This floral linen dress was more flattering than I anticipated, and comfier too. (Ellie Conley/Yahoo)(Ellie Conley/Yahoo)
One of my favorite things about warmer weather is wearing a sundress. I have a collection of mini, midi and maxi dresses, both casual and dressy, that I wear nearly every day in the summer. While my closet is already stocked, I do check out the season's new styles — I'm a shopping editor, after all. On the hunt for a few affordable options, I looked at Old Navy's dresses online and was impressed. But, at 5'2", I knew I had to try them on to see which ones worked on my petite frame. So I headed to my local Old Navy and tried on at least 15 dresses, emerging with six clear winners.
Most of the casual dresses I saw online were available in my store. Old Navy recently released a special-occasion line and the styles are really pretty, but those won't be coming to stores until April 21. That said, I can always use a new T-shirt dress or linen mini, and that's exactly what I found.
As a shorty, I like that Old Navy offers petite sizes in addition to tall and plus. It keeps me from having to get a maxi dress hemmed or worry about where a waistline will fall on my shorter torso. Some of the me-sized dresses were available in-store, but plenty of the regular-size dresses I tried on fit fine too.
Other dresses didn't work — like the Fit & Flare Sleeveless Linen-Blend Midi Dress (the bodice was too long) and the Sleeveless Ribbed Maxi (the straps were too long) — but might have in the petite size. I also tried the customer-favorite Fit & Flare Lightweight Smocked Gingham Midi, but it made me feel frumpy.
If you're on the petite side, maybe these Old Navy dresses will work for you. I'm a fan and can't wait for the sun to come out so I can show off my new collection.
Old Navy has released a few iterations of this dress over the years, and I've tried it on without much success. The bodice has been too long and the bottom seam cut me off in a way that accentuated my stomach. This time though, I was taken aback by how much I liked the fit. It was flattering — slim, not tight around the bodice and looser in the skirt. I wore the regular size, and I think it works for me.
This dress is 100% cotton, so it's soft and breathable. But it also has a full, lined skirt and the fabric has some heft, so it feels high-quality. It's also available in a green stripe, light orange and the aforementioned white floral. But does it have pockets, you're asking? Why yes, yes it does.
This bestselling linen-blend dress has thick straps, a square neckline and smocked, elastic shirring on the back. It also has pockets, which elevate the desirability of almost any frock IMO. Not into florals? It comes in black, white, a deep orange, yellow gingham and a neutral tan. Need more convincing? It's currently 30% off.
A total steal for $33, this gives us chic coastal grandma vibes. Toss it on over a swimsuit or tie your favorite striped sweater around your shoulders; this design is as versatile as your go-to button-down.
This linen shift fits loose, feels breezy and yes, there are pockets. In addition to this neutral stripe, it also available in navy gingham, cheetah, classic black and coral. It's also priced at 40% off.
This dress is also available in a black and tan knit. Size up if body-con isn't your thing or stick with your regular size for a more figure-hugging fit.
This simple dress has a crewneck, shallow slits on the sides that make it easier to move in, and a perfectly draped silhouette. It's not too tight, not too boxy — it fits just right.
I love the polished look of a button-down shirt dress, but they're usually too long on me or so short they're giving Risky Business. This one impressed me. I tried on the regular (not petite) and sized down from small to extra-small to avoid being swallowed up by it. The sleeves were short and slightly puffed, and the length was enough that I'd feel comfortable wearing this to the office with a pair of heels or flats. I can also wear it with heeled sandals out to dinner or with sneakers to run errands. Another reason to like it? I'm really into the "rich mom" style taking over social media, and I think this fits the bill.
The cotton material is breathable but with enough heft to make it feel like a quality garment. Buy it in black and white — I live in New York, so naturally I opted for black, in part because the darker shade will show less wrinkles.
To be honest, I was surprised I liked this dress. It's like a linen sack, so it's more about how you style it. I'd probably pair it with a straw hat or raffia handbag and gold earrings in the real world. I tried on the regular, but I could probably opt for the petite and go a little shorter.
One thing that disappointed me was the material. It's a linen-viscose blend so it's lightweight, but I found it to be itchier (although not so itchy that I wouldn't wear it) and less luxe-looking than other linens.
When I saw this dress on the hanger it gave milkmaid vibes. But then I put it on and it fit like a classic, feminine sundress. With small ruffles around the straps, a small bow at the bodice, a fitted elastic waist and a full A-line skirt, I think it's pretty flattering, and I liked the length of the regular size.
The details above aren't as noticeable in black. It does come in a few other colors, including a pretty white floral print that's perfect for a summer brunch date. My local Old Navy didn't have it in my size, but I'm definitely ordering it online.
I love loose, crochet knits like this in the summertime. I found it near the store's swimwear section — it's probably meant to be a coverup, but I'd wear this as a regular dress. The knit isn't overly revealing, but it could be paired with a slip, bodysuit or nude undergarments for a more modest look. The models online wear it fitted, but I sized up to a large for a roomier fit.
It has a white and beige wavy print that doesn't show as well here, but I really liked it in person. Add some freshwater pearl jewelry and metallic sandals (like the ones I tried it on with) to this beauty and you're ready to rock nearly any summertime outing.
OK, I cheated a little on this one — I already knew I'd love it because I've worn it before. My mom has this and I've borrowed it a few times while visiting her in Florida. Old Navy has been making this style for years in a heavyweight cotton that keeps its shape. I've worn it as a pool coverup, out to dinner with wedges, with flip-flops to walk around town, and I'd pair it with sneakers to walk my do too. It is seriously so comfortable and versatile. I tried on the regular small here, but my mom has the petite length that makes it a little easier to wear flat shoes.
I like the black because it's my go-to color, but this baby also comes in a blue stripe, bubblegum pink, taupe and red. Old Navy also sells a mini version, but the regular size is too long for me. I may order the petite online in black — because you can never have enough T-shirt dresses.
