All My Friends Think This Flattering Dress Is Designer – It’s Actually From This High Street Brand

There was a time when the only reason to turn to Abercrombie & Fitch was to find a logo-emblazoned tracksuit or to shop its iconic fragrance, but somewhere in the past few years, the tide shifted, and the Abercrombie of today has become our first stop for elevated staples: from inclusive jeans to surprisingly good tailoring. Still, despite the rolling list of evidence of the brand’s fashionable return, none have convinced me quite like its edit of summer dresses. Case in point, the Emerson dress that recently created a buzz thanks to its universally flattering fit. So of course, when we spotted a new Abercrombie design cropping up on our social media feeds, we had to take a closer look.

The dress in question is the Abercrombie & Fitch V-Neck Linen-Blend Mini Dress, a brand best-seller that’s already made it to the summer wardrobes of stylish influencers and editors alike. So naturally, I bought it. On the surface, it’s a pretty simple piece – it’s made with a linen-cotton blend and cut for a slim-fitting silhouette with a v-neckline. But delve into the details and you’ll see it's anything but. Made with back smocking and adjustable straps for a tailored fit, the dress is fitted at the bodice and skims over the tummy before sitting comfortably at the upper thigh for a playful length that still offers coverage. And just in case you’re not convinced yet, the dress comes with roomy pockets, which is always a plus.

Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch's V-Neck Linen Blend Mini Dress

Breezy construction aside, what I appreciate most about this dress is its carousel of shades and prints. There’s the wear-anywhere neutrals such as black, white and baby blue, as well as trendy gingham and polka dot takes and a standout chili print. Available in petite, regular and tall lengths for truly inclusive sizing, this linen-blend number is primed for all manner of styling and layering for spring, summer, and with the right planning, even autumn. I bought the chili pepper mini on a whim last month and have already styled it with everything from trainers for a birthday brunch to flip flops for a weekend away at the beach.

Style with a pair of suede trainers and a crossbody bag for a hands-free off duty look. Alternatively, style it with a sun hat, straw bag and sandals on holiday; or pair it with heels for evening drinks. Come autumn (or even a windy summer evening), layer it under a barn jacket with some knee-high boots.

Yes, the Abercrombie & Fitch V-Neck Linen Blend Dress will score you major fashion points, but it’s also just a great dress. It’ll help you take the stress out of outfit planning in the heat, and at £52, I’d say you’ll want to invest in a couple to really spruce up your summer wardrobe.

Shop: Abercrombie & Fitch's V-Neck Linen Blend Mini Dress In Alternate Colours

Main image credits: ©Instagram/@fitbykiki @tia_dewitt

Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.