I put 5 Abercrombie summer dresses to the test — find out which ones I loved (and didn't love)

Abercrombie & Fitch has stepped up their game over the past couple of years, and I find myself ordering from them more than ever lately. Their dresses, in particular, have been really impressing me these days. There are so many great options for weddings, events and casual wear. If you're interested in checking them out ahead of spring and summer, I bought five Abercrombie dresses that I've reviewed for you — and they start at just $26 (on sale!)

Curious to see if they fit true to size, are comfortable or are even worth the money? Scroll below to dive into my review and see what other customers have to say about them.

Dress 1: Draped Skirt Maxi Dress

⭐ Rating: 2.5/5 stars

🤔 My thoughts: I think the concept of this cocktail dress is beautiful, but I personally don't love the fit on my body. The open back would look great on others, but for me, it's totally out of my comfort zone — you definitely can't wear a bra with it!

I also find the material clings to the areas I don't want it to (😅) and is slightly see-through. However, I do love the draping detail across the stomach and the fun slit!

I wouldn't size down per se, but just know it hugs the body.

🏆 Promising review: "I absolutely loved this dress!" writes one reviewer. They praise "the colour," "the fit" and "the design." As a "newly postpartum mom," they find it "so flattering."

Dress 2: Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 stars

🤔 My thoughts: I'm a huge fan of Abercrombie's "Emerson" dresses, and this one is no exception. I adore the midi length, puffy sleeves (though they may not be to some people's taste), and flattering ruching details across the bodice.

Something about this cut is so comfortable for me — I can't get enough of the square neckline and flowy silhouette (you'll see a trend with the other styles I bought).

This style is super elegant and feminine, making it the perfect pick for spring and summer weddings and other bridal events. As for sizing, I recommend sticking true to size or even sizing down if you're between sizes.

🏆 Promising review: "The quality of the dress is great!" shared one customer. They added that it's "well constructed," which I completely agree with. Being "larger chested," they confirmed that the back has "extra stretch where needed."

Dress 3: Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars

🤔 My thoughts: Another Emerson style (I told you I love 'em) — and this one was just as impressive as the other. However, I gave this one half a star less only because it felt kind of short, so I'd definitely have to wear biker shorts underneath to be safe.

But hey, this colour is a dream, am I right? You can't go wrong with a red dress. I love wearing the sleeves off the shoulder with this frock — it makes for a playful silhouette.

The sizing situation is the same as the last; there's no need to size up or down unless you're in-between sizes (or prefer a super snug fit, which you can get away with here).

🏆 Promising review: One happy customer awarded this dress a five-star review, calling it "super cute" and confirming it "fits great" — and I'm with them on that!

Dress 4: The A&F Giselle Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress

⭐ Rating: 3/5 stars

🤔 My thoughts: The colour of this cocktail dress is jaw-dropping, but the style just isn't for me. I don't feel 100 per cent comfortable in this particular design, with the side cutouts and pleating.

Something about where the A-line begins makes this dress appear wide in the midsection, in my opinion. The band also feels abnormally tight, which is something another reviewer noted, too.

However, my friend also has this dress in a different colour, and I think it looks gorgeous on her! Plus, I love how light and airy it feels.

🏆 Promising review: One person gave it a five-star review for being "cute," but they also said the "cut out didn’t look good" on them despite it being a "gorgeous dress."

Dress 5: Emerson Satin Long-Sleeve Mini Dress

⭐ Rating: 5/5 stars

🤔 My thoughts: I absolutely adore this dress — another Emerson style cocktail dress (shocker). I actually own this in black as well, and it's my go-to for most events and nights out.

I honestly think it's the most flattering dress I own, thanks to the micro-pleating ruching, slight puff sleeves and square neckline.

I usually don't reach for shiny, satiny materials for fear of them clinging to the wrong spots, but the fabric works so well with the silhouette of this dress.

If I had to find one thing to complain about, I would say it can feel quite short, which is why I wear shorts underneath.

If this one's sold out in your preferred colour and size, click here to shop for other Emerson styles.

🏆 Promising review: "I love the colour & design of this dress," said one shopper. They also said the sleeves feel "secure," like they won't slip down their shoulders and reveal your bra straps. They continued to say, "It's not too mini" either.

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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