I Raided Reformation + Bought 15 Spring Dresses. These 4 Are Keepers.

Also tried a bunch of their sandals, which are great but don't fit my foot.

When it comes to spring and summer dresses, I have a long-standing history with Reformation. I own a few of the brand’s cotton or linen dresses—four, to be precise—that I’ve curated over the last eight or so years, and I absolutely love them. 

The price point feels right for the quality, the styles are well made and timeless, so I can wear them over and over again, and the lighter colored options are usually lined, which makes them feel more high end. And while I can’t speak for every Ref dress in every material and style, the linen ones are generally structured enough that they don’t require a bra, which is nice. (For example: The black linen Tagliatelle Linen Dress ($278) below is one of the hardest-working pieces in my closet.)

The aforementioned Tagliatelle dress in black linen, seen here in Paris last summer. I bought this at least two years ago and it still looks brand new.

With this in mind, I was curious about this season’s styles, so I placed a huge order last week, and tried them all on. (Lots of sandals too, but sadly that part of this experiment was a bust.) I was honestly quite pleased to find four styles that I absolutely adore, and hope that you like them too. 

Also worth noting: I’m starting with Ref, but since I’m obsessed with dresses, this will be an ongoing series, covering both casual and dressier options. (On that note, I have a Ciao Lucia dress on the way that is incredibly major. Can’t wait to show you!)

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As always,  if there’s an item you’re shopping for or you need help sorting through the zillions of options out there, please don’t hesitate to drop me a comment and I will add it to my to-do list.

(And why am I prompting you to comment? Because while I love DMs and always try to answer you there, my inbox is messy, and comments here are much easier to find and answer. Also, I love comments; they make me feel seen. Also also: If you have a question, someone else probably does too, and if you leave it in the comments, we have the opportunity for everyone to learn from each other!)

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Reformation Magnolia Linen Dress ($248) in Black

It probably comes as no surprise to read this, but when it comes to warm-weather attire, I’ve always been exceedingly fond of Brigitte Bardot’s style. The structured scoop or portrait necklines, full skirts, and simple silhouettes speak to me, so I immediately was drawn to this linen dress. I love that it has a hint of that vintage style—especially the back of the dress. which has a similar scoop; it’s so ballet!—but the clean lines feel more ‘90s minimalist to me.

This is also a dress you can style for a wide range of occasions. I like the way the site paired it with a sleek, monochromatic leather belt (do you remember when Prada made a double-wrap belt like the one pictured?), or you could make it more casual with a narrow braided leather belt. You could style it with flat sandals or kitten heels, depending on where you’re going, and did I mention it as pockets? It does, and they’re great. (PS: I didn’t see the Prada vintage one, but eBay has a Gucci version, or there’s an excellent Toteme iteration available new.)

This dress also available in a deep wine color and white. I’m usually a 6 in Reformation dresses, and that’s what I’m wearing here. (I’m 5’5”, for reference, as someone always asks.)

Key Notes: 100% Linen. Pockets! Three colors. True to size.

Styled here with an older pair of suede and cork Gianvito Rossi sandals that are no longer in stock. This style is similar, and comfortable.

Reformation Marella Linen Dress ($278) in Ritz Dot

Prepare to be sick of seeing me in this dress all summer, because I’m calling it now. This will be my most-worn dress, no question. Available in two solid colors (red and white) and two prints (a blue and green botanical print and the black with tan polka dot shown here), this 100% linen dress is an absolute must-have, especially for anyone who prefers a little sleeve action.

The back of the bodice is smocked, which makes it totally comfortable, and the skirt is full and generous, which means you can wear it for daytime events like picnicking with ease. This is another style that is quite sturdy, so a bra (for most) will not be needed, as it’s surprisingly supportive. As per usual, I’m in a 6 here. 

Key Notes: 100% Linen. Four colors. True to size.

Same shoes as before, and that’s an older COS bag on my bed + my weirdly versatile Khaite denim jacket. J.Crew makes a woven clutch that’s similar.

Reformation Balia Linen Dress ($278)

This style was strangely a leap for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by the fit. I don’t generally appreciate a basque waist, as they read #RenFaire to me, but this one isn’t particularly pronounced. Unfortunately I didn’t read the notes when ordering, and got a 6 (seen here). Definitely should have gone down a size, so please learn from my mistake. 

If you’re looking for white linen, but hate how transparent it always is, this dress should be at the top of your list. It’s lined! It’s lightweight! It’s still soft to the touch! Also: like my other favorite styles, it has pockets and comes in a range of colors (including black, a blue and white print, and a few other options that haven’t shipped yet). 

Speaking of which, to be completely transparent, I really wanted this style in the dusty pink print, but it doesn’t ship until June. So I will most likely return this one and order the pink print in a size 4. 

Key Notes: 100% Linen. Pockets! Five colors. Available 0-24 and in petite sizing. Size down.

A basque waist usually isn’t for me (not the style, nor the way it fits my body), but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this one.

Reformation Florrie Dress ($248)

Okay so this one isn’t linen—organic cotton, plus a little stretch—but it still feels very breathable and poplin-adjacent. The combination of the little cap sleeves, full skirt, and the trail of buttons running up the front of the dress feels like it could have come from the wardrobe department of The Talented Mr. Ripley (the 1999 film version), and if someone doesn’t wear this on holiday in Italy this summer, I will cry. 

I’d style it with a flat lace-up shoe, like the these simple black ones from Ancient Greek Sandals, or an elegant option from Amanu, which makes incredible, sustainable footwear, and was founded by stylist Anita Patrickson. Bonus points for adding my new favorite cat-eye sunglasses from J.Crew! I love the red, surprise, surprise, but they also come in white, black, or tortoiseshell. 

Key Notes: 98% organic cotton and 2% Spandex. Three colors.

The little buttons means you can customize the vibe.

PS: Honorary mention for the Sai Dress ($218) which is (once again!) not my usual, but I really loved it. I bought the cream one in a medium, which was too big and a little sheer in the bodice for my life. But I’m definitely going to try the small in black. This one is available up to size 3X and in petites.

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Okay friends, that’s it for now. If you want to follow me on @hillarykerr, I’d love it. And if you have anything to say or ask (preferably nothing terribly mean), please drop me a note either via DM or in the comments below.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this post. I’m truly so glad you’re here. If you like what you’re reading, please consider sharing this newsletter. (And if you have the time to like it, that would mean a lot to me!) All products mentioned are independently chosen, and some may be affiliate links. Your support is appreciated. 

Dreamy red cat-eye sunglasses from J.Crew!