After covering a little bit of everything in my last try-on haul, this one’s all about dresses. I’ve been on the lookout for casual spring styles—something easy to throw on and feel put-together for everyday. Not every dress was a winner, but I’m sharing all the hits and misses so you can get a sense of the fit, fabric, and overall vibe. If you’re shopping for spring dresses, I hope this helps!
As usual, I will provide measurements and fabric content on each item when I can find it, and I’ll share whether I plan to keep it or not. Just remember, even when I decide not to keep something, it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth checking out. I just may not need it, or it may not work for my body type or lifestyle.
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 or 30 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
Z Supply Sloane V-Neck Mini Dress in Black
at Z Supply (size M) // Paul Green Hadley (8)
DETAILS: Easy and breezy, this v-neck mini dress is made from soft, midweight cotton jersey for all-day comfort. The sleeveless, relaxed fit makes it perfect for dressing up or keeping it casual.
- Cotton Jersey: 100% Cotton
- Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle, Hang to Dry
Even though this dress is labeled a mini, I liked the look of it enough online to give it a try—if nothing else, I figured it could double as a swim cover-up.
I really like the v-neckline, the bra-friendly straps, and the easy fit. And the fabric is especially nice—soft and comfortable, but with enough weight to feel substantial. It skims the body without clinging, and the “washed black” has a subtle fade that adds a bit of interest and just the right touch of edge.
That said, it’s a little shorter than I typically go for, and I just feel a bit too bare in it. It could totally work as a cover-up, but I think I tend to prefer gauzy styles for that.
VERDICT: I’m undecided on this one. It’s very cute, but I’m not sure I’ll reach for it.
Old Navy Vintage Mini T-Shirt Dress in Blue Wing Teal
at Old Navy (M) // Paul Green Hadley (8)
DETAILS: A super relaxed fit with lived-in feels.
- center back seam
- 100% cotton jersey
- machine wash
I ordered this sleeveless tank dress from Old Navy because I loved the bright teal color. The length is better on me than the one above, and I actually think it’s pretty flattering from the back—which isn’t always the case with these shift-style dresses.
But from the front, it just doesn’t quite work. The neckline is super high, and the fit around the armholes feels a little awkward.
VERDICT: I decided to return this. It’s fine, but I feel like I can do better.
DETAILS: Add the Kingsley Knit Dress to your casual spring collection, featuring a crew neckline, bra-friendly gussets at the armholes, and a relaxed silhouette.
- Length from Shoulder to Hem: 34 1/2″
- Material: 100% Cotton Slub Jersey Knit
- Care: Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low
These are going from bad to worse! This dress really missed the mark for me, but I’ve had a few people ask about it, so I wanted to include it. I didn’t find the cut to be very flattering or forgiving on an, ahem… more mature body. Maybe if I had sized up to a large, it would have looked more like it does online, but overall it’s just too straight, and the fabric doesn’t have enough weight or drape to hang nicely.
VERDICT: Returned. Not a flattering fit, and the fabric didn’t do it any favors.
Rails Stripe Rib Midi Tank Dress in Black Birch Stripe
at Nordstrom & on sale at Bloomies (M) // Paul Green Hadley (8)
DETAILS: Crisp stripes energize this soft and stretchy cotton tank dress punctuated with airy side slits at the hem and perfect for a summery outing.
- 46 1/2″ length (size Medium)
- Side slits
- 95% cotton, 5% spandex
- Machine wash, tumble dry
- Made in Peru
This is a really nice quality dress—as it should be at this price point! I like the cutaway sleeves; they tend to be more flattering than a traditional tank style. It’s definitely body-con, which I tend to steer away from these days, but the fabric and construction feel substantial enough that it’s actually kind of forgiving. I think with the right shapewear, I might really like it.
The length is great—just past the widest part of the calf—and the side slits give it a little movement, which helps keep it from feeling too closed-in.
VERDICT: Undecided for now. It’s flattering in some ways, but I’d want to try it with shapewear before deciding.
Nordstrom Stretch Cotton Ribbed Tank Dress in Pink Wild Aster
at Nordstrom (M) // Paul Green Hadley (8)
DETAILS: Breathable stretch cotton enhances the comfort of a ribbed tank dress you’ll wear on endless repeat.
