Every year come November, I find myself overwhelmed with a handful of new, preholiday season stressors. There's the usual suspects: shopping out gifts for family and friends, prepping for all of the seasonal dishes on my baking to-do list, navigating the craziness of work, and ultimately just trying not to freak out as my calendar fills up with events, dinners, and holiday parties all throughout the year's remaining two months. Then there's the less predictable stressor that I imagine also plagues any fashion-lover with hopes of being the best dressed at their next family gathering: what I'm going to wear.
All things considered, I'll admit that this is a pretty good problem to have and certainly not one that should send me into as much of a shopping spiral as it usually does - but I can't help it! Between all of the family get-togethers, parties with coworkers, and looming holiday photos (many of which I can anticipate making their way onto Facebook or Instagram), I can't think of a season where it's more of a necessity that you show up looking your very best. Being the planner that I am, my search for the perfect Thanksgiving Day outfit commenced way back in October, when I was tirelessly scouring the internet in search of a formal dress that was stylish enough to fit the occasion, but also affordable enough to fit within my pre-Black Friday budget.
Miraculously, I managed to find the perfect style in this Future Collective x Kahlana Barfield Brown Puff-Sleeve Denim Dress ($50). The Target midi dress is so chic and polished (making it ideal for wear throughout the holidays), yet still relaxed and versatile enough to wear for more casual occasions, thanks to its denim design. Keep reading to see my honest review of the puff-sleeved style and why I'm convinced it will be a staple in my wardrobe for years to come.
What I Like About This Target Midi Denim Dress
I love that it boasts all the same flair of a classic denim dress, just in a more upgraded style. The frock is fitted with a midi length and square neckline that both help to give it an added edge compared to some of the other button-down denim dresses or even those with relaxed scoop necklines. Thanks to its thoughtful design, the piece feels incredibly versatile and gives me the freedom to wear it in just about any circumstance. The denim material also provides an extra thickness that gives it a warmer and more durable feel - making it the perfect style to sport as the temperatures begin to drop for winter.
I also love the uniqueness provided by the front-zipper design. This element, albeit small, allows me to easily adjust the fit of the dress to better suit my style preferences. If I need something more formal, I can zip the dress all the way up and style it as a classic, puff-sleeved frock. Alternatively, if I'm looking for a sexier, evening ensemble, I can also leave the dress zipped up only a few inches below the neckline and then allow the sleeves to drape over my arms for more of off-the-shoulder look.
What's Worth Noting
While it might not come as a surprise given the style's composition, this definitely isn't a loose or super-breathable dress. The denim fabric is relatively stiff, and if I'm sitting down or moving my arms around too broadly, the style can start to feel pretty constricting. I wouldn't say this has anything to do with the sizing (I'm typically a size 6, which was what I also ordered this midi dress in); I think it's just a predictable result of the fabric. These days, I practically live in T-shirt dresses and oversize frocks, so when I put on something that's a bit more body-hugging, I can definitely be taken aback in my first few wears of it. That being said, this wouldn't deter me from purchasing the Target dress, wearing it, or even recommending it to a friend. But if you're someone who prefers a bit more breathability and stretch in your clothing, it's something to take note of.
Who Is This Target Midi Denim Dress Best For?
This Target midi dress is ideal for any fashionista who likes looking put together with minimal to no effort. The dress boasts a structured design that makes it look a bit more formfitting compared to the traditional denim dress silhouette. The puff sleeves also help to elevate it with a polished flair, giving you the freedom to easily dress it up or down, depending on your own style preferences. In the past month, I've already managed to wear this dress with my white sneakers and a crossbody bag while meeting my girlfriends for brunch. Alternatively, I've also dressed it up on a number of occasions for evening events and dinner dates - simply pairing it with nude heels, a statement handbag, and a few gold jewelry pieces. Each time, I've gotten away with just throwing it on, layering a few additional accessories with it, and then being on my merry way - no struggle of coordinating an outfit ahead of time necessary.
Where Is This Target Midi Denim Dress Available?
The Future Collective x Kahlana Barfield Brown Puff-Sleeve Denim Dress is available to shop exclusively at Target.
Additional Details
- This midi denim dress is crafted from a 100 percent cotton material.
- The pull-on style boasts a front zipper design that allows users to slip the dress on like a coat and then easily zip up from the front.
- This particular dress is available to shop in US women's sizes 0-30.
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