Style

Three Dresses: Which Would You Pick?

I sometimes dress like a 4-year-old boy (literally), but then I read a quote somewhere that it’s just as easy to wear a dress as it is to wear shorts and a T-shirt. And so much prettier! So, we thought we’d share a few favorite dresses, and the lovely Hadar agreed to model. Here are three looks…

Tomboy: This effortless linen dress looks good even when it’s wrinkled, making it perfect for bike rides and weekend getaways—or cheese shopping at Murray’s. We discovered it at Lou & Grey, a new line at Ann Taylor Loft with really lovely basics. (Sandals from Madewell.)

Feminine: This silk maxi looked like a watercolor painting as Hadar strolled down Bleecker Street. I loved how flowy and eye-catching it was—with two flirty slits—and it would be beautiful for a brunch with friends or dinner in a garden. (Sandals from Target.)

Sexy: All my friends swear by James Perse jersey dresses—you feel like you’re wearing a T-shirt, but you look a million times sexier. This black dress, with ruched sides and a slim fit, would be gorgeous for a date night. (Sandals by Splendid, also available in this fun color.)

Which dress would you choose? Which suits your personality best?

(Photos by Julia Robbs for Cup of Jo. Thanks for modeling, Hadar!)

Tags: julia robbs

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Ana Leonor

January 23, 2017 9:36 am

Black definitely!

Melissa

June 18, 2015 9:59 am

Amazing style and love your recommendations. The Splendid sandals you paired with the black dress, are they a camel color or cantaloupe?

Eitel

March 24, 2015 11:44 am

Well, they black dress is great (but I think you may need a body like hers to wear it) – they are so … bblackdresses.blogspot.com

Huafu Wholesale Handbags

February 13, 2015 1:33 pm

Very cute oufit

July 22, 2014 2:32 pm

Would love to know the lipsticks Hadar is wearing? Such pretty pink and red shades!

Shopping's My Cardio.com

July 10, 2014 10:08 pm

Oh, goodness…I couldn’t possibly choose. Clearly, the answer is all three! Though I confess, I do wish that first dress would work a little better for those of us with curves.

rap and tric

July 10, 2014 4:52 pm

I actually bought the black dress after reading your post. I’ve been hunting for a “go-to” little black dress and rolled the dice on an impulse. I LOVE IT. I want to wear it everywhere, with everthing, all the times. I’m counting down to a wedding next weekend and can’t wait to wear it with some strappy heels. Thanks!

Mary Glenn

July 9, 2014 8:21 pm

Okay joanna I love you–my wallet doesn’t, but I do! I went right out and bought dress number one and wore it today while out running errands with my two boys (6 and 3.5) and I got SO many compliments!!!!! It really made my day. When the hubby got home he said, “I’ve never seen this one–I like it!” Score and thank you!

sumslay

July 9, 2014 4:19 pm

I’m surprised by how many like the grey one! I think I’d feel frumpy in it. #2 is probably more “me” (bc of the colors), but #3 is lovely.

I agree with Julia and Jennifer – all I wear in the spring and summer are dresses. Like, I dread when I have to pick out pants again. :(

Jolene - EverydayFoodie

July 9, 2014 12:19 pm

I like the black one the best!

We Believe in Style

July 9, 2014 6:04 am

My favorite is the black one.

Laura

July 7, 2014 10:13 am

The gray, definitely.

NICOLE

July 7, 2014 10:01 am

I agree! Dresses are just as easy as shorts or jeans and a tee. I was just about to suggest James Perse when I reached the end of the post and read your note about your friend’s recommendations. I think their dresses are perfection. I especially appreciate the just-below-the-knee length.

Meghan

July 7, 2014 5:37 am

The black! The black! The black! Now if only I could have that hair too…

Hannah Marie

July 6, 2014 10:08 pm

I always like your fashion posts, but it would be great if you would consider sometimes using models who aren’t skinny and super-conventionally attractive.

Anne

July 6, 2014 9:04 pm

They are all pretty! I love the ease of the second one, but I think the first is the most flattering. I would wear the third one to a party, it looks so pretty and flowy. Of course, I imagine myself in them about 20 years ago and they all look terrific!! xoxo Your blog is the best.

Mabel and Zora

July 6, 2014 6:42 pm

Well, we are OBSESSED with James Perse, so that’s a shoe-in… but would wear stripes all day everyday if no one had anything to say about! So torn!
xoxo
http://www.mabelandzora.com/

Hot Mess Housewife

July 5, 2014 6:07 pm

They’re all gorgeous and look super-comfortable, and I’d wear all three (but I might cinch in the gray striped linen one). I’ve been living in maxi dresses this summer, they keep me cool and comfortable with this baby bump I’m rocking (I’ve been in love with them already, so I’m adding ones I’d wear anyway to my collection using maternity wear as an excuse, haha).

Kate Harrop

July 5, 2014 6:04 pm

I love the first one. A simple dress is my favorite comfy day out outfit.

