding! I always admire your taste and aesthetic, but want ALL of these equally. Do I see perhaps an influence from your recent trip here? Pattern and color extravaganza………