- Slips on over head
- Crewneck
- Sleeveless
- 97% pima cotton, 3% spandex
- Machine wash, tumble dry
This dress is a similar style to the Rails one, but at a lower price point. In the medium, it’s not quite as body-con on me—which I actually don’t mind. (I could probably size down to a small, but I kind of like having the extra room.) The fabric is a bit stiffer and less clingy, which makes it feel a little more forgiving.
It has a nice length, those same cutaway sleeves and side slits, and a subtle seam down the back that adds just a bit of detail. I love this bright pink, but it also comes in a few other color choices.
VERDICT: Keeping for now. The fit is easy and flattering, and I love the color.
Gap Modern Rib Maxi T-Shirt Dress
at Gap (S) // Paul Green Hadley (8)
DETAILS: Our soft & stretchy cotton-modal blend that hugs you just right. It’s your new 7-days-a-week essential.
- Crewneck.
- Short sleeves.
- Slits at hem.
- Cotton 58%, Modal 38%, Elastane 4%
- Machine wash
I was drawn to this simple t-shirt maxi dress for its clean, minimal style—and it really does create that long, lean silhouette we’re all after. While it is quite long, it shows a couple inches of skin at the ankle, which keeps it from feeling too Amish… if you know what I mean. It also has side slits (a must for these longer styles!) and I appreciate that the crew neck isn’t super high. It’s more of a jewel neckline, which I find much more flattering.
That said, it’s very body-con. I didn’t even want to post the rear view. In the striped Rails dress above, the pattern helps camouflage things, but in this solid color, you see every lump and bump. I’d definitely need shapewear to feel comfortable wearing this one out.
VERDICT: Undecided. I like the simplicity and silhouette, but there are a few more contenders…
Frank & Eileen Harper Perfect Tee Maxi Dress in Navy
at Frank & Eileen (M) // Miz Mooz Leather Fisherman Slide Sandals (39)
DETAILS: Meet the crew neck, boyish tee of your dreams in full-length form. Our Perfect Tee Dress is airy and easy to wear with a gently curving, never-too-tight body, short sleeves, and longer length.
- Hand-cut, curved raw hem and edges
- Ribbed crew neck
- Short sleeves
- 54″ length from shoulder to hem (size S)
- Heritage Jersey, 100% Cotton
- Made in Sunny California
This one’s definitely a splurge, but the Frank & Eileen quality really shines through. The fabric is their thick heritage jersey cotton, and it gives the dress a beautiful shape and silhouette. I love the raw edges and the shirttail hem—it feels elevated but still relaxed.
That said, the sleeve length isn’t the most flattering on me, and the crewneck is pretty high, which I don’t always love.
VERDICT: Undecided. The quality and shape are great, but I’m not sure the neckline and sleeves are doing me any favors.
Frank & Eileen Cory Vintage Muscle Tee Maxi Dress in Navy
at Frank & Eileen (M) // Miz Mooz Leather Fisherman Slide Sandals (39)
DETAILS: This vintage tee-inspired dress is just the right amount of boxy and drapes loosely across the body with a cool, raw edge hem that amps up that vintage feel.
- Hand-cut, curved raw hem and edges
- Ribbed crew neck
- Cap sleeves
- 51″ length from shoulder to hem (size S)
- Heritage Jersey, 100% Cotton
- Made in Sunny California
After I received the Harper, I saw the Cory advertised on Instagram and immediately ordered it. I had a feeling the muscle tee styling would work better for me—and it definitely does. I find this one much more modern and flattering overall.
My only reservation (aside from the price point) is the length—it’s very long, especially in the back—but I don’t think it’s a deal breaker.
VERDICT: Likely keeping. The fit is more flattering than the Harper, and I love the modern silhouette. I also like that it’s not as body-con as the Rails or Gap dresses—it has a bit more ease without feeling oversized.
J.Crew Knit boatneck midi dress in stripe
at J.Crew (M) // Sam Edelman Deacon Slides (8)
DETAILS: This boatneck dress is as easy as it is elevated, thanks to a body-skimming fit and a comfy ribbed fabric with a hint of stretch. Perfect for any occasion, you can dress it up, dress it down and wear it on repeat.
- Fitted silhouette.
- Falls above ankle, 51″ from high point of shoulder (based on a size 6).
- 96% cotton/4% elastane.
- Machine wash.
Here’s another contender in the t-shirt style midi/maxi category. I like the stripe design on this one and the subtle A-line silhouette—it has potential! But the fit just isn’t quite right on me. It feels really long in the torso, and the proportions are off. Maybe I need to try the petite.
