We all have those rare moments when you order something online, and upon its arrival, it truly meets your expectations. Well, those feel far and few between, but it happened for me when I pulled the trigger on this Zara dress. I first discovered it when I was scrolling through my co-worker's article, and it caught my eye. Soon, it popped up in a few pieces of my own, and the next thing I knew, I couldn't stop thinking about it. This went on for a few days before I even thought to make the purchase. What had stalled me in signing the bottom line was the fact that I didn't have any upcoming plans that made sense for a dress like this. But it didn't leave my mind, so I decided to get it and wait to see when it naturally fit into my plans.
After ordering it, I came to the realization that I did indeed have the perfect occasion for the dress. An intimate dinner party at a glamorous Manhattan restaurant had been hiding in my calendar, and I hadn't yet thought of what I planned to wear. My mind immediately went to the dress I had just ordered, but since I didn't expedite the shipping, I thought it wasn't going to arrive on time. Serendipitously, it arrived the morning of. I had quite the agenda on that particular day, so I actually ended up popping the dress into my bag with a wide assortment of accessories and changing into it while already out and about. When the look came together, it just magically looked even better than I could've imagined.
Now for my honest review. There were two things about the dress that were not entirely clear when I was ordering it on the Zara site. The bunching that you see on the model doesn't really happen when the real deal shows up. I found the way that it casually floats atop my body to be more flattering anyway, so I was still happy with my order. The way you see it photographed on me is how it will look when it arrives. Additionally, the back has some scrunching that I didn't notice before and honestly am not in love with, but the benefit of that aspect of the dress is that it has a bit of stretch and can mold to your body more easily. It's true to size, so keep that in mind if you choose to order it.
The dress:
I felt like a true '90s fashion icon in this. I'm all about strong minimalist pieces right now, and this is such a standout if you're tempted to dive into that category. Plus, it'll be in style for ages.
How I styled it:
I almost didn't bring the belt out with me, but it was such a game changer when it came to putting this look together. It accentuates my waist, and I'll have many uses for it, so I'm very glad I have it.
Unfortunately, my exact shoes are out of stock now, but I think these black platforms will definitely do the trick. Mine are my go-to shoes for a special occasion. They're so comfortable!
Shop more tube dresses:
Simply perfection.
This one lives in my head rent-free.
More on the bustier trend.
We love a good print.
The perfect dress for a pool day.
There are so many ways to style this one—I'd start with a button-down shirt.
Very elegant.
The color-blocking at the waist strategically flatters your figure by playing into negative space.
I think a neutral colorway makes it feel even more '90s.
Think pink.
Denim days.
I've seen this dress all over my Instagram feed.
This color is everything.
Leather lover.
At just $9, how can I resist this impulse buy?
Obsessed with how good this color is for 2022.
Yeah, I have a thing for green.
I'm all about maxi dresses right now.
Imagine wearing this to a beach dinner.
I'm here for this.
Two-tone pieces are everything.
All about that ruching.
Love this diagonal moment.
Fine like a glass of wine.
Just the right amount of stitching.
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