Recreation Minidress & Shorts Set

I buy these every year. Pros this year: scuba material is back, doesn’t wrinkle, fitted top and nicely flared bottom is flattering, I can tell this years fabric won’t pill like last year’s dress did after one wear. Coms: much tighter in the chest, I had to keep the pads in (not my preference) to avoid the headlights, shorter than prior years to the point I may have to wear the shorts. The inner bra creates lines across the top of the chest that can’t be resolved. I’m keeping this specifically for running around but not as the do everything dress from a few years back. I have a small, for reference, 35 chest, 28 waist, 36 hips, 5’4.5”, athletic shoulders.

I buy a lot of Zella leggings/short/tanks and wear a small 4-6 in those categories As far as jackets, it’s an 8. Wasn’t sure about this dress sizing so I purchased both S4-6 and M8-10. The small was too tight on top but fine below the waist. The medium fit although a fuller skirt. The unattached M shorts fit fine too. Overall I’d say the dress is slim fitted on top and a fuller bottom. Neither sizes were as short as on the model.

I am sized between XS and S. My past purchases of Zella have always been size XS, but for this dress I have to go with S. The XS is so tight that it shows the lines of the built-in bra and shorts. The S fits me just like the website pictures. Both the blue and the red are very beautiful colors in person. I personally don't like the built-in bras since they are not supportive enough (34B here) and have an unnatural shape. The top of the chest area doesn't lay flat due to the pulling of built-in bra. In fact, I think the built-in bra is very unnecessary for this style since it has enough coverage for me to wear my own sport bras.

I tried this on randomly in store and it’s cute! Love that the shorts aren’t attached. The small fit, but was a little tight on the bust and rib area. It is a little on the short side, but most active dresses are. I ordered a medium on line and going to keep it. It fits with slightly more room and looks better.