21 affordable must-haves every New Yorker needs in their life
What do Angelinos know about schlepping? Not as much as the average Brooklyn granny, I'll bet you that. It takes a shrewd knowledge to keep up with the hustle and bustle here, so with the help of my fellow New York-based colleagues, I've curated all the best products for urban living.
New York is an expensive place to call home, but with these affordable finds, you can make life here more comfortable, practical, and efficient.
A chic granny cart
Lauren Savoie/Business Insider
Schlepping is a careful science. My roommate and I invested in our own Hulken, and it forever changed the way we buy groceries. Learn just why we love it in our full Hulken review.
A portable fan for hot summer subway rides
Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan
Several of our editors swear by this mini fan for the summer. In addition to a fan with two speeds, it's also a portable battery charger and a flashlight.
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Highlights
Compact and cute design
Up to 19 hours of continuous cooling time
Doubles as a phone charger and flashlight
Wait any longer than five minutes for the subway in a stiflingly hot station, and you'll be wishing you'd scored on this deal. Our deputy executive editor loves this Amazon mini fan because it's portable enough for her purse and inexpensive.
A big blanket for when the whole friend group gets together
Lauren Savoie; Les Shu/Business Insider
Our New York-based editors came together at a park near our office to test the best picnic blankets. We liked this beach blanket because it's big enough for large groups but folds up compactly for storage, and it stays put in windy weather. If you and your friends are regulars at Jacob Riis, you'll appreciate this ultraportable beach blanket.
Headphones that block out all the city noise
Noise-canceling headphones saved my sanity when construction began across the street from my apartment. These over-ears let you switch between quiet and aware modes with a simple tap. This way, you can enjoy stillness and be aware of your surroundings on the train while you listen to music. Read our full guide to the best noise-canceling headphones.
A shoe tray so you won't track sidewalk grime into your apartment
Ottomanson Multi-Purpose Boot Tray
This waterproof tray's raised edges mean your wet shoes won't leak onto the floor. You can also use it as a pet food bowl tray or a place for draining plants.
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I live in a "shoes off" apartment. I leave mine on a rack near my door, but when it's wet outside, I slide this shoe tray out from underneath the bottom shelf so there's no mud, rainwater, or heaven-knows-what-else leaking from my shoes onto the floor.
Anti-chafe balm for long city walks
Sweaty summer walks can cause uncomfortable chub rub, so we recommend this anti-chafe stick for the thick-thighed girlies.
A cute carry-all that zips closed
Style editor Samantha Crozier has tested dozens of totes in search of the best work bag for women. She touts this affordable nylon work bag as both weather-resistant and lightweight, making it ideal for rainy commutes.
Buckets of hand sanitizer
Pack thousands of people into small spaces like the subway and germs are bound to spread. My first year in NYC, I got sick roughly once a month. Now I keep one of these compact spray hand sanitizers in my bag wherever I go.
A TV you can move around your shoebox apartment
Samantha Crozier/Insider
"I first saw LG's portable StanbyMe TV on TikTok," writes Samantha. "As a New York City apartment dweller, I'm always looking for space-saving options." You can easily wheel it over to your workspace, kitchen, or bedroom for portable entertainment. Read our full LGStanbyME review.
A sturdy umbrella that can withstand city wind
Summer rainstorms can happen in a flash. To save precious space in your tote bag, we suggest this pick from our guide to the best umbrellas. It's super light and compact, and it won't collapse as you walk down the wind tunnel-like streets of Manhattan.
Memberships that make city life a little easier
Paying a chunk up front can save you money in the long run, especially in a city like New York. The most essential memberships for city dwellers are Citi Bike, Instacart, and Class Pass.
Citi Bike is often the easiest and most direct way to get around, but bike rides and unlocks are significantly more costly if you're not a member. Bundling a membership via Lyft essentially gets you three subscriptions in one: Citi Bike, Lyft Pink, and Grubhub+ — and it's $20 cheaper than the base Citi Bike membership.
