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This Season’s Most Flattering Solid-Color Dresses For Everyday Wear
As we all emerge from winter’s doldrums, it’s natural to crave fewer layers and lighter fabrics. It’s also a time to think about color, but much as we like a bright print or a jaunty stripe, sometimes you want a fashion palette cleanser, stylistically speaking. A chic, solid dress is just the answer.
The trick is to find something that flatters your shape, and that also has a little oomph. Since there’s no print to bring the excitement, a solid dress must make up for it in other ways, like with an interesting shape, quality fabric, and thoughtful details.
As you know by now, we are keen on frocks that are wearable… made from cotton, machine washable, great day and low key nights, and casual enough to wear with your hair in a ponytail.
Here are our picks.
H&M. We’re sorry but WHAT A STEAL?! An effortless, double-weave cotton dress with styling elements that will look great on just about everyone. It comes in three colors and in sizes up to 4XL. There’s no reason not to go grab this.
Caslon. Normally a smocked gauze sundress wouldn’t catch our eye, but we make exceptions when we see something we like. The length of the smocked bodice—in both standard and plus—is just right, while the crinkled gauzy cotton elevates an otherwise super simple dress choice. Great for layering in spring and wearing stand-alone (with the right accessories) in summer.
J.Crew. A black eyelet midi is basically a wardrobe blank canvas. Thong sandals and a bucket bag? Yes. Espadrilles and a statement necklace? You got it. If you like this one, grab it, as we’ve seen the availability dwindle since we first caught wind of it.
Marcella NYC. It really doesn’t get more classic than this black dress, in a classic shape that has stood the test of time and for good reason. A low scoop neckline, stretchy fit, and forgiving ponte skirt will look good on everyone. Don’t want to bare your arms? Add a little jacket or a cardigan. Plus, it’s got pockets! You can thank us later.
BSL. This is the kind of dress that goes on heavy rotation—it’s got a flattering V-neck, relaxed shape, pretty eyelet detail, and it’s made of 100% cotton. We’re into it.
Anthropologie—Moon River. A cutout!? Why yes! The low-back sliver of skin is perfectly sexy and has the right amount of edge for this otherwise feminine, relaxed dress. We’re in love with the elastic elements around the waist and arms and the fact that this comes in petite, standard, and plus sizes.
Nordstrom. This is just a super pretty dress. An empire-waist and square neckline are BIG yesses for women with curves and we like the gathered ¾ sleeve as well. Pair it with nude or metallic accessories.
Sezane. For narrow frames, this dress is phenomenal. An easy shape in organic cotton, you can’t go wrong with short sleeves and a charming tie detail right where most of us want it. The simplicity of this dress makes accessorizing a breeze, which we like.
The Somerset Collection by Anthropologie. An insanely flattering dress that comes in 4 colors (including black and white) and in petite, standard, and plus sizes. It’s the mesh cutout detailing—nesting into a current trend while being timeless because of its placement—that we love most.
Brochu Walker. In 10 colors, the Havana Dress is one of Brochu Walker’s best sellers, and for good reason. A relaxed fit with a tiered skirt and ever so slightly puff sleeves, this is a dress you can wear day in and day out which makes the price per wear pretty darn compelling.
Xirena. Xirena knows how to create dresses that are delightfully wearable. This pick is a flowy, maxi dress with full length, elastic cuff sleeves, shirring throughout, an elasticized waist, and an optional self-tie belt. Purple is a gorgeous hue that brightens without being too bold.
SEA. There are two ways to wear this dress—cinched at the waist with the matching belt or styled without for a more relaxed shape. In 100% cotton and with contrasting “ric rac” trims, it is a stunning one-shoulder option for when you need to amp up the style factor.
All products featured on Six to Sunday are independently selected by our editors and contributors. We may get paid commissions on products purchased through our links to retailer sites. However, we recommend products based on our independent research and point of view, and the decisions we make regarding the products we feature on our site are always driven by what we believe our community will love, first and foremost.
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