Spotlight on Rhode: Review & Best Dresses

rhode dress review

When people ask about my favorite brands, I tend to shy away from answering because the truth is that it changes as my style evolves. That being said, there are a few designers I find myself returning to who do one thing especially well. One of those is Rhode!

I bought my first Rhode dress, the Ella, as a treat for our first vacation post-pandemic, and I’ve since gathered quite the collection of dresses, shorts, and sets. Given that they started as a resort brand, most Rhode clothing has a boho feel while simultaneously being feminine and chic.

These are unfussy yet memorable pieces that dress up and down with ease. Think vibrant prints, lightweight fabrics, and timeless silhouettes that can be a mainstay in your seasonal wardrobe and something you look forward to wearing for events.

Here’s my Rhode review, including thoughts on each dress I own, a size guide, and where to find Rhode items on sale.

Rhode Dress Review

Long story short, I love Rhode dresses. I think they knock it out of the park when it comes to summery styles that are more playful than your average white dress but are equally as versatile. Many of the styles look just as good with sandals for errands as they do with heels for an evening out.

I love that Rhode’s prints aren’t overly tropical (similar lines like Agua by Agua Bendita and Alemais tend to do more on-the-nose nautical prints like fish and anchors), so they can be worn in everyday settings.

I also love that they have mainstays in their collection (the Pia, the Ella, etc.), so you know they’ve perfected the fit. They also offer limited time pieces (like this cutout maxi dress and this v-neck dress), so it’s fun to browse their new arrivals for exclusives.

Is Rhode worth it? They’re pricey, but I think so. The materials are high quality, the pieces hold up well through cleanings, the designs are unique, the colors are beautifully saturated, and everything is flattering and comfortable.

Rhode Sizing

Every page on the Rhode website has a size chart. Rhode uses letter sizing (S-XL), but you’ll see Rhode pieces listed with number sizing (2-14) at some retailers.

For the most part, Rhode runs true to size. When in doubt, size up in the fitted styles. Rhode.com offers free returns, so it doesn’t hurt to order multiple and send back whichever one doesn’t work!

Here are my sizing recommendations and a review of Rhode’s bestselling dresses.

Rhode Lulani

Rhode Lulani dress review
Rhode Lulani dress review

The Lulani is hands down my favorite Rhode dress, but it’s a dressier style that’s best for special occasions.

It’s made from crepe fabric that helps give it an elevated feel and is perfectly breathable for hot weather. This is my #1 Rhode dress recommendation for special occasions: weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers, anniversaries, etc.

Be prepared to receive compliments because it fits like a glove and is incredibly flattering. Its slim all the way down with a fluted hem, so consider sizing up if you’re between sizes or full through the hips. Although the silhouette is fitted, it’s surprisingly comfortable to move in (just don’t expect to bound up stairs or break a leg dancing).

I have a size 2. It comes in many more prints.

Shop My Lulani Dress

Rhode Ella

Rhode Ella Dress review
Rhode Ella Dress review

The Ella was my first Rhode dress! I remember unboxing it and feeling so excited (it was one of my biggest clothing purchases at the time).

Ella is their best selling dress for good reason. It’s versatile, playful, and flattering. The rope belt (not shown above—wearing my own) accentuates the waist, the ruffle hem lends a flirty touch, and the long sleeves are great for cool evenings.

This is one I reach for when we’re headed on vacation. It’s easy to roll and pack. I wear it for day exploring, as a heavier coverup, and to dinner with heels and a clutch.

I have a size S. I’m 5’9″ and find it a little short, but I adjust the belt placement to give the skirt a little more length.

Shop My Ella Dress

Rhode Pia

Rhode Pia Dress review
Rhode Pia Dress review

If you’re looking for a Rhode summer dress you can style up and down, look no further than the Pia. This is a short sleeve cotton mini dress with a high neckline, puff sleeves, ruching, and draping on one side.

What I love most about this dress is that it works just as well for day as it does for evening. The cotton fabric keeps it from feeling too fancy for errands or a lunch out, while the design details give it just enough flair if you want to dress it up for an occasion.

I was nervous it would be too figure hugging, but it actually runs a little large. I’m 5’9″ and the length feels comfortable, but I still need to be conscious if I raise my arms.

The Pia comes in fun prints and simple neutrals, so there’s a little something for everyone.

I have a size 4.

Shop My Pia Dress

Rhode Dali

Rhode Dali Dress
Rhode Dress Size Guide

The Dali is a new Rhode silhouette that can be worn off the shoulder or on the shoulder.

When worn as an off the shoulder dress, it has a fancy feel, so save that for evening events (I love how it looks with a statement necklace). When worn on the shoulder, it looks more casual.

I have size 2. It fits true to size but runs very short and definitely gives off a “sexier” vibe than the Pia mini dress.

Shop My Dali Dress

Where to Find Rhode on Sale

One of the only drawbacks about Rhode is that the prices are steep, and they seem to keep climbing with time. If you want to find a Rhode dress on sale, check these places:

Shop Rhode Dresses

I’ve rounded up a handful of my favorite Rhode dresses below. If you see a dress you like, click on the image and a new window will pop up so you can shop.

shop rhode dresses
shop rhode dresses
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rhode resort dress review
rhode statement sleeve dress review
rhode floral dresses review
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rhode green dresses
rhode resort floral
rhode puff sleeve
rhode black dress
rhode puff sleeve floral
rhode floral statement sleeve
rhode prink dress
rhode floral resort dress
Spotlight on Rhode: Review & Best DressesSpotlight on Rhode: Review & Best DressesSpotlight on Rhode: Review & Best Dresses