You need only make the mistake of buying a $10 stick of butter at Gristedes once to swear off most city grocery stores. Unless you're right near a Trader Joe's, I've found it's actually cheaper (or comes out to about the same cost) to order groceries via Instacart. You can shop around for the best prices and get bags and bags of groceries delivered right to your door — no schlep required. The annual Instacart+ subscription gets you lower fees and comes with an NYT Cooking and Peacock streaming subscription, which makes it worth the cost.
New York has so many great boutique fitness studios and classes to try out that it's hard to commit to a single gym membership. ClassPass offers a way for you to take classes or book gym time at studios all across the city, and the rates are typically better than booking each class à la carte. You can try a free trial for two weeks before you commit.
An AC that you don't have to worry about dropping out your window
Windmill 10,000 Btu Inverter Window Air Conditioner with WhisperTech
If aesthetics are important to you, Windmill makes one of the most attractive and easy-to-install ACs on the market. This 10,000 Btu unit should comfortably cool up to 450 square feet and is WiFi enabled so you can control it from anywhere.
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This is a great air conditioner for New Yorkers because it's super easy to install, meaning you won't have to worry about dropping the unit out of your apartment window.
Sneakers that can handle 20,000 step days
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
I've tested a lot of walking shoes all over my neighborhood. As much as I love stepping out in some fashion-girl shoes, I keep this OOFOS pair by my apartment doorway because they pull on easily, so I can slip out to the bodega at a moment's notice.
A white noise machine to drown out traffic
Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine
The Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine is a fantastic entry-level sleep machine that is easy to use and effective, with six types of relaxing noise settings. It's smaller and more lightweight than most white noise machines, making it perfect for traveling.
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Getting a good night's rest with blaring car horns outside a street-facing bedroom window is no easy task. A lightweight white noise machine by Homedics lets you drown out busy traffic sounds in your home or abroad. Read more about how this portable white noise machine can help your sleep routine.
A powerful roach bait so you don't have to share your apartment with creepy crawlies
Combat Max 12-Month Roach Killing Bait
Common, small roaches don't require anything too complicated, and Combat Max 12-Month Bait Stations are plenty effective — and discreet.
Roaches are an unfortunate fact of life in any NYC apartment building — no matter what your realtor tells you. If you want to keep the insects from infiltrating your unit, a solid bait will keep them at bay. Read more in our guide to the best roach killers.
A sleek cordless vac that doesn't take up much space
Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum
For a Dyson at the lowest price possible, you can't go wrong with the basic but mighty Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum. It offers two cleaning modes, three attachments, and a cleaning time of up to 40 minutes.
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My old clunker of a vacuum was heavy, loud, and took up too much room. Dyson makes tools like hair dryers and vacuums that are a genuine pleasure to use. I find myself cleaning with this cordless unit out of habit more than necessity. My roommates and I love how it stows neatly onto a wall mount, letting us reclaim our closet space. Read more in our guide to the best cordless vacuum cleaners.
A phone mount you can use on a Citi Bike
Lamicall Bike Phone Holder
This adjustable phone mount secures your device to the handle of your bicycle so you can navigate hands-free.
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The most common (and potentially deadly) Citi Bike offense I witness is people navigating busy city streets while looking down at their phone. With this bicycle phone mount, you can keep your eyes on the road and find your bearings more easily.
Sandals that'll still feel good after miles of walking
These supportive, waterproof slides, featured in our guide to the best walking sandals for women, are better for city streets than any other slides we've tried. Their strap comes over the top of your foot rather than down around your toes, so they stay in place better. Plus, the platform gives you a little separation between the sidewalk and your toes.
An air purifier to filter out city smog
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
If you need a powerful, energy-efficient air purifier for medium to large rooms, the Airmega AP-1521HH Mighty is your best option. It includes three filters and ionization, and the fan speed adjusts based on the air quality.
