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Anne Hathaway Wore a $158 Dress That Has Sparked a Gap Renaissance

The idea of YOU...in this dress

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WWAHW? Aka, ‘What Would Anne Hathaway Wear?’ the new guide I’m living by when I get dressed in the morning. Today, it’s Gap, courtesy of The Idea of You actress and producer Anne Hathaway, who made my jaw drop when she stepped out in Rome for a Bulgari jewelry event wearing a $158 white maxi shirtdress from the classic brand.

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The chic, limited-edition poplin frock, which was custom-designed by the brand’s newly appointed creative director Zac Posen, became available to pre-order yesterday and—to no one’s surprise—sold out within minutes. The dress pulls inspiration from Gap’s iconic white shirt, offering an elevated, modern silhouette rooted in tradition. “By incorporating elements like the shirt's collar and placket, and adding feminine touches with darting at the waist, we created a modern look that pays homage to the elegance of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday,” says Posen in a press release from Gap, per The Hollywood Reporter. “It's a connection of timeless style with contemporary fashion.”

It’s moments like this when I can’t help but wonder if we’re in the midst of a Gap revival. The favorite brand of the '90s has suddenly re-emerged under the helm of Posen with hard-hitting collaborations, like the Gap x Jungle Linen Moves Campaign featuring none other than rising Afrobeat sensation and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Tyla, plus a linen shop that my colleagues and I can’t stop gushing over. I even clocked a Gap x DÔEN collection full of feminine coastal essentials ready to be worn at the beach.

It’s no surprise to me that Hathaway is leading the charge along with her fashion stylist Erin Walsh. The 41-year-old actress is known for her fashion-forward picks, like when she donned the double waistband pant trend or made us nostalgic by recreating her Devil Wears Prada turtleneck and leather jacket outfit.

While I’m heartbroken that the dress is currently sold out in all sizes, I’m crossing my fingers and keeping my eyes peeled for a restock. In the meantime, I’ve added a few affordable alternatives to shop from the brand. Viva la Gap renaissance.

A classic fit-and-flare with the daintiest eyelet buttons? Yes, please and thank you.

Meet your go-to summer frock, complete with a linen-blend that’ll keep you feeling fresh.

There’s something so sweet and romantic about pleated dresses, and this one features a wrap-like finish and string ties at the waistband to flatter your figure.

Effortless and sophisticated, you can wear this one strapless or attach the removable spaghetti straps for comfort. Bonus: The smocked back that’ll stretch and give with your body.

Part of the Gap x DÔEN collection, this whimsical silhouette is what dreams are made of. It’s smocked. It’s tiered. It’s scalloped. It’s everything.

While it may not be like the shirtdress Hathaway wore, it certainly is a darling option when you want to break a sweat in style. Wear it from the tennis courts to lunch and beyond.


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Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

  • Covers all things fashion and shopping
  • Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
  • Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York

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