'This $65 linen dress is perfect for literally any occasion. I bought it in two colours.'

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One thing you should know about me; every spring/summer, I'm going to buy a new linen midi dress in at least two colours.

AERE (one of The Iconic's private labels) has been my go-to brand for years. They semi-specialise in linen, and despite always coming out with new shapes, their dresses never go out of style.

Watch: Fashion experts break down the trends you'll want to shop in spring and summer. Post continues below.

Think: versatile throw-on-and-go dresses in stylish cuts that can take you from brunch to the beach to the bar (and even the open bar at a wedding).

And when I find a dress cut I like — usually it'll be something with sleeves and some cinch in the waist I can lounge and eat in comfortably — then I buy it in more than one colour.

See evidence below.

The linen dress of spring/summer 23. Image: Supplied.

And 2024's version! Image: Supplied.

Like the good trend-driven woman I am, I've been eyeing off this 100 per cent linen chocolate brown polka dot AERE Tessa Midi Dress for weeks.

So long that, predictably, it sold out in almost every size from 6-20.

The reason I didn't snap it up is because, at $170, this dress is slightly out of the budget I'm willing to spend on a print I'm not sure I'll wear after one season.

The AERE dress sitting in my wishlist. Image: The Iconic.

Over the weekend, I was served an ad for a near-identical dress. Thank God for web browser cookies.

Chocolate brown and polka dots? Tick. Similar linen material and midi length, V-shaped neckline, gathering around shoulders and short puff sleeves with elastic cuffs?Tick.

Price tag? $65. Obviously, I drove straight over to my local shopping centre to try it on…

… And ended up leaving with not one dress, but two — because fun fact, this style also comes in black and a gorgeous shade of red you know I'll be wearing on Christmas Day.

Where is this stunning dress from? Good ole Target.

The more affordable alternative. Image: Target.

How stunning is this red?! Image: Target.

Friends, meet the Target Lily Loves European Linen Blend Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress, $65.

It's worth noting, these two dresses aren't exactly the same. But the differences are actually some of the reasons I love the Target version even more than the AERE one that's still sitting on my wishlist.

This dress is true to size (I'm in a size 12 and it's bang on), but because the sleeves are shorter and less 'puffy' than the AERE dress sleeves, size up if you prefer more coverage on the upper arms and elbows.

I almost didn't give this dress a chance because of the partially open back detailing, but I was delighted to find the cut of the bust means I can wear this dress without a bra!!

Can you tell I love myself sick in this frock? Image: Supplied.

Don't want to go braless? No problem; the design of the open back includes a tie that sits in the perfect position to hide bra straps and the back band; I would use a safety pin or fold the tie around my bra band if I was worried about it showing.

While the AERE linen dress flows beautifully as an A-line with some extra room around the hips, I find the Target dress' bias cut hugs my waist just enough to add definition, skims out over my hips with enough room to sit comfortably and then tapers back towards the ankle ever so slightly — this type of silhouette makes me feel really good, without sacrificing on comfort.

When you have E cups, not having to wear a bra in a dress is a game changer. Image: Supplied.

Like a lot of Target's linen-look pieces, this dress is a linen-viscose blend with a cotton lining (yay for no sweat patches!) and comes in sizes 4-20.

And that's it! Another excellent, affordable linen midi dress that will no doubt sell out.

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Feature image: Supplied.