If You Only Get One More Summer Dress, Make It This $78 One
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I know I’m far from being the only one extolling the virtues of theGapaissance,if you will, but each time I wear this affordable white linen-blend maxidressand tell someone who asks that it isn’t from Staud, Ganni, or Dôen, I’m reminded of just howgoodthe brand is right now.
It even had me go against my usual rules. I tend to avoid pieces that aren’t made entirely with natural fabrics like cotton, silk, linen, and wool, so the hefty rayon content of this dress admittedly gave me some pause at checkout. Would it make me sweat more? Would it pill or tear with washing? Would it feel and look cheap? While I’m less likely to compromise on fabric content in winter sweaters (anyone who has worn a nylon-and-alpaca-blend sweater in the depths of the Fulton Street station can empathize), I realized the rayon in this dress would ultimately make thelinenless likely to wrinkle, which, combined with the low price point, felt like a compelling enough reason to give it a try.
I’ve since learned that although I still have to give it a quick steam after washing, it is significantly less of a pain to deal with than my 100-percent-linen pants and button-downs and has quickly become my go-to outfit during busier weeks, when I just need to throw something on and feel polished.
Then there’s the neckline and back. Maybe everyone else knew this already, but it turns out that a square neckline is surprisingly flattering while showing less cleavage than many V-neck sundresses do (it also makes the dress particularly office-friendly and not in a TikTok-siren way). The front seams give it just the right amount of volume that I swear makes me look taller, even when I’m wearing flat leather sandals. And I always layer fun beaded or pearl necklaces with it. This dress, and that accessorizing, has been my gateway to buying even more square necklines.
I feel that, as a society, we’ve reachedPeak Smock, and while I understand the appeal and own several smocked dresses, I also believe that a fully smocked bodice automatically gives any outfit a more casual look. I love that the smocking here is intentionally limited to the back, offering enough chest support that I don’t feel the need to wear a bra with it (though the straps are thick enough that one could) while maintaining a sleek, tailored look in the front.
For balance’s sake, I’ll leave you with an honest drawback: There are no pockets. However, ask yourself about the last time you put something in your pockets while wearing a fitted (not A-line!) dress and felt like it didn’t look and feel kind of bulky. Sit with that for a moment. And once you’ve come around, go ahead and add this dress to your cart. She’s worth it.
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Editor’s note: Only the black dress is $78. The white dress, that Oset owns, is full price at $98.
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The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
