3 Editors Tried Old Navy’s New Affordable Dress Line — Here's What Stood Out

The Occasion by Old Navy One-Shoulder Midi Dress ($31, originally $45)

"What I hate most about event dresses is that they usually go untouched after one wear. One wedding, and then it's collecting dust in the back of my closet. But with this one-shoulder dress, I knew it had more potential than just a single event. I packed it for a trip to Mexico and wore it to a sunset dinner on the beach — and needless to say, I got a ton of compliments.

The bright coral color was perfect for my trip (and would work beautifully for any summer event). Even better? The heavyweight jersey fabric feels like second skin. It's incredibly comfortable — the kind of dress you forget you're wearing, in the best way. I'm typically a size small, and this fit me perfectly." — Haley Lyndes, assistant editor, Shopping

★★★★★

The Occasion by Old Navy Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress ($35, originally $50)

"As I scrolled through The Occassion collection, I was immediately drawn to dresses made out of heavyweight jersey fabric. It's stretchy, comfortable, and fits me like a glove (most of the time). Lo and behold, this one wore beautifully — the off-shoulder neckline and twist-front detail gave it a perfectly elevated feel.

I wore it out to dinner in Boston's North End, where I happily demolished an entire bowl of pasta. Not only did the dress forgive my food baby, but it was so comfortable I could've fallen asleep in it. And the compliments? Nonstop. I loved telling everyone it was from Old Navy — and just $35!" —Haley Lyndes, assistant editor, Shopping

Rating:
★★★★★

The Occasion by Old Navy Taffeta Cropped Tank Top ($25) and The Occasion by Old Navy High-Waisted Taffeta Midi Skirt ($40)

"I am so impressed by the quality of Old Navy's new occasionwear. I styled the Taffeta Cropped Tank Top ($25) with the matching High-Waisted Taffeta Midi Skirt ($40) for a very special day — Mother's Day and my birthday all in one — and felt like it was beyond appropriate for a family celebration.

I love that the straps on the bandeau top are easily adjustable, and that they stay in place once secured, and that the taffeta material stays relatively wrinkle-free. It's also extremely lightweight, making the co-ords perfect for a warmer day when air flow through an outfit is pretty much required.

Finally, as someone who is 5'1", I appreciate more than anything when a brand offers petite sizing. This is the first time in a long time that a midi skirt has come to the proper place at my shins, rather than falling to that awkward in-between, almost-maxi-but-not-quite length I've come to dread." — Sarah Wasilak, associate content director, Shopping

Rating:
★★★★★

The Occasion by Old Navy Taffeta Bubble Mini Dress ($27, originally $45)

"I'm a huge fan of Zac Posen so the minute I heard he was working with Old Navy for The Occasion collection I knew I'd be picking up a few pieces. I was pleased to discover that the romantic flourishes, which Zac is well-known for, are present here, like ribbon ties on this gorgeous pink dress. The voluminous silhouette and bubble hem feel modern and fresh, and the color is a show-stopper. I've worn this by itself to brunch and even under a white blazer for the office. Since the cut is oversize, I'd size down for this one — it will still fit large enough to give the balloon shape." —Jessica Andrews, senior content director, Shopping

Rating:
★★★★☆

The Occasion by Old Navy Fit & Flare Taffeta Mini Dress ($35, originally $50)

"I can already tell that I'll wear this polka dot dress on repeat this summer. Again, I love the fit and flare silhouette which is so Zac Posen. The ribbon straps are also a favorite, and I appreciate that they're adjustable for a customized fit. I wore this under a blazer for church and with a leather jacket for a concert — balance!" — Jessica Andrews, senior content director, Shopping

Rating:
★★★★☆