Frances

July 5, 2014 4:23 am

i would LOVE LOVE LOVE to know how to do her hair!!!!

*** KITSCH ***

July 5, 2014 3:13 am

The linnen dress is the one i will wear

Kristin

July 4, 2014 9:00 pm

I have to go with the silk maxi. But, I may be bias as I have that dress too. Love it!

Mabel and Zora

July 4, 2014 7:20 pm

The black dress.

Tiffany

July 4, 2014 1:24 pm

I live in dresses and can honestly say that I would wear all three! I am rather tall for a woman (6’2) and often find with shorts that between the rise and length options, things can look a little…well…scandalous! So dresses it is :)

danielle

July 4, 2014 1:09 pm

That black dress is a knockout! But they’re all lovely.

Jenny

July 4, 2014 1:06 pm

Ran right out and got the Loft blue and white one. It’s perfection! Thank you for a perfect summer throw-on and get out the door outfit :)

Anna

July 4, 2014 11:53 am

The linen one for my free time, the black one for all opportunities ;) they’re great

Elizabeth Strickland

July 4, 2014 11:47 am

The black dress. It’s super casual, comfortable but also sexy.

Jinia Parker

July 4, 2014 11:07 am

I am short, round, and flat…this means all dresses look like maternity dresses or flour sacks. I have zero style! Capris and the lightest top I can find..mostly in black or gray! I will make a larger effort to find a dress that works as it would be nice to look like I have more than the three things I have in my closet…Lovely model!

Cynthia Schoonover

July 4, 2014 9:40 am

I would go for the linen dress, and the maxi dress. You can’t beat linen for comfort on warm days. I wear dresses a lot anyway because they are cooler in warm weather. I sew a lot, so I could probably make something similar to the linen dress. I love the black dress, but I don’t have the figure for it.

seNew xNew

July 4, 2014 8:18 am

thank you . .

Rebekah R

July 4, 2014 7:58 am

I love dresses… but with a toddler who still breastfeeds, they can be tricky (either I’m down on the floor playing with her and worrying about my dress riding up, or I’m nursing her and trying to figure out how the heck I do that in a dress!). Shirtdresses are my favorite because I am short and curvy, so they accentuate my shape rather than looking like a sack… and you can nurse in them. :)

Tamsin Lim

July 4, 2014 5:59 am

Hadar is completely gorgeous – she pulls all three dresses off beautifully! I think if pushed to choose I’d be torn between the first and second dresses – the linen dress is the perfect relaxed summer outfit, but that watercolour maxi is just divine. Perfect for lounging around at an alfresco dinner. Really lovely photos! x

tsikibriki

July 4, 2014 5:23 am

I’d love to know what kind of underwear do you wear under a jersey dress like this!
Also, what is the model’s nail polish’s name :))) It’s gorgeous!

Audrey Lin

July 4, 2014 4:31 am

I love the tomboy linen dress! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s

catherine sprunt

July 4, 2014 3:58 am

My favourite is the linen one, but I think I would look the best in the black one!

Lomagirl

July 4, 2014 12:40 am

Also, I have to add- I quit wearing dresses so much when my babies are young because they are much harder to breastfeed in.

Lomagirl

July 4, 2014 12:39 am

I like the style of the black one, but the ease of the linen. I wear dresses and skirts a lot- a linen or cotton skirt with a tee, for example. Today I wore a short linen dress that I picked up years ago and put some short leggings under it. When I have to chase the toddler the leggings keep me modest!

thatdamngreendress

July 4, 2014 12:15 am

Susan M- I hear you! Sleeves are so hard to find! I have ordered a couple of dresses from eshakti, and they let you choose a range of options- sleeves, neckline, pockets (!), length…and there’s a good range of mod-cloth-y to classic shapes. Sometimes too quirky, but the quality seems pretty good. Lotsa coupon codes all the time.

I love the classic lines of this black dress- definitely out of my comfort zone, but such lovely simplicity!

Susan M.

July 3, 2014 11:30 pm

I like all of these, the silk and the black ones especially. But I would like to find dresses with sleeves (short, 3/4 or long) with not too short a hemline, but don’t look dowdy so that I can wear them for work and non-work situations, including being out with toddler and baby. So many dress options are sleeveless, which is nice, but already creates too casual and sexy a look than I often want to have. Any suggestions?

Carmen Varner

July 3, 2014 11:13 pm

Dress 3 forever & always. :] // itsCarmen.com ☼

Unknown

July 3, 2014 10:15 pm

James Perse everyday all day!!

Unknown

July 3, 2014 10:14 pm

This comment has been removed by the author.

Lily L-M

July 3, 2014 9:35 pm

I love all three but I think the LBD is most my style!

x Lily
whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com

Hilary

July 3, 2014 9:20 pm

wow! she is so pretty. I love all 3 dresses, but I would personally LIVE in the James Perse black piece.

