25-04-2025
This is the 'dress of the year,' according to a shopping expert
I've been a huge fan of Caroline Moss ever since I read a profile that featured her in The New York Times two years ago. She began her career as an editor and producer, later branching off to do her own thing, which included starting the popular Gee Thanks, Just Bought It community. Dedicated to all things shopping, it includes multiple Facebook groups, a newsletter, a podcast and a Substack. Moss often doles out buying advice and product recommendations that her legions of fans look forward to, but one of my favorites is her annual declaration of the "dress of the year." She crowns one winner annually, and 2025's pick was just announced. It's the Old Navy Waist-Defined Ruffled Midi Dress.
The criteria are pretty straightforward to be a contender for Moss's DOTY. It's gotta be flattering and affordable. Seems simple, but many, many dresses fall short. But not this under-$40 Old Navy find that ticks both boxes.
"It's the kind of dress that slots perfectly into real life — whether you're running late to a meeting, grabbing coffee with a friend, or realizing you forgot to buy a gift on the way to a birthday dinner," Moss writes in her newsletter. "It's comfortable, flattering, and doesn't require shapewear, strategic layering, or a complicated bra situation."
Old Navy shoppers overwhelmingly agree with her expert assessment of the standout style. The dress is a relatively new addition to the Old Navy lineup, but it's already garnered more than 450 five-star reviews.
"Wore this dress for Easter and felt so good in it! Love the shape, material and basically everything about it. SO flattering! Want to buy all the colors/prints!" one fan commented. Another fan raved about its universal and comfy design: "[I have a] heavy bust and [this] fits so nicely. It cinches at the waist and the elastic is not tight at all."
Loving the idea of a flattering dress that works for every occasion this spring and summer? Go all in and shop similar styles with that same waist-cinching, smocking magic — all under $100 — below.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
