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I love dressing up, whether it's a wedding, cocktail event, or elegant restaurant for date night. Midi dresses are always my go-to (though I love a tuxedo jacket or suiting look for after hours) because they are not too short and tend to make me look taller than I am (I'm 5'4"). For whatever reason, I have a bit of an above-the-knee-hemline phobia and typically steer clear of overly clingy silhouettes. While I do go for a plunging neckline here and there, I don't rock the look often. I know, modest Molly over here. Despite having somewhat conservative taste when it comes to silhouette, I am very much here for a good trend and a killer cocktail dress. Enter: this Reformation Strata Dress ($278). Chic, yeah?! It's my "I never say 'fabulous' fabulous" item à la Jack Berger on Sex and the City, but rather than a shirt, a dress, and instead of "fabulous," sub "sexy."
It surely won't shock you that as a New Yorker and bona-fide fashion girl, I also live for a little black dress. That's reason numero uno I love this dress. But my adoration runs deeper. The trend aspect I alluded to earlier is the second cause for my reverence. Designers from Saint Laurent to Khaite and Givenchy kicked off what I can best describe as the distinctive-décolletage trend for Spring/Summer 2020, which ranges from exaggerated sweetheart silhouettes to down-to-there v-necklines and inverted heart shapes that truly require a visual (which I've included ahead). Not only are these unique necklines flattering, but they also have a slinky quality to them that might appeal to those with trepidation toward up-to-there slits and thigh-baring hemlines (like me). Thirdly, the gently puffed shoulders. They're so sweet and continuing to trend for 2020! Plus, they're a splendid offset to the skin-baring neckline and body-skimming fit. And finally, the midi length. My absolute comfort zone for a dress of any sort, but particularly one with bells and whistles like this.
For a look at my I-never-say-sexy sexy dress, continue on for a couple of snaps I took in the mirror while trying it on just after my runway breakdown so you can see how the trend has manifested for Spring. Then, shop it for yourself for a sexy Valentine's Day look, your next cocktail party, or a fancy date night.