This $24 Shein dress is the ultimate hidden gem

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• Popular fast fashion retailer Shein is often hit or miss when it comes to clothing.
• I found a hidden gem in a $24 dress that comes in 14 colors and has 9,000 reviews.
• I have since bought it in three colors and even wore it on my Italian honeymoon.

I usually try to limit my purchases from fast fashion brands, but sometimes I want to experiment with my look and explore new silhouettes without breaking the bank. Enter a brand you’ve probably heard of a million times: Shein.

Known for ultra-trendy clothing and ultra-affordable prices, Shein is a playground for those looking to dip their toes into the hottest styles of the moment. And while their pieces tend to be pretty hit or miss in my opinion, I recently discovered a gem that radiates overall Bridgerton vibes and has become a staple dress in my wardrobe.

The dress comes in a ton of colors

At just $24 (and before any discounts), the dress with puffed sleeves has nearly 9,000 rave reviews and counting. It comes in 14 colors (3 of which I have), and sizes range from XS-XL, which we hope have plans to expand in the near future.

Reviews suggested sizing up, which was the right move

When it comes to Shein, I find myself relying heavy on reviews when determining what size to choose – and this particular dress is no different. Generally, I’m more or less average, across brands and stores. Although many of the reviews recommended sizing up at least one to two sizes for a better fit, I went for a size large.

To my surprise, the soft corset fits like a glove, although I have to admit that it really doesn’t have any bulk or stretch. And as someone who is slightly bustier, I found that the area was quite small and created a lot of cleavage (which I don’t necessarily mind for some situations). Personally, I found the puffed sleeves to be comfortable, with the elastic never feeling too tight on my arms, and with such a high slit and breathable fabric, the dress felt breezy enough for even a sweltering Italian honeymoon.

With lighter colors (like the Baby Pink and White dresses, for example), the dress is a bit see-through, but wearing bare underwear does the trick.

If you’re short like me, you might want to pair the dress with heels

At just five feet tall, the dress is a bit long when worn with flats, so definitely keep that in mind if you’re on the shorter side.

The bottom line

Whether your personal aesthetic (like mine) is all about those romantic vibes, or you just want to experiment with your look for an upcoming event or trip, I can’t recommend this dress enough. Super light and easy to wear in a pinch, you can jazz up your look with heels or keep it low-key with some sandals or sneakers. In short: You could totally wear this dress to brunch, on a picnic date, or while traveling (like I did on my honeymoon). It’s safe to say this dress has become one of my tried and true staples that is very affordable yet makes an overall statement.