Old Navy: Cross-Front Sundress Review

This is Old Navy's Cross-Front Sundress (style #633406), which retails for $19.50, with select colors/patterns on sale for $15.  The dress is alpha-sized, and is available in solid colors, striped patterns, and a floral pattern.  Old Navy describes the dress as such:

Get all dolled up in the season's cutest --and most comfortable--dress! Lightweight cotton voile and a sexy cross-front silhouette make this beautiful and breezy.

I tried this dress on in a size small, and in the blue stripe color.  This dress has an elasticized bust, and has no side or back zippers, so it's either over-the-head or over-the-waist, however you like it.  I believe this dress fits mostly true to size, but you should size up if you are larger in the bust area.  I don't recall having a big issue with the bust when I tried this on, but I ended up getting it (in a different color), and it was a little too cleavage-inducing for me.

The dress hits above the knees on the model, but it went pretty much right to my knees on me, and I love this length, so that is a huge plus for me.  If you are a taller lady, or have long legs, then you should check out the length and make sure you like it.

As for the fabric, it is a really nice and soft cotton, but be warned that it isn't terribly drapey, and doesn't move and flow very much.  The fabric is nice and light, so it works great as a three-season dress, to me.

The dress lends itself a bit to the pregnant effect from the side.  I think this is again a sizing issue - the empire waist doesn't come down all the way below the bust, so instead of creating any type of curves, it just falls down in a straight line, and can add volume.  I think this is a matter of opinion whether this is a plus or a minus - most of the time, I don't really care too much if a dress makes me look a little bit preggers, so this was okay for me.

I think the back is interesting - I like that they went with another cross-back.  It makes the dress very summery to me.  It also makes the dress confusing if you're trying to put it on and you can't locate the tag quickly. :)

Here is a close-up of the pattern I tried on.  It was a diagonal stripe pattern with purple, blue, bright pink, and black stripes.  I like the sort of brushed-pattern effect for some of the stripes - makes it seem more casual - and I think the diagonal stripes work well with the shape.

Here are the product details from Old Navy's website.

I ended up picking up this dress, but in the color posted at the top of the post (the green/blue/grey stripes).  I actually got this dress to wear to Poland, and I picked it because I think it would work as a long, flowy top over a pair of jeans.  After wearing it the other day, I might also put a tee underneath to hide the cleavage (more than I am comfortable with), but I like this dress because I think it's cute, but simple enough to play around with styling.

What do you think?  Do you like this dress?  Do you own it?  How would you style it?