I'll be honest: when I first heard about the Rhode Ella dress, I was skeptical. A dress that claims to be both office-ready and commuter-friendly? I've seen that pitch before. But I've been wearing mine for three weeks now—rain, wind, and that weird in-between weather Chicago throws at you in April. Here's what I found.
The Rhode Ella dress is a midi-length, short-sleeve dress with a relaxed fit and a subtle A-line shape. It comes in a few solid colors, and the fabric is a thick cotton-linen blend that breathes but doesn't wrinkle like pure linen. At $128, it's not cheap, but it's not shockingly expensive either. I bought it in the color 'Charcoal' because that's what I wear 80% of the time. Let's get into the details.
First Impressions and Fabric Quality
Out of the bag, the Rhode Ella dress feels substantial. The fabric has a nice weight—not flimsy, not stiff. It's the kind of material that doesn't cling to your body in weird ways. I'm 5'8" and pear-shaped, so I usually struggle with dresses that are too tight in the hips or too loose in the shoulders. The Rhode Ella dress has a relaxed fit through the body, with a tie waist that lets you adjust the silhouette. I appreciate that because it means I can wear it loose on days I feel bloated or cinch it for a more defined shape.
The stitching is clean, and the hem is straight. No loose threads or weird puckering. The dress is machine washable, which is a must for anyone who doesn't have time for dry cleaning. I've washed it three times and it's held up fine—no fading or shrinking.
The Commute Test: Catching the Blue Line
I wear the Rhode Ella dress on a typical morning commute: 20-minute walk to the Blue Line, then a 30-minute train ride to the West Loop. The dress hits just below my knees, so it doesn't ride up or require constant adjusting when I'm walking. On the train, I can sit without feeling like I'm flashing anyone. The fabric is thick enough that I don't worry about wind lifting the hem, which is a huge plus for Chicago spring.
One thing I didn't expect: the dress works well with layers. I've worn it with a cropped cardigan, an oversized denim jacket, and even a thin merino turtleneck underneath (yes, I tucked the turtleneck into the dress, and it looked intentional). The sleeveless version (which I have) is easy to layer, but they also make a short-sleeve option that's a bit more standalone.
Temperature-wise, the Rhode Ella dress is comfortable up to about 70°F. Above that, the linen blend starts to feel warm. Below 50°F, you'll need tights and a jacket. I'd say it's a solid 3-season dress for most climates, except the dead of summer or winter.
Sizing and Fit for Real Bodies
I'm a size medium in most brands, and the medium in Rhode Ella fits perfectly. The dress is designed to be relaxed, so if you want a more fitted look, size down. The tie waist is generous—I can cinch it tight or leave it loose. The armholes are cut high enough that I don't have to worry about my bra showing, but not so high that they dig in. For my pear-shaped frame, the A-line skirt gives me enough room through the hips without adding bulk.
My girlfriend (size small, more straight-hipped) tried the small and found it slightly loose in the bust. She preferred it cinched at the waist. So if you're between sizes, consider your body shape: the dress is forgiving for hips but may need adjustment for a smaller bust.
Styling the Rhode Ella Dress
This dress is a blank canvas. Here are three ways I've worn it:
- Office ready: Tuck a white button-down under it (yes, the dress is loose enough to layer a shirt underneath), add a blazer, and wear with loafers. The dress becomes a skirt-blazer combo without the fuss.
- Weekend errands: Wear it alone with white sneakers and a canvas tote. The relaxed fit keeps it casual.
- Evening low-key: Swap the sneakers for low-heel boots, add a leather jacket, and you've got a night-out look that still feels like you.
I've also worn it backward by accident—the neckline is similar front and back—and it looked perfectly fine. That's the kind of design detail I appreciate.
How It Compares to Other Dresses
I own a few other versatile midi dresses: the Everlane Day Dress (which is lighter and more wrinkle-prone) and the Universal Standard Tee Dress (which is heavier and more casual). The Rhode Ella dress sits in between—structured enough for work, soft enough for weekends. At $128, it's more expensive than the Everlane ($88) but less than Universal Standard ($150). For me, the durability and washability justify the price.
That said, if you're looking for something more formal, this isn't it. The Rhode Ella dress is definitely on the casual end of office wear. It won't replace a sheath dress for a client meeting, but it's perfect for everyday desk jobs.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
Yes, if you're tired of decisions in the morning. The Rhode Ella dress is one of those pieces that makes getting dressed easy. It looks put-together without trying hard, it moves with your body, and it layers like a champ. I've gotten compliments from coworkers and strangers alike—not because it's flashy, but because it just looks right.
Comfort is not a compromise. It's an attitude. And the Rhode Ella dress helps me feel comfortable in my own skin, whether I'm running for the train or sitting through a two-hour meeting. If you need a reliable, low-effort piece that works for your real life, this is it.
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