Sexy & Sweet: Cotton Poplin Midi Dresses From ALC & Staud

Sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue

I’m a sucker for a really great dress. There’s no other piece more likely to survive one of my yearly closet clean-outs, to be loaned out to friends, and to still be worn years (or even decades) later. A really great dress is, by definition, trend proof — that’s what makes it a really great dress.

And there are two designers, in particular, who nail this whole “really great dress” thing: A.L.C and Staud.

While both of these designers do interesting things all year long, my favorites, year after year, are their summer collections. Both of these designers turn breezy cotton poplin into something…pretty major.

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These Flirty Cotton Poplin Midi Dresses Are Both Romantic & Practical

These dresses are the type of dresses that are a joy to wear. Cotton poplin is cool, breezy and never sticks to my skin (or rubs), even in summer’s heat. I love a longer skirt length because it simplifies…well, everything about getting dressed in the summer (appropriate for any occasion, doesn’t need a spray tan, the backs of my legs won’t stick to the chair — to name just a few reasons), and both dresses are incredibly well-made.

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The two dresses I’m featuring here are equal parts statement and everyday. And they’re a solid mood booster, too. It’s hard not to feel flirty in dresses like these. Because they’re so wildly versatile (day, night, graduation, farmer’s market, wedding), they’re perfect for travel, too.

A.L.C White Cotton Midi Dress With Cut-Outs

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I didn’t realize how sexy cotton poplin could be…until I tried this dress. A.L.C has totally nailed that effortlessly sexy vibe, yet it’s wearable, too.

Best of all, nothing is see-through. The skirt has an extra (100% cotton) layer underneath, but cut shorter so the dress remains cool, while remaining completely opaque. And I am not wearing a bra of any kind, yet there’s no hint of anything showing through the fabric.

I’m also smitten with the back view. That peek of skin is just so good.

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Another thing I really like about this dress is the subtle draping and gathering around the stomach. It makes for a really flattering cut-out situation, even on my softer, I’ve-birthed-two-babies, stomach. This is definitely a dress I can eat in, sit in, etc.,

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Fit Notes: This A.L.C dress fits true to designer sizes, which is typically a size up from fast fashion sizing (I’m a 6 in A.L.C). That said, if you are between sizes, I’d choose the larger. It gives you a larger peek of back (like the photos here). This dress is also available in black.

Shop Cotton Dresses By A.L.C.

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Staud Off-The-Shoulder Black Midi Dress In Cotton Poplin

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Staud first appeared on my radar last summer, when I realized that a “shapeless dress” (my words) was actually sneaky-flattering. I’ve been a die-hard fan ever since.

I especially love that Staud dresses have an old-world, almost vintage sensibility with a decidedly modern execution. This off-the-shoulder dress is no different. It is, yes, delightfully twirly, with its feminine skirt and flirty little sleeves…

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…but the sleeves are sewn in a way that allows a full range of motion. (I should also note that there is a mini dress version of this exact dress.)

dress (6) | shoes | similar necklace

Fit Notes: Staud dresses fit TTS for designer sizing (typically one size up from fast fashion sizing), but the sizing is a liiiitle more flexible, thanks to the 2% spandex / 98% cotton blend. This exact dress is also available in a white cotton poplin, which, after trying on, is also completely opaque. Like the A.L.C dress, there’s some extra underskirts (also short) that provide a little coverage and, in this case, a little pouf, too. Note that the buttons are only for show. This dress does not actually unbutton.

Shop Cotton Dresses by Staud

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Oh Hey! Saks Is Having a Designer Sale….

Just in time to kick off summer festivities (a Memorial Day picnic, perhaps?), Saks is having a designer sale – starting today, 5/25 – of up to 50% off select designer pieces. I’m especially excited about the…drum roll…patched jeans. They’re such a good vibe for summer.

xo,

S

A huge thank-you to Saks for sponsoring this post! It’s a dream working with Saks (I was literally breathless looking at all the pretty dresses), and couldn’t be more thrilled about this partnership. As always, all thoughts, opinions, and product choices are my own. And readers, thank you for your continued support. It does NOT go unnoticed, and is so very much appreciated.

A huge thank you to Vuori for sponsoring this post! We’re huge fans around here – I spend a good part of my week in Vuori. (And so does my husband, my mom, my teenage son….). As always, all thoughts, opinions, and product choices are my own. And readers, thank you for your continued support. It doesn’t go unnoticed and is so very much appreciated!

photo credits: Redfield Photography (love you guys)