My Ultimate Guide to Reformation Dresses—Tested & Reviewed, with Photos

No matter what story I’m writing, I always find something that completely and utterly surprises me; something that veers from my usual style and shows me I need to take more risks with my wardrobe. The Legacy Gown was just that. Part of the Alexa Chung 30-piece collection, this velvet dress is a regal gown fit for a black-tie occasion, sporting a deep V-neck and a jaw-dropping open back. I loved everything about it, especially the warm colorway. The size 4 was perfect, zipping up in the back and fitting like a glove. However, I found the top was way too big for my small, B-cup chest, with excess fabric at the bust and shoulders. I would have to get this tailored, which I think is worth it, but keep that in mind if you have a smaller cup size.

Fast Facts

• Materials: rayon, silk
• Size Range: 0 to 12
• Colors: 3
• Size I Tried: 4

Keeping to the black-tie dress code is this lovely full-length knit dress that you’ll want to wear and rewear for every event under the sun, not only because it’s beautiful but also because it’s unbelievably comfortable. While it doesn’t have zippers or hooks, it does have stretchy fabric that drapes over you like water—and this is coming from someone with broad shoulders who has busted through plenty of seams and waistbands over the years.

The silhouette is a dream, too, with a drape that looks luxuriously weighty but is, in fact, rather lightweight on the body. As someone who has always been a bit self-conscious about my arms (broad shoulders and Keratosis Pilaris), I adore the flutter sleeves, which don’t cling or draw attention to them. Best of all, the dress has a modesty hook hidden at the chest, so you can clip it together for more coverage or leave it open, as I did, depending on the occasion.

Fast Facts

• Materials: acetate, polyester
• Size Range: XS to XL
• Colors: 2
• Size I Tried: M

There’s something so flirty about a dress that’s fluttery. Case in point: Reformation's Allissa Dress, with ruffle details along the skirt designed to sashay and add gorgeous movement the moment you walk, twirl, dance or do anything really. Unlike the Legacy Gown, this one has adjustable straps, so you can customize the fit for more lift and support or give your boobs a little more wiggle room. The bodice has a slim fit, with a drop waistline that doesn’t cling uncomfortably and flows into an A-line skirt. If you’re looking for a wedding guest or bridesmaid dress, be sure to consider the Allissa Dress.

Fast Facts

• Materials: viscose
• Size Range: 0 to 12
• Colors: 4
• Size I Tried: 4

What’s life without a little black dress? Certainly not a stylish one, I’d argue. The Emma-Rose is sexy, flirty and fun—basically all the things that make up the ideal going-out dress when you want to put in minimal effort yet feel and look exponentially better—drawing inspiration from vintage silk nightgowns with its lace detailing at the neckline and hem. It blends seduction and comfort without costing you confidence or making you feel like you stepped out in your pajamas, thanks to the high-quality silk fabric. It’s so good you might just end up buying it in the other colorways, too.

Fast Facts

• Materials: silk
• Size Range: XS to XL
• Colors: 4
• Size I Tried: M

Style guru Alexa Chung does it again, creating a dress that’s so editorial I couldn’t help but try it on at the first chance I got. If you’ve been yearning to get your hands on a designer piece fresh from the runway but don’t have the budget, try the Ghost Dress. It’s a two-piece dress set that clips together at the shoulders and is made from polyester fabric that feels reminiscent of Prada and Miu Miu taffeta collectibles. You can even detach the pieces and wear them separately, leaning into the white slip look that feels so Daisy Edgar-Jones in Sense and Sensibility-coded, or throw on high-waisted knickers and wear the sheer dress alone for a cheeky, see-through moment.

Fast Facts

• Materials: polyester
• Size Range: 0 to 12
• Colors: 2
• Size I Tried: 4

I’ve been seeing this dress a lot lately, especially in Reformation’s silk fabric, but something about the velvet fabric and floral pattern stopped me in my tracks. With such a seasonal fabric, it feels ideal to wear this during the autumn and winter months. I love that, despite the fabric’s warmth, the dress doesn’t lean all the way into full coverage with long sleeves and a high cut; instead, it has a striking halter neck and a flattering open back. My favorite detail, though, is the contrast paneling at the waist, which is easier to see in the silk versions.

Fast Facts

• Materials: viscose, nylon
• Size Range: 0 to 12
• Colors: 1
• Size I Tried: 4

This dress has practically taken over my feed, with influencers and friends donning the chic stunner. I obviously had to try it once I saw it was in my size, and boy, did it not disappoint. Between winter capelettes and opera-core trends, it only makes sense that this piece would stand the test of time with its timeless air and classy look. The silk dress is ultra-lightweight and rather basic, so while it’s nothing truly special on its own, it looks absolutely breathtaking when paired with the sheer cape—and I do appreciate its adjustable straps. Once I put the cape on, I was sold, feeling like a modern-day Belle and praying I had a black-tie occasion to attend soon. With the cowl neckline, asymmetrical hem, and button closures on one shoulder, I almost wished I could buy the cape separately because it was that special.

Fast Facts

• Materials: silk, polyester
• Size Range: XS to XL
• Colors: 5
• Size I Tried: S

A few years ago, I splurged on an Anine Bing gown very similar to Reformation’s Soleia Dress, but I ultimately had to return it because of poor construction. Fast-forward to today, and the déjà vu is in full effect, thanks to its refined slip style and scoop neckline, which exude class. While it isn’t made from 100 percent silk like the Anine Bing piece, it still boasts a slim fit and a shiny fabric that looks like a tall glass of water on the body. Customers note that it runs slightly large, and I’d have to agree; however, it doesn’t have a zipper to slip in and out of, so make sure it fits loosely enough to pull over your head.

Fast Facts

• Materials: polyester
• Size Range: XS to XL
• Colors: 2
• Size I Tried: S

One of the many tough realities of my job is that I always end up wanting to walk away with one (or multiple!) of the pieces I try on. Today, that was the Delanie dress. Perhaps it was the adjustable, buttoned halter neck that made me realize how well-constructed it was. Or maybe it was the ties at the back of the waistband, which cinched it in for a bespoke fit, that made me realize how darling it was. On second thought, it might have been the drama of the open back and the ‘70s-inspired print, which felt perfect for summertime. (OK, maybe it was a combination of everything!) Basically, it was an easy purchase to round out my sundress collection. I even appreciated that I could size up to a 6 (the 4 was sold out in the store), and it still fit me well.

Fast Facts

• Materials: viscose
• Size Range: XS to XL
• Colors: 5
• Size I Tried: M

Cute and comfortable, this girl-next-door, rose-printed V-neck dress stole my heart the moment I zipped it up. From the puff sleeves to the ruching at the bust, every detail was well thought out. Even with my broad shoulders, I didn’t find the sleeves overwhelming, unlike some designs—in fact, I thought the deep V-neck provided a nice contrast that kept the eyes from being drawn to the shoulders. And the ruching does wonders for my fellow small-chested folks.

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a denim number. Whether it’s a pair of jeans, a jacket or a dress like this darling piece, I’m all for it. And while you might think of non-stretch, rigid fabric when you think of denim, that’s not the case here. The denim twill, though non-stretch, is complemented by a stretchy, elastic back that’ll provide enough breathing room to keep you comfortable all day and night long. Couple that with the pleated midi skirt and drop-waist bodice, and you have the perfect sundress.

Fast Facts

• Materials: cotton
• Size Range: 0 to 12
• Colors: 1
• Size I Tried: 4