I Wore This Effortless Dress on a Night Out and Got So Many Compliments
We all have those rare moments when you order something online, and upon its arrival, it truly meets your expectations. Well, those feel far and few between, but it happened for me when I pulled the trigger on this Zara dress. I first discovered it when I was scrolling through my co-worker's article, and it caught my eye. Soon, it popped up in a few pieces of my own, and the next thing I knew, I couldn't stop thinking about it. This went on for a few days before I even thought to make the purchase. What had stalled me in signing the bottom line was the fact that I didn't have any upcoming plans that made sense for a dress like this. But it didn't leave my mind, so I decided to get it and wait to see when it naturally fit into my plans.
After ordering it, I came to the realization that I did indeed have the perfect occasion for the dress. An intimate dinner party at a glamorous Manhattan restaurant had been hiding in my calendar, and I hadn't yet thought of what I planned to wear. My mind immediately went to the dress I had just ordered, but since I didn't expedite the shipping, I thought it wasn't going to arrive on time. Serendipitously, it arrived the morning of. I had quite the agenda on that particular day, so I actually ended up popping the dress into my bag with a wide assortment of accessories and changing into it while already out and about. When the look came together, it just magically looked even better than I could've imagined.
Now for my honest review. There were two things about the dress that were not entirely clear when I was ordering it on the Zara site. The bunching that you see on the model doesn't really happen when the real deal shows up. I found the way that it casually floats atop my body to be more flattering anyway, so I was still happy with my order. The way you see it photographed on me is how it will look when it arrives. Additionally, the back has some scrunching that I didn't notice before and honestly am not in love with, but the benefit of that aspect of the dress is that it has a bit of stretch and can mold to your body more easily. It's true to size, so keep that in mind if you choose to order it.
The dress:
I felt like a true '90s fashion icon in this. I'm all about strong minimalist pieces right now, and this is such a standout if you're tempted to dive into that category. Plus, it'll be in style for ages.
How I styled it:
I almost didn't bring the belt out with me, but it was such a game changer when it came to putting this look together. It accentuates my waist, and I'll have many uses for it, so I'm very glad I have it.
Unfortunately, my exact shoes are out of stock now, but I think these black platforms will definitely do the trick. Mine are my go-to shoes for a special occasion. They're so comfortable!
Shop more tube dresses:
There are so many ways to style this one—I'd start with a button-down shirt.
The color-blocking at the waist strategically flatters your figure by playing into negative space.
Imagine wearing this to a beach dinner.
Up Next: All The Fashion Girls Are Ditching Their Favorite Jeans for This Forever Style
Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, trying the latest fitness craze in New York City, or exploring luxury vintage boutiques.
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber
-
Zara Just Delivered 6 Winter Shoe Trends That Will Make Your Basic Jeans Look So Much Chicer
Add to cart.
By Judith Jones
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
My Friends Always Ask for Shopping Recs—30 Items From Zara, Madewell, and Free People I Suggested
Suede, knits, and sequins ahead.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's End
And the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
By Natalie Cantell
-
36 Black Dresses From Zara, Mango, and J.Crew That'll Rake In the Compliments
Can't go wrong.
By Natalie Cantell