If you asked me to describe my wardrobe, dresses would be pretty low on the list. As an editor who lives in jeans and tailored trousers, my style leans far more laid-back than typically “feminine”. Which is exactly why dresses have always felt like a tricky category for me to get right. That was, until I discovered Abercrombie & Fitch’s surprisingly elegant, expensive-looking dress offering.
Determined to broaden my summer wardrobe beyond denim and linen trousers, I decided it was time to properly explore dresses, and Abercrombie was the one brand every fashion friend, colleague and stylish person I trust kept pointing me towards. So naturally, I headed to the Abercrombie & Fitch store to try on the three bestselling styles I’d seen everywhere; from influencers I follow to some of my chicest colleagues.
Marina wearing the Dylan midi dress.
(Image credit: @marinaavraam)
First up was the Dylan dress, and it was immediate love. The scoop neckline, softly cinched waist and fluid skirt combine to create that rare thing: a dress that feels minimal, flattering and genuinely easy to wear. Then there’s the Emerson, arguably the brand’s most recognisable style, thanks to its square neckline, puff sleeves and delicate bow detail. Finally, I tried the dipped-waist smocked dress with ruched detailing through the bodice that feels tailor-made for summer plans, from picnics to weddings.
Marina wearing the Smocked midi dress.
(Image credit: @marinaavraam)
Keep scrolling to shop the expensive-looking Abercrombie & Fitch dresses I’d genuinely recommend.
Shop The Best Abercrombie Summer Dresses
The style that completely changed my mind on dresses. The scoop neckline and softly cinched waist make it feel minimal, flattering and incredibly easy to wear.
A&F
Emerson Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
It’s easy to see why the Emerson has become one of Abercrombie’s most-loved dresses. The square neckline, puff sleeves and delicate lace trim give it that romantic, expensive-looking feel.
A&F
Bra-Free Cap Sleeve Dipped Waist Midi Dress
A silhouette that feels especially current right now. The drop waist adds a softer, more fashion-forward shape that still feels easy to wear.
Polka-dots are still a yes for summer 2026. Simple, elegant and designed to work hard in your wardrobe, this is the kind of minimal dress you’ll pull out for everything from dinner to holidays.
A&F
Bra-Free Cap Sleeve Dipped Waist Midi Dress
Another best-seller. The dipped waist gives this dress a more elevated silhouette, while the cap sleeves keep it feeling easy and wearable.
A&F
Bra-Free Drop-Waist Maxi Dress
Such a gorgeous evening dress.
A&F
Bra-Free Dylan Midi Dress
The best-selling Dylan dress, this time in the perfect powder blue.
A&F
Bra-Free Embroidered Maxi Dress
The embroidery gives this one a more elevated, special feel. Perfect for holidays, garden parties or summer evenings.
A&F
Bra-Free Tie-Front Linen-Blend Mini Dress
Butter yellow is back for this summer, and this mini is oh so sweet.
A&F
Emerson Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
A lovely, ditsy floral dress you’ll rely on on those hot summer days.
A&F
Short-Sleeve Collared Mini Dress
The collared neckline makes this style feel polished enough for daytime plans or the office.
A&F
Sydney Smocked Dipped-Waist Midi Dress
Simple but so hardworking. Just add sandals and a raffia bag.
A&F
Bra-Free Lace-Trim Button-Through Mini Dress
A&F
Drop-Waist Smocked Mini Dress
Such a flattering, smock-detail dress you can wear all summer long.
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