If you have been following Reformation since its inception, you know firsthand how far the sustainable fashion brand has come. As a Los Angeleno, I will always have an affinity for companies rooted in the City of Angels. Beyond its notable pledge to become climate-positive, the brand continually stays on top of evolving industry trends by introducing season-defining collections and collaborating with notable stars and influencers like Laura Harrier and Devon Lee Carlson. Whether it functions as your one-stop shop for trendy going-out tops or classic linen pants, one foundational truth remains: Reformation’s dress section is remarkably unmatched.
When you step away from the buzzy collaborations and temporary prints and cuts, you quickly discover that Reformation offers incredible dresses for virtually every occasion, and the company makes the shopping experience remarkably streamlined. To put this to the test, I visited the Reformation location at the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey, where I tried on a handful of distinct dresses with a strict focus on overall feel, physical fit, and aesthetic look.
How I Tested Reformation’s Dresses
To gather firsthand insights, I visited my nearest Reformation brick-and-mortar location and tried on dresses directly in-store, selecting specific garments using the location’s helpful touchscreen monitors. Through this digital interface, I was able to verify instantly which styles were physically available in-store and browse for my exact size. Once I queued up my selections for the fitting room, I browsed the brand’s accompanying bags and shoe collections until a sales associate informed me that my room was ready, with my chosen dresses neatly hung and waiting for me to try on.
How Do Reformation Dresses Fit?
As someone with a slim-but-muscular build and broad shoulders, I frequently fluctuate between United States sizes 4 and 6, small or medium, and 26- to 27-inch waists, depending entirely on the brand. Before undertaking my personal Reformation investigation, I operated under the persistent assumption that its dresses run notoriously small. However, I am happy to report that my initial assumption was entirely incorrect. After spending a day trying on various dresses across different fabrics, styles, cuts, and washes, I found that Reformation runs remarkably true to size across the board.
Furthermore, the brand offers an inclusive range of options for diverse body types, including standard sizes 0 through 12, dedicated petite selections, and extended sizes running from 14 to 24. Should a purchased dress fail to meet your standards or fit precisely as you prefer, the company offers convenient scheduling for hemming and repairs at participating United States locations for a flat, accessible fee of $25.
How Comfortable Are Reformation Dresses?
When worn in the correct size, Reformation dresses deliver an exceptionally high level of comfort. Naturally, however, physical comfort varies somewhat depending on the specific style and material composition. For instance, I found natural cotton and breathable linen to be exceptionally soft and airy, making them ideal all-day options. They far outpace some luxury fabrics like traditional silk, which, while undeniably soft against the skin, possesses very limited natural stretch.
In terms of functional design, several Reformation dresses incorporate elastic backing to provide extra give and flexibility, alongside adjustable straps featuring buttons or functional sliders. This thoughtful engineering is a genuine relief for someone with broad shoulders that typically strain against standard dress straps.
The Types of Dresses at Reformation
One of the many reasons I thoroughly enjoy shopping for dresses at Reformation is that the brand curates a vast assortment tailored to every conceivable occasion. The digital storefront organizes these choices logically, breaking down the main dress category into the specific parameters customers search for most. This includes filtering by length, ranging from short to midi and long; by occasion, including dedicated vacation wear; by fabric, such as silk, knit, and linen; and by color or print, featuring classic black, vibrant florals, and crisp white.
There is even a dedicated wedding section within the navigation bar where shoppers can search specifically for bridesmaids’ dresses, wedding guest attire, bridal dresses, and more. It also features curated honeymoon options and memorable numbers tailored specifically for bachelorette trips. No matter the precise style of dress you require, Reformation almost certainly provides it.
How to Care for Reformation Dresses
Whether you purchase a delicate silk sheath or a structured linen frock, Reformation ensures garment maintenance is straightforward. Clear instructions are printed directly on the interior tags and supported by a dedicated Garment Care page on the company website. The resource provides vital details on nuances like the "Green Dry Clean" label and whether steaming or ironing a delicate fabric will inadvertently damage the garment. The golden rule remains consistent: always consult the care details on the interior tag, which is typically sewn securely along the side seam.
A Closer Look at Specific Styles
During my deep dive into the brand’s inventory, several standout pieces captured my attention for their unique craftsmanship and distinctive design elements.
The Legacy Gown, a standout velvet dress from the Alexa Chung 30-piece collection, serves as a regal option fit for formal black-tie occasions, featuring a deep V-neck and a striking open back. While the size 4 fit my frame impeccably, the top proved considerably too small-chested friendly for my B-cup frame, yielding excess fabric at the bust and shoulders that would ultimately require professional tailoring.
For those prioritizing comfort without sacrificing formality, the Marissa Knit Dress offers a full-length silhouette that drapes effortlessly. Though devoid of traditional zippers or hooks, its stretchy knit fabric drapes fluidly, complemented by flutter sleeves that avoid clinging to the arms and a hidden modesty hook at the chest for customizable coverage.
The Allissa Dress introduces movement and playful energy through ruffle details along the skirt, a slim-fitting bodice, a drop waistline, and fully adjustable straps for personalized support. Meanwhile, the Emma-Rose Silk Dress channels vintage silk nightgowns with delicate lace detailing at the neckline and hem, offering an effortlessly chic option for evening outings.
Exploring more avant-garde aesthetics, the Ghost Dress—another creation by style guru Alexa Chung—presents a two-piece polyester set reminiscent of high-end taffeta collectibles. The pieces can be clipped together at the shoulders or detached entirely to be worn as separate separates.
The Jillian Dress combines a seasonal velvet fabric with a floral pattern, featuring a halter neck, an open back, and sophisticated contrast paneling at the waist. Similarly, the Lilibeth Silk Dress captures attention with a lightweight silk foundation paired with a sheer capelet, cowl neckline, and asymmetrical hem.
Rounding out the lineup, the Soleia Dress provides a refined slip style with a scoop neckline, while the Delanie Dress incorporates an adjustable halter neck and back ties for a custom fit. Finally, the Naira Dress and the Janu Denim Midi Dress offer everyday versatility, utilizing thoughtful design features like ruching, puff sleeves, and elasticized backs to ensure all-day comfort.