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What we like
Performed the best at removing air pollutants and VOCs
HEPA filter lasts up to a year
Lowest energy consumption of all the models tested
Energy Star Certified
What we don't like
Noisy on the highest setting
Bulky shape
No remote
Specifics
CADR:Smoke: 234, Dust: 248, Pollen: 232
Room size:Up to 1,748 square feet
Weight:13.2 pounds
Size:9.37" x 16.81" x 18.30"
Auto-mode:Yes
Filter type:True HEPA and carbon
Heidi Borst/Business Insider
Do you remember that strange summer day when the Canadian wildfires turned our sky orange? I do, because I have a distinct memory of showing my friend our guide to the best air purifiers before she could impulse-buy anything subpar. This air purifier will help clear your apartment from harsh pollutants and can improve the overall respiratory health of your household.
Gabrielle Chase
Senior Associate Style & Beauty Editor
Gabrielle Chase is a style and beauty expert who has worked in the fashion journalism industry for five years. As an editor and reporter, she has covered viral products, luxury companies, and durable closet staples. She applies a healthy dose of skepticism to the fashion trends on social media — still, she's never above a good designer dupe.ExperienceBefore joining Business Insider in 2023, Gabrielle interned with Interview Magazine, and then wrote for Elle Magazine's online series, The Launch.In her role on the Reviews team, Gabrielle tests clothing, shoes, and jewelry for their durability, quality, and, of course, style. She brings her eye for fashion to every story she writes or edits, whether she's helping readers get dressed for work or find their new favorite pair of jeans. Gabrielle is also an expert when it comes to finding great deals on clothing and shoes, from finding affordable hidden-gem brands, to showcasing the best discounts around deal events.She upholds Insider Reviews' rigorous product testing standards, recommending only products that look good, feel good, and last for season after season.Expertise
Women's shoes and clothing
Apparel deal hunting
Viral fashion trends
Designer dupes
EducationGabrielle graduated from the University of Rhode Island with degrees in Journalism and Spanish. There she started runway modeling, which gave her an intimate look at how much work goes into producing a single garment. Backstage she'd overhear designers passionately retelling their creative process, so she switched her focus from broadcast journalism to fashion journalism.Outside of workGabrielle enjoys K-pop girl groups, horror movies, and science fiction books. She is based in Brooklyn.
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You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
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Their colors are vibrant, rotating, and an asset to my patio. People stop by to comment on their nighttime beauty!" —Ruth LovelyGet a pack of four from Amazon for $26.99. Or a pack of solar-powered garden lights that'll turn your yard into a wind-powered light show. Because they're built with bendy stems and weighted bases, they don't just sit there — they put on a full performance every time the wind picks up. They charge during the day and glow at night, no plugs or switches required. An outdoor wooden double chaise lounge specifically designed for tiny tots, though folks have figured out they work great for dogs too. A fade-resistant outdoor umbrella so you can relax without worrying about harmful UV rays. (But remember to always wear sunscreen when your skin's exposed to the sun!) It's got a diameter of 7.5 feet, which can provide shade for a small table and three or four chairs. Note: The umbrella stand is not included, but this is a good one if you need one. Promising review: "This umbrella was perfect and met my needs. I live in a condo and needed a way to shade the balcony from the intense morning sun. This worked really well. The setup was easy. The crank works well ,and the tilt is easy to do." —DanielleGet it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 15 colors and patterns). A half umbrella that's perfect for small patios, balconies, or anywhere you're working with limited space. The flat back lets it sit flush against a wall while still offering a full nine feet of shade. This proves that compact doesn't have to mean compromising. Promising review: "I love it! It's perfect for my small apartment patio. A serious game changer. I leave it open all day, and my plants are doing well because of it! They don't get scorched anymore. It also provides the perfect coverage to allow me to relax outside in the shade." —Natalie Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in seven colors). And a clip-on light for your umbrella, because sometimes a great day on your balcony turns into a great night, and you want to make sure you have the proper illumination. A hanging solar lantern that'll turn even a sliver of an outdoor space into an enchanting retreat. The warm LED glow casts mesmerizing patterns at night, all powered by an efficient solar