I Tried On 15 of Reformation's New Spring Dresses And This Is What I Bought.
Plus a couple of other excellent pieces for spring and some strategy for how I think about vacation shopping (hint: I don't).
Before we get into today’s story, I just wanted to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your response to last week’s newsletter. I feel very seen by you all, and appreciate the generosity of your comments, DMs, and texts.
Did you see that meme last year, the one that goes: “Ohhhh, I wasn’t sad, I just needed a…” and then “Holiday” by Madonna starts to play? Well, my phone is clearly listening to me, because I’ve been served a boatload of this content lately, and honestly? My phone is right.
As longtime readers know, I haven’t led the most balanced life, to the point that my “resolution*” for last year and this year was to take a vacation. And I did it last year! Or should I say: I took a family trip last spring, which is still hugely valuable, important, and an incredible privilege, but also traveling with small children is not the same as traveling solo or with one’s partner.
But I’m doing it again! Family trip, round two will happen in the next few weeks, and as I discussed last year, I have been so vacationally rusty, I am starting my planning now. The other reason I’m planning my wardrobe and making restaurant reservations early? Again due to that 2010 study that shows that pre-trip anticipation yields the most happiness! Up to an eight-week boost! And while I don’t have that long before we go, I’m going to try and maximize it in part through what I’m going to pack, which leads me to today.
Now, to be perfectly clear, I’m not into vacation shopping, as a concept. I tend to not buy new things for trips because my closet is too small. Seriously: There’s no space for Holiday Hillary and her (presumed) kaftans in my wardrobe. Everything needs to do double duty and work in my real life, as well. So I started with Reformation’s spring dresses—yes, I tried on 15 styles, most in at least two sizes—and then kept the party going with a couple of fancier options from Net-A-Porter. I haven’t had the best shopping experiences lately, and was pleasantly shocked to walk away with pieces I truly love, that will work in both my day-to-day life and on holiday.
But before we get into dresses, I regret to inform you I found yet another polka dot skirt, specifically the Reformation Claire Skirt ($168) in Moon Dot. I know, I know, I have a lot of polka dot skirts, but they’re all so different, I swear. This one is an easy gem that hits right below the natural waist, and has the sweetest button details on each side.
Reformation Monette Linen Dress ($198) in Remy Check
As someone who owns a number of Reformation linen dresses—and frankly have re-sold a number of them too; they always get snapped up when I take them to Crossroads or sell them in a eastside mom’s group I’m in—Ref is always my first stop for warm weather options. The linen pieces, in particular, hold up really well, and look elevated. This spaghetti strap style is unlike anything else I have in my closet, and I love how easy it is, and how comfortable the fit is, thanks to the ruched back panel. It also comes in five other colors and prints, and while I didn’t style this one with a narrow leather belt, I think it would like with it as well.
I find it true to size, I’m wearing a six here, as per usual, and I’m wearing it with Co’s Slip On Ballerina Flats ($595) because my toenails are gross, but also think it would look great with a super simple flat sandal, like Kayu’s Olympia Sandals ($88) which are in my cart, or a trad ballerina, like Sezane’s Agathe Low Ballerinas ($195). I also have my eye on Toteme’s Leather Sandals ($540) which are understated, but so special.
Reformation Yuliy Dress ($248)
Wait, another black and white gingham dress? Are you crazy? Uh, yes. This is my favorite colorway, and a reminder that the other dress also comes in five colors. Ahem. Anyway, did you notice how many proper/sporty halter dresses there were at the Oscars and post-Oscars parties? Not the strappy, 1950s halter, but what I always think of as a swimmer’s halter top. Love it. So perhaps no surprise that I adore this little summer dress from Reformation, as it has that same sleek top, plus an easy lace-up back and a generous A-line skirt. Yes, it’s true to size (I’m in a 6 here), and yes, it’s strangely supportive (I skipped a bra and don’t feel weird about it). While I will not wear this one to work, this feels appropriate for daytime weekend events and even spring date nights, depending on how it is accessorized. I’m wearing it with a very old pair of Who What Wear x Target sandals (while more expensive, these slides from Loulou Studio fit the vibe) and will pack my J.Crew red cat-eye sunglasses, which are similar to this style!
Posse Paloma Dress ($470)
As someone who has been lucky enough to attend Sydney Fashion Week more than once, I am here to remind you that Australian brands are so dang good and don’t get the credit they deserve. God, I love them so much. Posse’s been around for nearly a decade, and spotted on everyone from Meghan Sussex (I don’t mind calling people by their preferred names!) to Sophia Richie Grange. I have a number of pieces from the brand, but I’ve never loved anything as much as I love this polka dot dress.
The print makes me sentimental and is giving Drew Barrymore in The Wedding Singer a smidge, and it’s so soft and comfortable, I don’t know how to express it. The sweet little pleats on the back of the bodice are so delightful, and I’m just obsessed with it. As per usual, I’m wearing a size small here, but I also fit in the medium, my point is that it’s pretty forgiving between sizes. Also in stock at FWRD.
Cara Cara Alba Floral-Print Midi Dress ($695)
So here’s the thing: Prints are really hard to get right—I talk about this a lot when it comes to leopard, right?—so when you see one that you really love, I think it’s worth the investment. Especially because a beautifully executed print has the ability to make a true statement. I mean think about it: Black linen can look good at just about any price point, as long as it fits, but surely you’ve noticed how a bad print makes the whole garment look cheap, right?
My point is: This is a great print. And the fit? Absolutely perfection, at least for me and my more vintage-shaped body. That’s not me saying my body is old, for the record; I just think I have a more retro form. To me, this is the perfect vacation, garden party, baby shower, date night, even casual wedding guest dress, and if you know me IRL, get ready to see it on heavy repeat for the next six months, and then forever after that. It’s also available in more sizes on Cara Cara’s website, and I just realized they make it in two other prints. Ugh, now I want the Botanical Blue; drat.
I also tried on and like Cara Cara’s Santiago Dress ($695), though I’m too short waisted for it, and very much appreciate the brand’s Marge Skirt ($425)—named after Gwyneth Paltrow’s character in The Talented Mr. Ripley, Marge Sherwood—and Asbury Shirt ($295), which also would be good for a fancy Easter look, if I celebrated. It reads a smidge “independent voter” (yes, I’m making a The White Lotus reference, #iykyk) to me paired together, and I would probably wear the skirt with a J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken T-Shirt ($98) in Honeycomb or Bitter Yellow instead of the coordinated top. Not that you asked.
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.
*Resolutions are trash.
All of these dresses looked great on you, but I especially LOVED and coveted the dark Cara Cara print! I am sometimes prone to ‘talking myself out of’ buying a beautiful daytime dress because I can’t figure out if I should be finding cool/alternate ways of styling it to make it seem less predictable… Do you change up the styling with each wear or just find one great outfit presentation and stick with it?
I’m in love with that Cara Cara dress. And as per usual, my Sunday morning is complete with a cup of tea and a moment of Hilary. I’m also wondering about some new fun ways to style a basic like shrunken cashmere sweater.