I own dozens of summer dresses, but this $30 steal gets me the most compliments

Come May, I’m just like many of you — itching to throw off the sweaters, pack away the coats and strut my stuff in a swingy summer dress. Over the years, I’ve built up quite a collection. My current count is close to 30, some of which I wear often and others that only get to see the light of day for special occasions. There’s one dress, however, that I cannot live without: Old Navy’s Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Midi Dress. I purchased it last summer, and I kid you not, I wore it every single week from June to August. Sometimes, I washed it before laundry day and got in two wears in the same seven-day period. That’s how much I love this dress.

Old Navy

fruit print and trendy butter yellow.

$30 at Old Navy

I’ll be the first to admit that this dress doesn’t look all that special from the pics online. The curved neckline is somewhat interesting and the nipped-in waistline is a nice touch. But are there prettier dresses in fun prints and more exciting silhouettes out there? Certainly. Here’s the secret, though: something magical happens when you actually put this midi dress on your body.

First, the way it frames the shoulders and collarbone is perfection. It’s not overly revealing in any way, but there’s something very alluring about how the top of the dress accentuates the female physique that makes it a winner. Wear it with a necklace or without — it looks gorgeous either way.

Then, there’s the length. I am pretty much the captain of “team long dress.” I find midis and maxis way more flattering and versatile than shorter styles. And the added benefit of not having to worry about flashing strangers if I drop something? Sold. This dress is available in petite, regular and tall lengths, so no matter your height, there’s a good option for you. I’m 5’4″ and actually opted to get the tall so the dress would hit just above my ankles and I’m very happy with the fit.

I wore this dress a lot last summer. Given that I was washing it every week — sometimes twice in a week — I was convinced it was going to be a one-season style. But guess what? My beloved Old Navy dress is still going strong! I pulled it out a few weeks back to wear on the first hot day in N.Y.C., and not only did the linen-blend fabric look perfectly fine, but a woman on the street actually stopped to tell me that I looked “gorgeous” in the dress while walking my dog. Not bad for a well-loved $30 Old Navy dress, huh?

And yes, I do wear this dress on walks with my pup. I also wear it to dinner with my boyfriend, to the grocery store, to family barbecues and to work. It’s absolutely one of those styles you can wear absolutely everywhere — okay, except maybe a black-tie wedding! — with the right accessories.

When I saw that Old Navy brought this design back again this summer, I was immediately tempted to buy a second. I don’t technically need another dress, but this one is so good. I debated and debated and finally caved. If there’s one dress worth owning in multiples, it’s this one in my opinion.

If you’re still on the fence, a few last parting thoughts about why this dress is the best wardrobe investment you’ll make all summer — the cut is slimming, the back has smocking to accommodate different chest sizes, the wide straps support “the girls” and last but obviously not least, there are pockets.

Old Navy

$25 at Old Navy

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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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