panel that charges during the day (and illuminates for at least eight hours after dark). Plus, it's waterproof. A pack of waterproof playing cards to keep yourself occupied during those lazy days. No need to worry about drink spills or sudden rain. Just wipe down, and voila! They're like new. Promising review: "These playing cards are a HIT. I take them out with me for social events and when visiting people, even to the beach. We just play and play. So you can get them wet and they won't soggy up and tear it just become a little hard to shuffle. It is so cool that they look like you can see right straight through them but you can't." —TabithaGet them from Amazon for $5.99. A canopy swing that'll rock and swing *and* provide you with shade on extra sunny days. It's zero gravity, so you'll feel weightless when you're all tucked in. A roll of natural reed fencing to provide your outdoor space with some much-needed privacy without installing something permanent. Perfect for screening off your patio, balcony, or that spot where your neighbor's window looks directly onto your yard. Promising review: "I am very happy with this reed fencing. The lovely brown color and tight weave with the string is so much better than ones I've had in the past that were woven with wire, which look shabby and horrible. These are a wonderful quality for the price to make putting up large sections of fencing more affordable. They are not completely private, as people have mentioned, but that's not what I wanted. I wanted to be able to see through a little bit, but they work great to give some sense of separation and privacy." —Lauren it from Amazon for $56.99+ (available in five sizes and two colors). Or an artificial ivy privacy screen if you prefer something that'll add a little bit of greenery. Promising review: "This is a great product for any outdoor space. It provides extra privacy whilst adding beauty to my balcony. The leaves were all intact, and it was easy to install with the zip ties that came in the box. The fence has been stable, never falling down, nor loosening its grip. During rain, I've never experienced the leaves coming off/apart. If you're looking to spice up your outdoor area with faux greenery, this product is a great quality fence and highly recommend!" —C.C. Get it from Amazon for $69.99. A splash pad that'll turn your backyard into the neighborhood's unofficial waterpark. This thing is a hit with toddlers, big kids, and any adult brave enter to enter the splash zone. Just hook it up to your hose and adjust the nozzle to control the spray. It's that easy. Splash EZ is an award-winning small business that sells outdoor water toys for review: "This splash pad is the best money we've spent on our kiddos! They've used it every summer since we purchased it three years ago! The splash pad itself has held up really well for all the use it's gotten, too. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone with children that enjoy being outdoors!" —Andrew SrokaGet it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four designs). A dog/kiddie pool so the tiny tots and furry friends in your life can have a safe spot to splash, too. This folds up for easy storage when not in use and doesn't need to be inflated to work. An outdoor furniture set that includes a sofa, two chairs, and two ottomans because your backyard should be just as inviting and stylish as your living room. The sofa and chairs offer ample seating for guests, while the ottomans serve double duty as extra seating or a spot to kick up your feet. Promising review: "This patio furniture is great for the price. One of the better known brands would sell a set like this for about $2,500–$3,000. It took a long time to put together by myself, but it was well worth the effort. My sister is on the market for patio furniture and I recommended this set to her." —Ant Rico Get it from Amazon for $879.99. Some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights to turn your backyard into a whimsical nighttime oasis. Perfect for draping over trees, winding around railings, or highlighting the edges of your outdoor living space. Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the review (from February 2023): "I have had these lights up since the end of September 2022. They lit up right out of the box. They have been through a snowstorm, ice storm, and massive rain, and are still perfect. They are pretty easy to hang. They are shatterproof, which I love. —D KellyGet it from Brightech on Amazon for $34.99. A pack of 16 solar-powered outdoor lights that'll clip right onto your ledge if your home has a deck that gets pitch black at night. Warm nights spent in your backyard will be so much nicer when you have proper mood lighting. Promising review: "Developed a garden on the apartment patio, and wanted to add some lights along the railing to give it some character. These solar lights are not too bright and were easy to install. All the lights work, which is great. Better than I could have hoped for. 