women's apparel

The Target Dress I’ve Worn About 20 Times This Summer Is Just $23

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer

I own many, many red dresses. I wear red dresses more often than any other item in my wardrobe. Name a type of fabric or a style of dress, and I guarantee you I own it in red. It’s the color of luck and good fortune. A red dress instantly brightens up a room, whether you’re the one wearing it or someone else is. So when I saw Instagram influencer Tiffany Bach wearing a cross-strapped, shoulder-baring red dress across a very crowded room, I elbowed my way past people to introduce myself and asked her where she got it. “Target,” she whispered. “About 20 bucks.” The next morning, I saw that it was on sale and placed an order (though I would have paid almost any amount for this dress). Right now, it’s on clearance for $23. It is also available in white and black.

The dress is the perfect length — modest, but maneuverable. I’m five-foot-two-ish, and it hits me mid-calf. The halter top is ruched in a way that eliminates the need for a bra (though granted, I’m small-chested), and the extra-wide elastic band cinches you in and gives the dress a 1950s pinup look. The fabric is a polyester-cotton blend, not at all see-through (important because, again, no bra), and doesn’t wrinkle. I have worn this dress at least 20 times since I purchased it two months ago. And yes, like all perfect dresses, this one, of course, has pockets.

The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

The Dress I’ve Worn About 20 Times This Summer Is Just $23