VERDICT: Returning. The style is cute, and it’s a nice quality, but the fit’s not quite right.
J.Crew Cabana mini dress in linen
at J.Crew (S) // Sam Edelman Deacon Slides (8)
DETAILS: This breezy style comes with a V neckline that shows a hint of skin, a removable tie at the waist for a cinched-in effect and gathered details along the collar and cuffs. Plus, it’s crafted from lightweight 100 percent linen to keep you cool all day long.
- A-line silhouette.
- Falls above knee, 35 1/4″ from high point of shoulder (based on a size 6).
- On-seam pockets.
- Slip lining.
- 100% linen.
- Machine wash.
Finally, this is the dress I tried in a medium and decided to re-order. It’s not my typical style, but I kind of like it. It has an easy, breezy feel, and the fit is actually pretty flattering. It could be a nice option to have on hand.
That said, I’m on the fence about the long sleeves. The combination of linen, long sleeves, and a short skirt feels a little off-season—I wouldn’t have worn it a month ago, and now it almost feels too late.
VERDICT: Undecided. Cute in theory, but the timing and styling might make it tricky to wear.
Okay, that’s a wrap for this try-on haul! I’d love to hear your thoughts—did any of these catch your eye? Let me know if you’ve tried any of them or are thinking about ordering one. You can find everything linked below, and stay tuned… more spring finds are coming your way soon!
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36 Responses
LOVE that last JCrew mini on you, especially if you can either shorten the sleeves or roll them up in an intentional way. I actually snort-laughed out loud at NOT looking Amish in the black maxi. It’s a fine line 😉
The F&E Cory Musle Tee and the Nordstrom Pink Wild Aster looked stunning on you. I liked the Old Navy on you. (I t received mine in orange). Yet to try mine on.
Thanks so much for all the work you do for us…the fit,. Quality, pros and cons, body con or not. It is so helpful. Have a great Easter weekend with your family.
I agree with your comment about how much “extra information” JoLynne gives us about each item she tries on….no other fashion blogger I know of does this. She does this job with 100% effort and creativity!
Roll the sleeves on the linen cabana dress. So cute. And I love the first washed black dress on you. Cooler on warm days. Not too short – same length as shorts! I think you should reconsider 😁
I tried that and it was awkward. The fabric is rather stiff. I didn’t have much time tho, when I tried it. I should be able to work something out.
The Cory Vintage Muscle Tee has the most potential! I do think if you could hem an inch or so it would be perfect for you!
I agree but hemming isn’t an option with their raw hem.
I love dresses so this post is especially appreciated!
The Frank & Eileen Cory now comes in a mini (36″) length. The full length looks great but it might be a bit long on me so I might have to try the mini.
I just saw that! I’m tempted to order.
I like the linen dress, but with sleeves rolled. I just purchased a similar Tommy Bahama one with rolled sleeves with tabs. Will be a good dress for summer dinners out with metallic flats.
Some of these dresses have potential but I’m afraid I find most of them too conservative. There should be better dresses out there that give you shape while also being casual and comfortable. Did you consider the Michael Stars Wren dresses at Evereve? I bought the black ringer dress when they had the promotion and it’s very flattering with ruching and a side slit, but not revealing or clingy.
Yes, I love that one on the model, but I’ve tried it twice and it is way too body con on me. I have a lot of lumps and bumps these days, even with shapewear. And the dresses with the ruching tend to over-accentuate my hips, which seem to keep getting wider, lol. Probably all of the sitting I’m doing these days. I need to get outside and walk more if I’m not going to get back to running. Le sigh…
I like the last J Crew linen one, especially if you roll the sleeves, as others suggested. It may be my personal bias, but t-shirt style dresses are tough—they can be too body-con and just too straight overall on me. I like the 2nd F&E one, but it looks too long—maybe if you wore a higher shoe? I think one of the reasons I like the first short dress is the v-neck. The high crew-neck ones just feel like they have too much fabric. Maybe if you looked for a t-shirt style with a bit more shape you might like them better? I’ve seen some with ruching, or try more of a scoop or v-neck. I’m always on the hunt for an easy throw-on-and-go dress too—it’s a tricky category!
I absolutely agree that t-shirt style dresses are tough. I rarely end up wearing them. I think a wedge sandal would look great with the long F&E dresses, but also agree that the high crewneck styles do not do much for me. There are so many out there right now tho!
