Summer is arguably one of the best seasons for fashion. After all, summer garments are easy to put together and just feel effortless. With so many dresses in my closet, I can fit only a small selection into most of my daily activities. Dresses that are made of a breathable material, easy to style and have pockets are my main requirements for a wardrobe capsule.
Color also plays a role when choosing my main clothes to wear on repeat. I like to plan outfits that fit into casual mornings and translate easily into chic evenings. Plus, garments that only require footwear swaps and accessory changes are a must-have. A versatile dress can be worn 9-to-5 and beyond without having to drastically change the entire ensemble. And, pockets are a plus if I'm seeking easy storage and somewhere to keep my MetroCard handy at all times.
Luckily, I found a dress that fits into my conference room meetings and can be worn casually at the park with sneakers. And the best part? It's less than $30.
Why I tried the Ododos Square Neck Midi Dress
After one month of testing other Ododos pieces, I decided to pitch this dress to our Shop TODAY team. The fabric component and soft feel were the first things that came to mind when shopping for a dress that could survive humidity and the effects of tariffs. With an unbearable heat wave and numerous casual activities in my calendar, I needed a one-and-done outfit that could take me from the office to work events in style. Ododos is a brand that offers seamless comfort, easy designs and soft fabrics, so adding this one to my dress repertoire was a no-brainer decision for me. Plus, for $30 a piece in multiple colorways, this was attractive to my budget, too.
What I liked
It has a great fit and it's flattering
This dress has become a favorite in my closet thanks to its A-line construction with a flowy cut. The dress hits right below the knees and feels more like a sundress that you can wear on vacation, the office or the park. It's truly a comfortable yet elegant style because its uncomplicated silhouette focuses on a flowy skirt and a double-layered top that offers great coverage. I've worn it with sneakers, sandals and wedges for a more elevated look.
But, what makes this dress a summer staple is its casual design, material composition and clean lines that make it acceptable for daily wear. The square neckline also helps in highlighting the neck area when you wear layered necklaces. It's a dress you can easily dress up or down depending on the accessories you wear.
It has pockets on the sides
Pockets are a functional detail on any garment because they become easy storage solutions. This dress features deep side pockets on each side where you can store a mobile phone, wallet and more. I've been able to fit even a regular-sized water bottle when outdoors. However, the dress starts to pull down if you add heavy items to the pockets. This feature is convenient for me because I usually carry a crossbody purse or small clutch when wearing the dress in the evening. So, the pockets provide an easy way to store small items when you're out and about in the city.
The material is breathable
The fabric of this dress is breathable, stretchy and feels ultra-soft. According to the brand, this dress is made from silky rayon fabric with added elastane for a comfortable fit. While the material feels lightweight when wearing it, the actual thickness of the fabric is heavier compared to traditional summer clothes. It has 220 GSM, which is a unit of measurement for the weight of the fabric. However, this material feels better than my cotton tees and keeps me fresh when moving around.
What to consider
Sweat stains might show
Since rayon usually doesn't wick away moisture, it's easy to attract sweat stains onto the fabric. So, if you're wearing this dress on a humid and hot day, it's recommended that you prepare with the right undergarments. I noticed the fabric changed the texture and color when I was sweating or accidentally dropped water on it. So if you're self-conscious about sweat stains, it is best to reserve this dress for breezy days when the temperature is mild.
Wear sweat-proof underwear
I wore a seamless slip short underneath my dress to keep it chafe-free and comfortable when walking around. Since sweat stains might show up when you least expect it, I recommend wearing cooling and moisture-wicking underwear when wearing this dress. This will not only prevent uncomfortable stains but will avoid fabric discoloration after washing.
More Ododos favorites to shop
This skort features built-in shorts and a side pocket to keep all your essentials neabry. I [Espinal] love this one because you can style it with T-shirts, crop tops and even a button-down shirt for a semi-casual fit.
The bra is breathable, supportive and easy to wear. I love that the design feels more like a crop top than an actual sports bra, which I can style in many different ways. The stretchy fabric also offers flexibility, and the material feels lightweight enough for warmer days.
If you're looking for a pair of black leggings that feel supportive, yet provide the performance you need for workouts, opt for this one. A recent Shop TODAY writer said these leggings are the perfect ones for yoga and are designed "to prevent the dreaded muffin top from overflowing."
Why trust Shop TODAY?
Jannely Espinal has been a fashion and lifestyle journalist for the past 7 years. She’s familiar with product sourcing, selection and testing, especially when it comes to the latest trends in home, style and beauty. Additionally, Espinal combines her testing process with experts’ insight to select the best products for Shop TODAY’s audience.
She covers a wide range of topics from footwear to textile technology and new product launches.
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