I Tried 15 Quince Dresses, and This One Is My Favorite

With pearlescent buttons and delicate pleating, this dress was almost my top pick. A short, nearly old-fashioned-looking nightgown meets function in this swing dress. The supersoft cotton gauze and side seam pockets made this easy to wear, and the white color is also fully lined, so it never looked see-through. I loved the boxier shape, but it felt too casual for dressier functions. (Our senior editor Hilary Reid loves thelinen version.)

I found the high neckline, short sleeves, and full-length skirt to be more tailored than my ideal summer dress. That said, I still absolutely love this one. The cinching around the waist, which almost resembles a built-in belt, and the skirt’s thoughtful horizontal pleats are on par with something you’d find at J.Crew. It also comes in amini-versionthat’s just as nice.

For a strapless moment, this linen maxi also scored high marks. It has an airy, relaxed fit that’s more fitted around the bust but tapers out ever so slightly. It comes in a white colorway, but the light-blue pinstripe pattern was my favorite since it feels meant for Euro-summer sightseeing. The straight silhouette also guarantees all-day comfort but seemed too laid-back for the No. 1 spot.

If you readmy story on smocking, you know it has a special place in my heart. But this number, with feminine fluttery straps and an intricate eyelet skirt, was not quite right. The straps were somewhat tight on my shoulders, and overall, it felt a bit kiddie.

This even breezier cotton-poplin maxi was a welcome addition to my rotation. Similar to the Tiered Maxi above, the cotton poplin is super-crisp yet lightweight and has excellent drape. Other nice features included the full button-front detailing, adjustable straps, and smocked back. It fell short in the fit department: I picked my true size, small, but I probably could have sized down since it was wider, almost tentlike, in the chest and bodice compared to the other dresses I tested.

A few months before I began testing this lineup of Quince dresses, I dropped nearly $300 on aReformation sundress. It had a flattering square neckline and a slimming waistline, but unfortunately, the linen material was heavier than I expected, and after just one wear, I discovered a few pulls in the fabric — a shame, considering I’m a longstanding Ref admirer. And in all seriousness, I’ve had my doubts about Quince. I was by no means looking for a replacement, but after trying on over a dozen dresses, I was immediately struck by theFit & Flare Midi. It’ssimilarin many ways — 100 percent linen, an A-line skirt, a forgiving smocked back panel, and hidden side pockets. But it only costs $80.

I tested this linen dress during peak Canadian summer, a.k.a. extra hot and humid. I found that it performs well: It’s airy, and I haven’t overheated in the slightest while wearing it. Plus it has a classic-enough silhouette that I can throw it on while putzing around the backyard in my Birkenstocks or dress it up with heels for a rooftop happy hour. The narrow waistline and slightly fuller skirt flatter my figure nicely, and on my five-foot-five frame, the hem ends well below my knees.

The adjustable straps accommodate my broad shoulders; they’re supportive enough for me to go braless, but also wide enough to cover my bra straps. Though I haven’t tried it, you could technically criss-cross the straps in the back for an even tighter fit. The chest area is also roomy and never looks flattened, even though it provides plenty of coverage. Of course, I fell for the gingham print — a trend I saweverywhereduring spring and has clearly continued into summer, thanks to brands like Dôen, Sézane, and Damson Madder. It’s also available in two other patterns and three colors, including navy, white, and beige.