Julianne

July 3, 2014 9:18 pm

it may seem boring, but definitely the black one! you can pair a nice scarf, or shiny belt, or the shoes you love that don’t match anything with it. so versatile, and has many more look options!

xo Julianne
http://reallifesurreallife.blogspot.com/

July 3, 2014 9:03 pm

I love the first one!

girlseeksplace

July 3, 2014 7:39 pm

I want them all. I was just on Forever 21, pondering ordering all the dresses, because it’s too hot to wear pants.

Johanna

July 3, 2014 7:32 pm

All three dresses look great here! I agree with another commenter who asked for more variation in body type– i’d love to see a few women with different body shapes and then have them each try on a few different dresses– or the same three dresses?– to see which looks best on each body type! Actually I am curious why you didn’t show Hadar standing in the black dress? Sitting it looks AMAZING, but it’s SO clingy… you’d have to have a very specific body to look good in it (well, either straight, or curvy but evenly proportioned). I am very thin, but a bit pear-shaped and that kind of dress looks TERRIBLE on me! PS I also love Hadar’s hair!

preppylove

July 3, 2014 7:27 pm

She is so pretty! I’m super into the last black dress, so I guess I’m a fan of sexy dresses :)

Kasey
http://www.preplovelove.com

tess elisabeth

July 3, 2014 6:49 pm

Ahh I love the black one. So chic and simple and flattering. Buuut seeing as I’m 1. short and 2. still trying to recover my body from having a baby almost 5 years ago… I’d go with the linen. Looks so cozy and good. xx

eva

July 3, 2014 6:22 pm

definitely the linen dress!!!

Michelle B

July 3, 2014 6:07 pm

Lovely model! Thank you for this. Pardon me as I purchase new dresses!

Margaret S.

July 3, 2014 5:44 pm

I love the lines of the bodice in that maxi dress. I would feel so pretty wearing it. And, the vibrant colors! Wishlist!

Megan Flowers

July 3, 2014 5:33 pm

Haha! I feel like I dress like a 4yr old girl eg; printer legging and salt water sandals are a staple of mine. I want that black dress!!!!

Lindsay

July 3, 2014 5:05 pm

Looks like she’s sitting outside Buvette in the black dress. One of my favorite places ever.

Gabriella H

July 3, 2014 5:02 pm

Hi Joanna,

The link for the silky maxi dress doesn’t seem to be working (for me)? Could you look into that? I’d love to know where it’s from.

Also, regarding the comments about the size of the model – I agree to some extent, but only because I KNOW how beautiful women who are larger or curvier can look in dresses, too. I have a curvier friend who wears dresses all the time and she looks amazing!

So, I guess what I’m saying is – Jo, don’t be afraid to use plus size models or curvier girls for your photos. I’m sure your readers would love it just as much. But I do think this model pulls off all dresses beautifully and I feel like there’s a great selection going on (one for everyone..)

Sorry for the novel :)

Ashley LaMar

July 3, 2014 4:54 pm

Dress #2! I’m short so I don’t usually go for maxi dresses but I think the first one looks kind of sloppy and the last one is too snug across the midsection for me.

GOODANDDELICIOUS

July 3, 2014 4:54 pm

What dresses? All I see is the city behind her. Oh and Buvette… DYING to go!

nadine

July 3, 2014 4:24 pm

The grey stripe, hands down. Your friend is super cute, as is the photo from your “past.”

Gosia Myślicka

July 3, 2014 4:23 pm

The second one for me please ;)

Jessie

July 3, 2014 4:20 pm

Linen! I love it!

Hannah Cho

July 3, 2014 4:20 pm

james perse ANYTHING is super comfy. i <3 lounging around in their tees and t-shirt dresses. thanks to thin, soft james perse cotton, my husband has finally graduated to wearing v-neck t-shirts!

Taryn Louise

July 3, 2014 4:16 pm

I think the feminine dress fits my personality/ style best. But they’re all lovely. Thanks for featuring the new line by Loft, and James Perse- both sites look like they have great collections!

Lauren S

July 3, 2014 4:06 pm

i love each dress, so many different occasions to wear them and all suit different versions of me – lovely picks
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Fashion Lifestyle + Photography – http://www.brittonloves.blogspot.co.uk

Eliza Jane

July 3, 2014 4:06 pm

I love all three, but I’d probably go with the black dress. It’s more versatile, and I love wearing stand-out accessories.

cheyenne

July 3, 2014 4:02 pm

i see myself wearing the first dress, but the black one is amazing as well!
xo, cheyenne

Loribeth Tanner

July 3, 2014 4:00 pm

I have a black jersey knit with a slighty less body-con cut that I love and wear all the time. I like the maxi through! But man, a black dress is super easy to throw on and go.

Shagun

July 3, 2014 3:49 pm

Love the all of them – Hadar makes them look so amazing – much much better than the models on the respective websites:) I want to try the black one. Can you please tell me how tall is Hadar, so that I can gauge how long it will be on me?

The best place to learn guitar – torrins.com

Jessi

July 3, 2014 3:49 pm

Black jersey dresses and jean jackets 4 life!

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