The Viral Gap x Dôen Collaboration Is Back—Here's Everything You Actually Need From Part Two
I asked Dôen co-founders Katherine and Margaret Kleveland to share their top picks before the Gap collab returns today, May 2. Plus, I tested several pieces myself.
Last spring, when the first Gap x Dôen collaboration launched, I knew under-$150 renditions of Dôen's celebrity-favorite dresses and boho chic tops would sell fast. Between the label's mastery of vintage-inspired prints and fits-like-a-glove silhouettes, they had dedicated following even without a mass collab to their name. (I'd amassed eight Dôen dresses myself over the years, joining the bandwagon on a coworker's recommendation and never looking back.) Still, I underestimated the frenzy that would arise from the labels joining forces—one that sold out online nearly-instantly, went viral on TikTok, inspired a gone-too-soon restock, and, finally, convinced Gap x Dôen to return for a complete second collaboration in 2025, available today, May 2.
Co-founders (and sisters) Katherine and Margaret Kleveland simply couldn't ignore the data: One serving of Gap's accessible twist on Dôen wasn't enough. "The success of the first collection immediately informed our decision to do a second round," Katherine Kleveland tells me in an email. "We were excited to learn that there was an appetite for our joint aesthetic at Gap’s scale, and we knew that we had more to share with the customer."
The Gap x Dôen collaboration returns in a second chapter on May 2.
"More to share" looks like another balance of the duo's signature styles. This time, it's slightly more nautical and vibrant. The Gap x Dôen collaboration will return in select stores and online with '60s gingham shift dresses and puff-sleeve denim tops, plus a striped button-down set and an updated Dôen logo sweatshirt. A tiered eyelet dress that earned glowing reviews last time is back with an adjusted fit and extra colors—alongside a mini version in red and navy.
Just like the first Gap x Dôen drop, the 38-piece collection will range from $34 to $158, including sizes from XXS–XL. It's also a family affair once again. In addition to women's styles, kids' and mens' pieces also get the sun-soaked, SoCal Dôen treatment.
Like the first collection, the second Gap x Dôen lineup includes tiered skirts and denim tops.
The collection is built for summer, but not necessarily summer 2025 trends. Dôen has always operated on a retro-inspired plane that exists outside the runway cycle—and in the initial Gap collaboration, that eye for a thoughtful throwback resonated.
The first time around, "Some of the best feedback we received was from friends who told us that the collaboration brought together their favorite brand from childhood with their favorite brand from adulthood," Margaret Kleveland says. That spirit lives on in the second chapter's denim barn jackets and preference for all things gingham.
Twill pants, pictured here, are a standout for Dôen co-founder Katherine.
There are two jackets in the second collaboration, in denim and gingham.
Given the first Gap x Dôen collaboration's lightning-fast sell-through, I had to ask the Dôen founders what they themselves would order first. (If history repeats, shoppers need a game plan before the new collection goes live at noon on May 2.) Katherine recommends beelining for the wide-leg twill pants. "Gap does such incredible bottoms, and I’ll be pairing them back to our menswear button-down shirt, cut in a vintage print from Gap’s archives, or one of our great striped pieces," she says.
Margaret, on the other hand, suggests stacking carts with her two favorite pieces for "more of a look": "Our statement 5-pocket barn jacket in the indigo-and-white gingham paired back to the matching shift dress is a standout for me!"
Speaking for the other Dôen collectors out there, I also recommend the range of dresses: They're expertly cut, lightweight, and pair with every possible summer shoe trend.
One eyelet dress from the first Gap x Dôen collaboration is back with an adjusted fit, plus more colors to choose between.
Looking back, the potential for a new Gap x Dôen collaboration was imminent from the very first day. "On launch day last year, we were overwhelmed by the response—it felt like such an incredible brand milestone," Margaret says. She and Katherine celebrated by taking their families to shop at The Grove, a famous Los Angeles shopping center. She saw the online frenzy in living color: the Gap store was packed, the pieces flying off hangers.
"We ran into friends from L.A. who were shopping there, too—in an increasingly digital world, bumping into them in-store was such a sweet, nostalgic moment," she adds. "As kids who grew up shopping at The Gap with our mother, this truly felt like a full-circle, pinch-me moment personally and professionally."
Judging by a first glimpse of the collection in a breezy campaign lensed by Clara Balzary, fans of the first installment will be even more excited for the next chapter. Marie Claire editors were definitely intrigued—and we put the collection to the test, ahead.
Who knows? We might even convince Gap and Dôen to go back for thirds. Read on for our favorite pieces from the collaboration, plus links to shop it at Gap.com.
The new Gap x Dôen collaboration's range includes new floral prints—plus several gingham dresses and a striped button-up set.
The new Gap x Dôen collaboration will be available in select stores and online on May 2 at noon ET. Below, find Marie Claire editors' wear-tested reviews of the collection.
'Marie Claire' Editors' Favorite Gap x Dôen Pieces
The Marie Claire team sensed this Gap x Dôen launch would be even bigger than the first. So fashion director Sara Holzman and senior fashion news editor Halie LeSavage called in the Gap x Dôen pieces most likely to sell out first. Here are the reviews to read before hitting "Add to Cart" at noon on May 2.
Sara Holzman, Marie Claire fashion director, started our Gap x Dôen test with the collection's outerwear.
"When Gap and Dôen team up on a barn jacket, it’s worth paying attention. This checkered navy-and-white version looks like it belongs on an upstate farm but somehow feels just as right in downtown NYC. It’s the kind of piece you get stopped on the street for, and if I had to guess, it’ll be the first from the collab to sell out.
"The scalloped collar sweater is basically a Dôen girl daydream—lightweight enough for summer but still cozy, like you might spontaneously end up at a countryside library. It layers beautifully, but I’ve mostly been wearing it on its own paired with my classic black trousers." — Sara Holzman, fashion director
Senior news editor Halie LeSavage revisited pieces that were revamped from the first collaboration.
"All three of the pieces I tested from this second Gap x Dôen collaboration have something in common: I already own a version of them from the first go-around. I'm a firm believer that some products are good enough to own in multiples, especially if I wear them constantly. My shopping philosophy held true with these finds.
"First there's the eyelet shirt—which I admittedly didn't realize was unisex! The version I have from last year is more feminine with puff sleeves and a rounded shoulder, so I like the variety of now having a boxier fit and looser shoulders to work with. The medium fit my 5'8", size 10 hips a little snug, so I wore it half-unbuttoned.
"Then came the gingham skirt, my absolute favorite of the three. I've only had it for a few days but I've already worn it with a plain T-shirt, a poplin button-down, and the eyelet shirt here. Its best feature? Covert pockets.
"The eyelet dress, my last piece from the lineup, took me by surprise. I wasn't sure how Dôen and Gap could improve on the first tiered dress I scooped up last summer, but this one is more true to size and not quite as sheer as the first. I immediately packed it for a trip to Miami, shown here, and will wear it on park dates and travels abroad this summer." — Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor
Sara Holzman also tried a few of the Gap x Dôen collaboration's shirts—with A+ results.
"The striped button-down is one of those pieces that works just as well for a Monday meeting as it does for a Sunday bagel run. I sized up for a slightly oversized fit and roll the sleeves to give it that lived-in, borrowed-from-someone-cool vibe. It also comes with a matching short that turns it into the ideal summertime set—easy to throw on for errands, travel days, or just lounging around the house.
"This sweatshirt has that perfect old-school collegiate feel without trying too hard. I’ve been throwing it on over a button-down or just draping it over my shoulders for an easy extra layer." — Sara Holzman, fashion director