👍" —KMFGet it from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in two colors and also a set of 20). A colorful three-piece patio set if you're dealing with limited space but want a cozy place to enjoy your morning cup of joe or a meal al fresco. The bright color will create a nice focal point in an otherwise drab area of your outdoor space. Promising review: "This set was just what I needed to add a pop of color to my porch. It seems sturdy and tolerant of extreme weather conditions. My friends and neighbors love the bright yellow." —Judith J. Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in five colors). Or a three-piece folding wood bistro set that comes with the cushions. This is such a timeless look; you can put this anywhere and it's sure to look amazing. Promising review: "I recently moved and have a small front patio. The rules of the complex are neutral as far as furniture is concerned. And so I spent forever looking for something that would fit the color scheme, plus be cute and comfortable. I am so so happy with this purchase. The table and chairs are not only a good size, but they are tall! I myself am almost 6 foot tall, and to not have to lean over with a patio set is really cool. The cushions are very comfortable, and the setup was extremely easy. Highly recommend." —Ashley kGet it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in three colors). A waterproof outdoor curtain to either partition off space in your outdoor space or provide you with some privacy, like if your balcony looks directly onto someone else's balcony or something unsightly. A pair of outdoor Bluetooth speakers that'll double as flickering torch lanterns, because music is great, but music with ambiance is even better. They're waterproof (bring on those showers), sync together for surround sound, and given serious "cozy evening under the string lights" energy. Promising review: "I ordered waterproof speakers so I could sit outside, and I'm so glad I found these. They're perfect for what I needed because they are similar to tiki torch lights that are already planted. They give off a nice ambiance when sitting out back, and the sound is loud but not too loud to disturb neighbors. Bluetooth connection is easy. So far, so good, and I'm satisfied with my purchase." —applefirGet it from Amazon for $69.99. A hanging hammock chair, because sometimes you just need a main character moment and this is the chair that'll give it to you. An outdoor inflatable ottoman so you can kick your feet up after a long day. It's fade- and water-resistant, and deflates for easy storage when not in use. Just inflate the interior pouf and stick it inside the printed, water-resistant review: "Love these! Ordered two more. The fabric is very nice and sturdy especially for outdoors. The inflatable part appears to be good quality. How to: Place inflatable inside of cover before inflating it. Do not inflate to full capacity or it will look like an inflatable and will not rest in a nice flat position. Far nicer than I imagined. They look great flanking my outdoor rattan sectional." —Cali gGet it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in 18 fabric patterns). A gorgeous teak and powder-coated aluminum dining set that'll make you want to eat all your meals al fresco. The spaciousness means no one has to fight for elbow room, and the durable materials mean you won't be scrambling to cover it any time there's a chance of rain. I set this table up on my deck last summer, and let me tell you, my family practically lived at it. We ate at it every single day while the weather was nice, and even kept using it deep into winter — right up until frostbite became a real threat. The seats? Shockingly cushy. The table? Sleek, sturdy, and a breeze to clean. It's a total showstopper that somehow blends in beautifully with my deck and garden. I love hosting dinner parties, and am so looking forward to the upcoming spring and summer so I can serve meals outside on this again. Get it from NewAge for $2,429.99. A two-pack of solar-powered outdoor lantern lights to add just the right amount of illumination to your backyard. Because they don't require electricity, you can hang them and then not worry about maintenance. Promising review: "My goodness, I did not expect to love these lanterns as much as I do. They are very, very good quality and display lots of light. I hung both of them between my small patio and English garden, and they provided enough light for both areas. I received them late afternoon, so they got about four hours in the sun. At 9 p.m., both came on like clockwork. I got up at 3 a.m. to check if they were still on, and they were as bright as ever. They are so dang cute and unique in my yard. I will be buying more. Love, Love, Love them." —Dog TailorGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three styles). A set of giant wooden dice with a matching bucket that'll make your backyard feel like summer camp, minus the bug bites. You get six jumbo dice, a wooden bucket, and scorecards for games like Yardzee and Farkle — basically everything you need to entertain friends, kids, or very competitive grandparents.
