The Best Dresses at Abercrombie & Fitch RN, According to an Editor with a Closet Full of Them

Dress(es) to impress

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Abercrombie & Fitch/Stephanie Maida for PureWow

If you had told me back in the store’s collar-popping days that I would come to own an entire collection of Abercrombie & Fitch dresses—and that they would be some of the most flattering and romantic ones I own—I would not have believed you. But times change and brands surprise you. Dear ninth-grade me: It’s true, A&F is now one of your favorite places to shop for frocks.

From their fabrication to their fit to their wide selection of sizes and lengths (including petite-friendly options for moi), the styles at Abercrombie impress on every front. Needless to say, I scour the retailer’s selection every season for new finds. Below, find six of the best dresses up for grabs right now, including one that I’ve recently added to my own rotation.

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ICYMI, A&F dropped an entire bra-free dress line featuring sewn-in support that allows you to ditch the extra undergarment. I got my hands on two of the ingenious pieces in the collection: the cap-sleeve dipped-waist dress and this Dylan midi. As someone with a 36C bust, I’m obsessed with both (as you can tell from my review), but I find that the Dylan offers just a bit more coverage and lift courtesy of its square scoop neckline and adjustable straps. But beyond the fact that yes, you really can wear it without a bra, it boasts the ultimate hourglass silhouette—a fitted bodice that flows out into an exaggerated skirt, which enhances the hips and makes the waist look tapered. It’s also fully lined and 100 percent cotton.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: XXS to XL
  • Lengths: petite, regular, tall
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton

Many of Abercrombie’s dresses feature a smocked panel at the back for a bit of give on otherwise fitted bodices. But if you love some good stretch, turn to the Sydney. This number still nails that flattering fit-and-flare shape, only the top is fully smocked, so you can count on flexible comfort and a frock that hugs your curves rather than restricting them. The decorative stitching and dipped waist also elevate it from a basic sundress to something that feels more resort-worthy.  

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: XXS to XL
  • Lengths: petite, regular, tall
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton

Eyelet embroidery has been everywhere this season, and this shift mini showcases those delicate details to wearable perfection. The cotton frock is fully lined, and since only the neckline and hemline feature lacy accents, you don’t have to worry about showing too much skin or finding a slip to wear underneath. One buyer raves that it’s “lightweight and easy to throw on,” but don’t get it twisted—the boat neck and keyhole buttoning in the back make it feel undeniably elegant for special occasions. (In white, it’s perfect for a bride-to-be’s bachelorette festivities.)

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: XXS to XXL
  • Lengths: petite, regular, tall
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton

The Emerson is one of Abercrombie’s signature silhouettes, one that the brand brings back and reinvents every season to much fanfare—and my own personal delight. I love the princess-y puff sleeves, I love the tailoring and I love this latest iteration with a dainty ribbon accent at the neck. The midi is currently available in a whopping 13 colorways and patterns, but I have my eye on this brown floral print that seems perfectly poised for autumn.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: XXS to XXL
  • Lengths: petite, regular, tall
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton

I swooned when I saw this gorgeous golden hue and immediately thought to myself, I need this for a destination wedding. Do I have plans to attend a destination wedding anytime soon? Not at all. But still, I just might have to grab this beauty to have at the ready if I ever do. In addition to its goddess-like ruching and airy crinkle chiffon, the frock stands out for its low-cut neck and back. While that might have posed some underwear issues if this were another dress, it is indeed a design from A&F’s bra-free collection, so the support is built in, complete with removable cups.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: XXS to XL
  • Lengths: petite, regular, tall
  • Materials: 100 percent polyester

How fun is the ric-rac trim on this classic A-line? It adds visual interest and texture, making even a casual day-out look seem just a little bit more special. So, you might be surprised to learn that that’s not even buyers’ favorite thing about the Mila midi. Rather, it’s the “thick-yet-breathable” linen/cotton material—structured, weighty, but not so heavy that it will leave you drenched on a late summer afternoon. There’s also vertical darting down the front of the bodice—a nice touch for effortless shaping—adjustable straps and, praise be, pockets.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: XXS to XL
  • Lengths: petite, regular, tall
  • Materials: 53 percent linen, 47 percent cotton 

stephanie maida

Stephanie Maida

Senior Commerce Editor

  • Oversees PureWow's coverage of sales and deals, celebrity commerce and new launches across categories
  • Has worked as a writer and editor for 10+ years
  • Studied journalism at New York University

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Abby Hepworth

Editor

  • Covers fashion, trends and all things running
  • Received certification as an RRCA run coach
  • Has worked in fashion for over a decade

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