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GAP, princess of prep and accessible, elevated basics, has been my closet mainstay since I was a wee babe (BabyGAP launched in 1990, the year I was born). I’ve been wearing GAP’s khakis, colorful stripes, and “GAP” logo sweatshirts as long as I can remember, but there’s something especially magical that’s happened to the brand this last year or so that’s made me almost exclusively wear GAP when I want to feel polished without too much thought. (It also helps that you can almost always find a good discount online.)
GAP’s dress department is especially inspired as of late, all thanks to Creative Director Zac Posen’s vision. What had been a sleepy curation for the past decade (sorry—I had to say it!) is today fresh and modern without straying from GAP’s preppy roots. The dresses are very Dôen meets new Abercrombie in a way that honestly feels and looks cooler than Madewell or J.Crew.
I’ve been wearing GAP dresses all summer long. Every time I do, friends and family ask who the designer is, and I’m always chuffed to say “GAP!” Here’s a rundown of a few of my favorites this season.
Lace-Trim Tiered Maxi Dress
On Sale 40% off
Colorways: 2
I love the rich denim blue of this tiered maxi dress. I’ve worn it several times this summer, but it feels season-agnostic—I could easily wear it in the fall with some boots or sneakers and pair it with a cardigan. While it looks like denim, it’s actually a lightweight cotton fabric that’s ultra breathable (plus far more movement-friendly than anything a jean dress could offer). Details like the lace trim and embroidered design bodice gives this a trendy “tradwife” look which I’ve been obsessing over (the look, not the ideology, lol).
Tie-Front Tiered Maxi Dress
On Sale 54% off
Colorways: 3
This maxi, with its front tie and spaghetti strap details, feels really fun for summer—brownie points for the front pockets, which I model in the photo above (truly a must if you are constantly losing your phone like I am). I love the smocked back and adjustable straps, and the fabric is this soft, sturdy rayon-nylon. I’m a sucker for anything olive green, but this dress also comes in all black or floral.
Shirred Bodice Halter Maxi Dress
On Sale 40% off
Colorways: 1
I’m so sad this dress is selling out in so many sizes (as of publication, a Medium is left in Regular sizing), but I had to include it because I of how hard I fell in love with it. I could easily wear this to a wedding and dress it up with heels, or throw it on for brunch with some flip-flops or sneaks. The halter V-neck design is so perfect for the polka dot design—it’s one of those dresses you really don’t have to accessorize much to get the full effect. PS. I don’t have to wear a bra with the shirred lined bodice, but you can opt for a strapless if you need more support.
Gap × DÔEN Floral Midi Dress
On Sale 40% off
Colorways: 1
This Dôen x GAP collab reminds me of Hill House (of which I own several Nap Dresses, natch), or something from Little House on the Prairie. The blue floral pattern is romantic and feminine, and the dress is so easy to style. I still have to take a photo but imagine me wearing this with my favorite orange Sugarbird Leather Slide Beek sandals or some Mary Jane flats. I love everything about this design, including the square neck, thicker (ruffly!) shoulder straps, and elasticized waist for comfort. It’s been my go-to summer dress this season.
Take a peek at all of GAP’s dresses online—all of which are 40 percent off, the discount applied at checkout—and do yourself and closet a favor and snag a few styles.
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