Dresses are my favorite thing to wear but I have to kiss a lot of toads before I find one that hits on all cylinders.
My favorite on you is the JCrew linen dress. A classic but agree with you on the long sleeves.
I bought and wore on a recent trip a dress from Nordstrom by a new to me brand, Ciebin. Green maxi.
Any of these? They’re pretty!
Yes, the Alayna. It has a Farm Rio vibe. Wore it when we visited friends in the Dorado Beach Club, Puerto Rico.
It does! Very pretty.
Thank you so much for all the details you give on your try-ons. It really is so helpful to determine if it’s right for me. Love the dress from J. Crew. I like the idea of pushing up the sleeves.
You have great legs! I wouldn’t cover them up with a long dress if I were you. But you always look great either way.
Ha! I thought of you when I went to get dressed for my MIL’s birthday dinner on Saturday. I tried on the F&E Cory but ended up wearing the KUT sleeveless dress.
I purchased the Kut dress before you featured it on your blog and have already worn it twice.
Thanks Jo-Lynn! You saved me some money by trying on all these dresses and providing great feedback.
I recently bought the Evereve Frances Frill dress and really like it, as I believe you do, too as you wore it in FLA! Can you please tell me a couple different toppers to go with it? What length? What color? What material? Would light tan platform sandals work with it? I am 5’8”. Thanks so much and have a great weekend!
Hi Sara, I have the Emerson Fry Frances 3 dress, and I wear it with a white linen blazer or stretch denim blazer (not too boxy of a style, semi-fitted, low hip length). A cropped cotton cardigan would be cute too! I also wear it with a pointed-toe neutral rattan mule, but I think you can wear it with any shoe, depending on how dressy you want to be.
Hi Amy, thank you very much! It’s such a pretty dress with a little help I’ll get it right! Great suggestions, thanks. I was thinking cropped cardigan! White linen sounds nice!
Amy if that white linen blazer was a recent purchase, do you mind posting a link?
Hi Megan! It’s older J.Crew but close to this one https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens/categories/clothing/blazers/novelty/alexandra-blazer-in-stretch-linen-blend/CI487?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=white&colorProductCode=CI487
Love the white linen blazer idea! I was going to say denim jacket, but I tried it with one and I found the neckline to be kind of “in the way” of the collar. So a blazer might work better, since it is more open at the neck. A cardigan is an option too.
For toppers, I would personally keep them cropped so they don’t interfere with the skirt, and cause you to lose your waist. I tried this denim jacket with mine and didn’t love it. It was just a lot going on at the neck. I wonder what the Dre cardigan would look like with it.
I like the last JCrew linen dress a lot- I think I might try it. Could the sleeves be rolled up? I love a maxi t-shirt dress but it’s definitely more of a challenge these days to find the ones that aren’t too clingy and body-con. The Gap one reminded me of my ZSupply T-Dress that I love. I don’t understand why F&E does so many curved hems….I prefer a straight hem. However, I think the F&E Cory looks good on you!
I did try rolling them but they were stiff and awkward – I didn’t have much time to pay with them tho. I do like the curved hems on the longer skirts but they’re a little too long, without a heel. I do think a wedge sandal would look good with the Cory.
The F&E Cory Musle Tee and the Nordstrom Pink Wild Aster looked stunning on you. I liked the Old Navy on you. (I t received mine in orange). Yet to try mine on.
Thanks so much for all the work you do for us…the fit,. Quality, pros and cons, body con or not. It is so helpful. Have a great Easter weekend with your family.
You did have some hits along with some misses. Since I have plenty of dresses in my closet, I will not be adding any, even though I really like a few of the ones you shared. Since I am not one to wear shapewear for several reasons, I steer clear of anything that is body con.
I like the Pink Wild Aster dress the best – it really says “summer” to me! And it looks so pretty on you.
I love the tshirt dresses, but I would love to see how they look with a cute belt. I think the accent at the waist would be interesting, and the few that seemed a bit long would benefit from the belt cinching the dress up a bit.
A lot of work and putting yourself out there in this post and it is much appreciated. I wear dresses primarily for comfort. Putting on shape wear any time is a nightmare for me but in the summer would be impossible. The Cory is good looking but the price wowza. And the pink is such a pretty color.
Having live in adult children is a tightrope for sure. Not enviable at all. haha