My Ultimate Guide to Reformation Dresses—Tested & Reviewed, with Photos

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Photos Courtesy of Stephanie Meraz/PureWow

If you’ve been following Reformation since its inception, you know firsthand how far the sustainable brand has come. As a Los Angeleno, I’ll always have an affinity for companies based in the City of Angels. Beyond its pledge to become climate-positive, the brand stays on top of trends by introducing collections that shape the season and collaborating with notable stars and influencers like Laura Harrier and Devon Lee Carlson. Whether it’s your one-stop shop for going-out tops or linen pants (IYKYK), there’s one thing that remains true: Reformation’s dress section is unmatched.

When you step away from buzzy collabs and trending prints and cuts, you’ll discover that Reformation offers incredible dresses for every occasion—and the company makes it easy to shop for them. In fact, I visited the Reformation at Short Hills Mall, New Jersey, to prove it, where I tried on a handful of dresses, focusing on the feel, fit and overall look.

The Best Reformation Dresses at a Glance

1

Reformation Lilibeth Silk Dress

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2

Reformation Soleia Dress

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3

Reformation Delanie Dress

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4

Reformation Briony Dress

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5

Reformation Citron Linen Dress

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How I Tested the Reformation Dresses?

I visited my nearest Reformation location and tried on dresses in-store, choosing them using the helpful touchscreen monitors. From there, I saw which styles were available in-store and browsed for my size. Once I ordered the options for my fitting room, I browsed their bags and shoe collection until a sales associate informed me that my room was ready, with my dresses nearly hung and ready for me to try on.

How Do Reformation Dresses Fit?

As someone with a slim-but-muscular build and broad shoulders, I often fluctuate between US sizes 4 and 6, S or M, or 26- and 27-inch waists, depending on the brand. Before my Reformation investigation, I always assumed its dresses run small, but I’m happy to report that I was wrong. After a day of trying on various dresses in different fabrics, styles, cuts, washes and more, I’m happy to report that Reformation runs true to size across the board.

Plus, the brand offers a range of options for customers, including 0-12, petite and extended sizes from 14 to 24. If the dress doesn't meet your standards or fit as you’d prefer, you can schedule hemming or repairs at participating U.S. locations for a flat fee of $25.

How Comfortable Are Reformation Dresses?

When you wear the right size, Reformation dresses are extremely comfortable. However, comfort can vary by style and material. For instance, I find cotton and linen soft and breathable, making them a great all-day option, much more so than some luxury fabrics like silk, which, though soft, has very limited natural stretch.

As for fit, some Reformation dresses offer elastic backing for extra give and stretch, as well as adjustable straps, either with buttons or a slider. This is a godsend for this writer, especially with my broad shoulders that tend to bust out of most dress straps.

The Types of Dresses at Reformation

One of the many reasons I love shopping for dresses at Reformation is that the brand offers a wide range of dresses for every occasion, and it does so seamlessly, which makes it actually enjoyable for this organized-obsessed Virgo to navigate. No, seriously. Under the “dresses” section on the navigation bar, you’ll see a dropdown menu that breaks down their dresses into the categories customers search for most, including length (short, midi, long), occasion (including vacation), fabric (silk, knit, linen), and color/print (black, floral, white).

There’s even a dedicated “wedding” section in the navigation bar where you can search for bridesmaids’ dresses, wedding guest dresses, bridal dresses, and more. It also features honeymoon options and memorable numbers for the bachelorette trip. So no matter the type of dress you’re looking for, I’ll bet Reformation has it.

How to Care for Reformation Dresses

Whether you purchase a silk sheath or a linen frock, Reformation makes it easy to care for your dresses, no matter the material, thanks to clear instructions on the tags attached to your clothes and their dedicated Garment Care page on their website. It also provides further information on the nitty-gritty details you need to know, especially regarding that “Green Dry Clean” label and whether steaming or ironing that delicate fabric will ruin the garment. Bottom line: Always, always, always refer to the care details on the interior tag, which is usually sewn along the side seam.

