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The two-piece skirt set blew me away.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/041825-old-navy-try-on-lead-9d6e5addef554f2b9bc9b894319a072c.JPG "Ruby McAuliffe modeling three different outfits in front of a mirror")
Courtesy of Ruby McAuliffe
It’s been a minute since I stepped inside a brick-and-mortar store to physically shop for my next ‘It’ outfit. What can I say? It’s just so simple to flick on Sex and the City, pour myself a glass of wine, and scroll through the latest style arrivals from the comfort of my couch. But when I heard Old Navy was launching an elevated collection with Zac Posen—yes, the very designer responsible for Anne Hathaway’s viral dress—I knew I had to see it to believe it.
“The Occasion" line is brimming with a selection of refined dresses and separates, available in sizes XS to 4XL, including petite and tall fits. Crafted from luxurious fabrics like taffeta, satin, and chiffon, this collection is designed to make a scene, showcasing trending details such as bubble hemlines, flutter sleeves, and twist knots. But in the words of Sarah Holme, Head of Design at Old Navy, it’s “joyful, feminine, confidence-boosting, and timeless.”
Though, it was still difficult to believe that such chic, flirty pieces were being sold at Old Navy; I continually rely on the label for basics, but this is a new page in the brand’s identity. Holme explained the reasoning, saying the customer was searching for pieces that matched all of life’s moments, including “date nights, parties, and weddings”—with styles starting at just $25 and capping at $66.
There was only one way to find out if the assortment stacked up: braving the Old Navy fitting room.
For reference, Ruby is 4-foot-11 and wearing XS regular and XS petite sizing.
Courtesy of Ruby McAuliffe
I was immediately drawn to this chic, two-piece cropped tank and skirt set, which comes out to an affordable $65 for both pieces. It gives off an effortless Parisian allure thanks to the eye-catching polka dots and the luxuriously smooth taffeta fabric. It’s even a bit whimsical, making me slip on my oversized glasses for a playful touch.
Taffeta Cropped Tank Top and Skirt
Old Navy
$25
$40
The smocking on the back of the top felt comfortable against my skin without compromising its clean, streamlined look, and adjustable straps helped me achieve the perfect fit. I tried the skirt in an XS regular, and while it fit my tiny frame, I’ll be swapping it for the petite version to ensure it easily pairs with both heels and sandals. Still, it passed my (very rigorous) testing with flying colors.
Courtesy of Ruby McAuliffe
Sticking to the dotted theme, I reached for this elegant maxi dress, boasting frilly sleeves, cinched details, and a sexy leg opening. Spoiler alert: it made my jaw drop.
Flutter-Sleeve Satin Maxi Dress
Old Navy
$55
First and foremost, long dresses never work out for me; the lengthy designs always end up dragging on the floor—but not this one! It cascaded wonderfully, with the petite version falling right at my ankles. The rich fabric was also thick and durable, unlike many satin dresses that feel paper-thin. My favorite part? The sultry V-neckline that accented my collarbones and elongated my neck.
Courtesy of Ruby McAuliffe
If this little number looks familiar, that’s because Joey King wore it for the premiere of “Drop”—so if it’s good enough for the red carpet, it’s good enough for me.
Fit & Flare Taffeta Cami Mini Dress
Old Navy
$50
I’m obsessed with the mini dress’ self-tie straps that not only ensure a perfect fit but also add the cutest bow details. The fit-and-flare design isn’t here to play, either; it sits perfectly at the waist, balancing my proportions. And as if you needed more convincing, everyone needs at least one LBD in their collection, and this is it. However, if you have a smaller chest like me, you might experience minimal gapping at the sides—though that can easily be fixed with a special bra, pinning, or fashion tape.
Courtesy of Ruby McAuliffe
There’s no bubble trouble here with this sassy party dress. The bright coral hue commands attention, while the Hollywood-adored hemline adds texture to any ensemble. The length is just right, too, thanks to those same genius self-tie straps.
Taffeta Bubble Mini Dress
Old Navy
$45
I wore mine in the fitting room with practical strappy heels, though a pair of clear, naked-like stilettos will turn this look from cute to downright sexy in seconds. I may even layer a sheer lace long-sleeve top underneath to take it up notch, making it uniquely my own.
Courtesy of Ruby McAuliffe
This keyhole maxi dress has everything you could want in a sophisticated gown. The weighty satin feels lavish and expensive, while the center button-loop closure is the cherry on top.
Flutter-Sleeve Keyhole Satin Maxi Dress
Old Navy
$65
The champagne hue is perfect for pairing with all of your most sophisticated black-tie events, so go ahead and pour the bubbly. It’s subtle yet undeniably alluring, striking the ideal balance between modest and glamorous, making me feel elegant and refined. And, of course, I reached for the petite sizing for a flawless fit.
If you couldn’t tell, “The Occasion" collection by Old Navy earned my stamp of approval, and I can hardly wait until the brand’s new styles are set to release throughout the year. Until then, I’ll be shopping more of the first drop before choice items sell out—and you should, too.
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