Here’s my deep dark secret: I’m not really a fan of shirt dresses. Occasionally one will be so awesome that it will be transcendent, like the Reed Shirtdress. Yet mostly the classically styled piece eludes my fancy. They’re supposed to be flattering on everyone. I don’t feel they’re flattering on me.
So while I don’t like the Gran Sabana Shirt Dress ($148) for myself, it’s still a great dress. The pattern is part dirty sidewalk, part crocodile and part early 90s neon TV chyron. This is a dress Lisa Turtle would wear to The Max. It’s a total silk piece (lining included) that falls straight but has shape thanks to a nice sash and some neckline smocking.
My usual size 6 fit nicely with room to spare. I feel the top part of this dress is really flattering and the skirt a little less so. But overall it looks good. I am not a fan of the mid-length sleeves, which interrupt the silhouette in my opinion. I’d rather either form-fitting bracelet sleeves for a DVF-esque feel or maybe no sleeves at all. The dress is however the perfect length, hitting right at my knees. A pretty design that’s not quite me but lovely nonetheless.
Some ethereal fluidity spills from Fei’s Charcoal Terrace Dress ($158), a breezy pleated frock populated by a messy pattern of splotches. There’s no question that I love this dress. It’s silk and fully lined, and while there are only spaghetti straps the bust has ample coverage.
Oddly, while the design is easy the fit is tricky. I sized up to an 8 because the 6 was squeezing my chest. The dress cascades down softly from there…and shapelessly. Granted with a cardigan and a belt over it this dress is lovely. But without I felt like I was wearing a nightgown. Perhaps a sale markdown will help encourage me to buy this dress. Wishlisted for further consideration come sale time.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a fossil bed, try the Thalassic Chemise ($68). Shells are sprinkled all over this piece. What, no cephalopods and mollusks Anthro? This is one step away from anthropology by Anthropologie. Not that I mind. The beach-y feel this dress is aiming for is a wonderful treat, helped out by a diagonally tilted tiered hemline.
I tried on a medium, my usual size. I was surprised by how heavy the bottom feels. There is a thick seam where the diagonal bottom connects to the rest of the chemise, and it pulls the dress down slightly. The only bummer is that the top half of the dress is rather shapeless. I suppose I can’t be too demanding of a piece you’re meant to sleep in, but given the recent versatility of Anthro’s chemises I think I wanted something more. Pass.
Here’s a shot of the dress inside out so you can see the seam. Necessary, but changes the fit slightly.
I thought I saw this Eloise chemise online but can’t find it at the moment. Once it’s back I’ll update the review. This pretty purple frock feels like a ballet costume from the Nutcracker, with an empire waist and tier after tier of lavender cascading below. The material is mostly rayon with some silk mixed in (84% rayon to 16% silk). There is an odd sheen to the material though and it felt slightly oily.
My usual size medium fit wonderfully. For someone young this could be a fun summer date night dress. I don’t think I’d wear it alone but it would be a great weekend brunch on the balcony piece…especially with a nice silk robe over it. Fun and flirty and perfect! Wishlisted.
A dose of cheer awaits in Maeve’s Parading Hues Dress ($138). I love the bright color blocking, and the sash on this dress is one of my favorites. It’s thick and long, perfect for double wrapping. I tied it messily for the fitting room shot but believe me it’s a winner. Constructed in sturdy cotton, the dress is flattering and figure-hugging.
So why only 3 stars? Well first, we have another strapless dress. I know this Anthro’s specialty but it’s a style that is challenging for most people. There are straps for this dress but they’re very thin and it’s not the same as true straps by design. The other issue is unique to me: the colors chosen aren’t all that flattering together on me. I can make red (orangey red, whatever) or yellow work by themselves, but super yellow and incredible edible orangey red together look nuclear reactive on me. I hope this dress is released in other colors — maybe a more pastel yellow with blue? Or if we’re going for the brights, how about holy cow white and some color on the bottom? I applaud Anthropologie for embracing saturated hues like this. Hopefully the next option will work with my skin and hair tones.
For a differing opinion, check out how cute Kim from Anthroholic looked in this dress.
