Why The Fit & Flare Dress Deserves A Spot In Every Woman’s Wardrobe

The old fit and flare dress—fitted at the ribcage or midsection, flared more loosely over the hips and thighs—was once a dependable work dress. It was usually done in a classic color (navy/black), easy-care, stretch ponte fabric, sheath, or cap sleeve style.

Flash forward to right now, and the style has experienced a reinvention that we think is just right. It still echoes the fit and flare shape, but it’s less workwear and more flirty, done in longer lengths, casual fabrics (cotton, linen), kicky prints, and often with pretty sleeve details.

Pair it with a wedge, an espadrille, a flat…even a sneaker, and get as dressed as you need to be this summer.

How to find your fit? Choose one that’s cinched a little or a lot at the smallest part of your frame—whether that’s your ribcage or your waist and look for open necklines to show a bit of skin and leave space for that perfect neck stack.

Here are our favorite picks of the summer.