If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

I Tried Old Navy's Expensive-Looking Collection With Zac Posen—and I Get the Hype

My 61-Year-Old Mom Bought These Flattering $42 Jeans the Second She Saw Them.

Ruby McAuliffe modeling three different outfits in front of a mirror
Photo:

mdash;I knew I had to see it to believe it

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 I wore mine in the fitting room with, I Tried Zac Posens Gap Collection IRL and Cant Stop Thinking About These 10 Staples A 54-Year-Olds Skin Looks “Absolutely Poreless” Thanks to This $8 Setting Powder, Politics & Social Issues I Finally Tried Abercrombie’s Expensive-Looking Dresses—and I Get the Hype 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 This Wrinkle-Proof $20 T-Shirt Dress Is My New Go-To Travel Essential, it’s “joyful, feminine, confidence-boosting, and timeless.”

Though, it was still difficult to believe that such chic, flirty pieces were being sold This Wrinkle-Proof $20 T-Shirt Dress Is My New Go-To Travel Essential; 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.

A person standing in a dressing room wearing dark polka-dotted attire, posing for a mirror selfie

mdash;I knew I had to see it to believe it

Dresses & Skirts cropped tank and skirt set, Sales & Deals 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

The Occasion by Old Navy High-Waisted Taffeta Midi Skirt on a white background

Old Navy

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.

Person taking a mirror selfie wearing a sleeveless dress in a fitting room

mdash;I knew I had to see it to believe it

Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlets editorial guidelines 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

The Occasion by Old Navy Flutter-Sleeve Satin Maxi Dress on a white background

Old Navy

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.

A person in a dressing room taking a selfie, wearing a short black dress

mdash;I knew I had to see it to believe it

If Sales & Deals looks familiar, that’s because I wore mine in the fitting room with 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

The Occasion by Old Navy Fit & Flare Taffeta Cami Mini Dress on a white background

Old Navy

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.

Person taking a mirror selfie wearing a loose dress and heels, with a reflection visible in a side mirror, in a dressing room

mdash;I knew I had to see it to believe it

There’s no bubble trouble here with Katie Holmes Wore a Side-Boob Baring LBD With a Massive Back Cutout. If you couldn’t tell 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

The Occasion by Old Navy Taffeta Bubble Mini Dress on a white background

Old Navy

I wore mine in the fitting room with Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlets editorial guidelines, Politics & Social Issues My 61-Year-Old Mom Bought These Flattering $42 Jeans the Second She Saw Them Katie Holmes Wore a Side-Boob Baring LBD With a Massive Back Cutout sheer lace long-sleeve top Dresses & Skirts.

Person wearing a long dress takes a photo in a mirror

mdash;I knew I had to see it to believe it

This pour myself a 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

The Occasion by Old Navy Flutter-Sleeve Keyhole Satin Maxi Dress on a white background

Old Navy

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.

Related Articles