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Travel + Leisure
7 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm 5 Feet Tall, and I'm Eyeing These 11 Petite Midi and Maxi Dresses at Amazon, Nordstrom, and More—From $20
As someone five-feet-tall, I know that shopping for a midi-length or maxi dress that won't drag on the ground is, well, a drag. Either you have to spend time (and money) tailoring it, or do some legwork to find stylish petite options from online retailers, considering the right size is rarely in stores. With a few summer vacations on my calendar, I opted for the latter option and browsed through my go-to petite brands to find flattering dresses that fit my frame perfectly. Naturally, I had to share my findings with my fellow petite shoppers, so I rounded up the best maxi and midi dress options from Amazon, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, and more. From a $29 travel-friendly knit dress to a European-summer-inspired maxi shirt dress, I found styles for every travel itinerary. Keep reading for 11 of my top picks, starting at $20. You'll never catch me in the airport in a dress above my knees, but now and then, I like to throw on a stylish, comfortable midi dress to elevate my travel look. This Gap ribbed knit option is perfect for exactly that, and with a $29 price tag, I immediately added it to my shopping cart. I opted for the olive green shade, which will seamlessly transition into fall, but it is also available in black, striped, and fuchsia. This sleeveless midi dress is effortlessly chic and looks much more expensive than its $35 price tag. The fitted top is made from a comfortable, smocked knit material, and it's paired with a puffed peplum skirt featuring a flattering drop waistline that helps make your torso appear longer—perfect for petite shoppers. Quince is known for its effortless travel clothing, and this midi tank dress is no exception. The travel-ready piece is made from a breathable, soft cotton blend. One five-foot-two reviewer wrote that "the dress is perfect," adding that it's "simple and sophisticated." This light and airy maxi dress captures the art of summer dressing. It is trimmed with lace detailing and features an embroidered design on the bodice. Now, the hard part is deciding between the classic black shade and the cottagecore-inspired indigo. Considering they're both on sale, I might have to snag both! While this midi dress isn't available in petite sizing, it has adjustable spaghetti straps that allow for a customizable fit. The fit-and-flare dress, which can be easily dressed up or down, features a fitted ribbed bodice with a low scoop back and a flowing skirt. This maxi dress features a similar design to the above option, with a fitted, tank top bodice and an airy skirt, but its high neckline provides a bit more coverage. One five-foot-tall reviewer wrote that it's a 'great length,' and added that they 'loved it so much,' they bought a second color. The best part? It's marked down to just $22 right now, so I'm not missing my opportunity to shop it while it's on sale. This Lands' End petite maxi dress is begging to be worn on a tropical vacation, and its airy, lightweight material will help keep you cool on a hot summer day. It features a stretchy, smocked elastic back and adjustable tie straps, providing additional length customization for the petite dress. I'm not headed to Europe this summer, but if I were, I could easily picture myself strolling the cobblestone streets of Paris in this top-rated breezy shirtdress from The shirred elastic waist provides shape to the flowy silhouette, and it comes with a slip lining underneath the subtly sheer overlay fabric. I can already tell this ultra-comfy jersey maxi dress would become one of my staple travel pieces. It features flattering details, such as a smoothing waistband and a deep V-neck. Plus, the pullover design makes it easy to throw on and go, whether I'm catching an early morning flight or making a quick change before dinner. I can't resist a perfectly tailored dress, and this petite Anthropologie number fits the bill. The casual yet elegant shirt dress features eye-catching details, including a classic collar, exaggerated sleeves, and flattering pleats around the bodice. Additionally, the button-up front allows for a customizable look that can be worn as a dress or paired over a pair of shorts and a classic white tee. This top-rated midi dress is made from a summery, lightweight linen material and has a smocked waistband with a tie at the center and capped sleeves. One reviewer raved that it's 'very flattering and comfortable,' and a five-foot-three shopper wrote that 'the length is perfect.' Right now, the midi is an additional 40 percent off, bringing the price down to $84. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