This dress has practically taken over my feed, with influencers and friends donning the chic stunner. I obviously had to try it once I saw it was in my size, and boy, did it not disappoint. Between capelets in the winter and opera-core trending earlier this year, it only makes sense that this piece would stand the test of time with its timeless air and classy look. The silk dress is ultra-lightweight and rather basic, so while it’s nothing truly special on its own, it looks breathtaking when paired with the sheer cape—and I do appreciate its adjustable straps. Once I put the cape on, I was sold, feeling like a modern-day Belle and praying I had a black-tie occasion to attend soon. With the cowl neckline, asymmetrical hem, and button closure on the top of one shoulder, I almost wished I could purchase the cape separately because it was really that special.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: silk, polyester
  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Colors: 5
  • Size I Tried: S

A few years ago, I splurged on an Anine Bing gown very similar to Reformation’s Soleia Dress, which I ultimately had to return due to poor construction. Fast-forward to today, and the déjà vu is in full effect, thanks to its refined slip style and scoop neckline, which exude class. While it isn’t made from 100 percent silk, like the Anine Bing piece, it does boast a slim fit and shiny fabric that looks like a tall glass of water on the body. Customers note that it runs slightly large, and I’d have to agree; however, it doesn’t have a zipper to slip in and out of, so do note that you do want it to fit loosely enough so it's easy to pull off over your head.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: polyester
  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Colors: 2
  • Size I Tried: S

One of the many tough realities of my job is that I always end up wanting to walk away with one (or multiple!) of the pieces I try on. Today, that was the Delanie dress. Perhaps it was the adjustable, buttoned halter neck that made me realize how well-constructed it was. Or maybe it was the ties at the back of the waistband, which cinched it in for a bespoke fit, that made me realize how darling it was. On second thought, it might have been the drama of the open back and the ‘70s-inspired print, which felt perfect for summertime. (OK, maybe it was a combination of everything!) Basically, it was an easy purchase to round out my sundress collection. I even appreciated that I could size up to a 6 (the 4 was sold out in the store), and it still fit me well.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: viscose
  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Colors: 5
  • Size I Tried: M

If you have vacation plans on the Amalfi Coast or are planning a weekend getaway to the Cape, make sure to pack this fun, floral-printed stunner. With ten colorways and prints to choose from, you’re bound to find a style that suits your taste and complements your skin tone. I, for one, adored how vibrant the butter yellow base was on this dress and couldn’t get over how the floral print looked like a watercolor painting. What’s more, the halter neck ties at the back allow you to adjust the fit as you like.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: viscose
  • Size Range: 0 to 12
  • Colors: 10
  • Size I Tried: 6

Summer celebrations and red linen dresses go together like bread and butter. It’s breezy, easy and stylish, to boot. It's a typical shift dress that doesn’t cling to your curves but still highlights your figure. There are even front pockets sewn shut, which you can cut open to make them functional. It also features a keyhole and a zipper closure, so there won’t be any struggle getting this fiery dress on or off.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: linen
  • Size Range: 0 to 12
  • Colors: 6
  • Size I Tried: 4

Cute and comfortable, this girl-next-door, rose-printed V-neck dress stole my heart as soon as I zipped it up. From the puff sleeves to the ruching at the bust, every detail was well thought out. Even with my broad shoulders, I didn’t find the sleeves overwhelming, unlike some designs—in fact, I thought the deep V-neck provided a nice contrast that kept the eyes from being drawn to the shoulders. And the ruching does wonders for my fellow small-chested folks.

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a denim number. Whether it’s a pair of jeans, a jacket or a dress like this darling piece, I’m all for it. And while you might think of non-stretch, rigid fabric when you think of denim, that’s not the case here. The denim twill, though non-stretch, is complemented by a stretchy, elastic back that’ll provide enough breathing room to keep you comfortable all day and night long. Couple that with the pleated midi skirt and drop-waist bodice, and you have the perfect sundress.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: cotton
  • Size Range: 0 to 12
  • Colors: 1
  • Size I Tried: 4

Behold: a little black dress I had zero high hopes for, yet one that certainly exceeded my expectations. It’s sexy, flirty and fun (peep the asymmetrical neck and hemline, as well as the embellishments)—basically all the things that make up the ideal going-out dress when you want to put in minimal effort but feel and look exponentially good. Discovering the adjustable straps was a huge win, as it changed how the neckline sat on me. I ultimately walked away from it because my wallet can only handle so much, but it was the one piece I couldn’t stop thinking about for the rest of the week.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: viscose
  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Colors: 1
  • Size I Tried: S

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Stephanie Meraz

Contributing Editor, Commerce

  • Covers all things fashion and shopping
  • Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
  • Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York