After a few rounds of dress reviews perhaps it’s time to turn our attention to a different kind of clothing, wouldn’t you say? In this round…trying on Anthropologie dresses.
Style No. 4130348691175; neutral motif (015)
I’m not opposed to the sheath dress shape, though shifts are more my thing. The only difference between the two lies in the skirt — a sheath is very straight from neckline to bottom hem while a shift’s skirt flows ever-so-slightly outward to make room for things like hips and thighs. When I saw the Tea Garden Sheath ($178), before it came out online, I was hoping this poplin dress would be a shift. The only way to find out? A try-on.
Maeve’s dress fits are unpredictable for me these days. In the past I wasn’t able to fit into this imprint’s dresses at all; they were too tight across the bust and hips for me. These days they mostly run large and I often find myself in a 4 instead of my usual size 6.
But with this dress, most likely because it’s a sheath, the 6 was a squeeze. It was pulling across my hips and chest, leaving something funky going on with the neckline. I’d buy in a size 8, one size up from my usual 6. The length is fantastic, hitting across my knees and the neckline is certainly work-appropriate even if the print may be too much for some offices. In truth I wish the scoop neck dipped lower. In the back there is a small windowpane opening which makes putting the dress on a little tricky but looks cute without revealing your bra. There is also a concealed back zipper. The dress is lined with poly.
Beautiful print, not my shape. Lovely but this dress went back to the rack.
Switching from something structured to something knit, on me above is Maeve’s very pretty Verda Maxi Dress ($168). It was very hard to resist the beautiful print staring out at me from a rack. It’s made from a somewhat thin rayon-spandex jersey but has a ton of movement to it, made possible by the significant yet flowy skirt. The skirt portion is lined which helps too! There is a deep v-neckline with a modesty panel that lets a little be seen but not too much.
In the fitting room I found a small to be the best size for me, one size down from my usual medium. I was worried that the diamonds on either hip might make me look too wide but I think the overall dress shape does a lovely job of streamlining the parts that need to be streamlined while showing off some of my finer features. The dress isn’t quite long enough for me, hitting above the ankle. Whatever shoes I wear will always be visible.
A pleasant summer dress that seems cute and comfy. I don’t have a need for this dress but I’d definitely recommend it!
Last week my rowing gym had its one-year anniversary party (rowing has quickly become my favorite full-body workout!) and I was oh so tempted to wear the Nautique Shift ($178) to the event. I thought it might be a little too on-the-button, but this is a dress I’m sure will see plenty of wear. When I saw this dress online I thought, hmm that’s cute and it probably won’t work on me. When I saw it on the hanger I thought, hmmmmmmmm that’s not going to work but I want to try it anyway. So glad I did!
I’m in a medium for these photos. The white ‘leather’ detail starts at a good point on me and the stripes above work nicely to frame my shape. The overall silhouette is quite pleasing! It hits about 2 inches above the knee but the skirt is full enough to make it seem longer. I love the wide, open scoopneck and how the back of the neck lies a little below the standard point.
What I’m NOT in love with is the quality. The dress I tried on was fine but I noticed the rack was populated by dresses with loose threads, uneven seams…a lack of quality control that has plagued Bailey44 for the last few years. So if you do buy this dress I recommend trying it on in-person first if you can to make sure you get a well-made dress.
Quality issues aside, this frock is friggin awesome! It’s coming home to me very soon.
When Leifsdottir is on, this brand fits me like no other. I love the fit of the Tasman Midi Dress ($348), a dress made for tinier ribs with give through the skirt in a long tea length. I’m puzzled by the lack of love it’s getting online! The front features a high, wide scoopneck while in the back there’s a wide, open v with a perfectly placed panel to hide my bra. It has a side zip, a lined skirt and that skirt features triangle tips along the hemline. I like the look of the white piping, though there is perhaps a bit much for me.
I’m in my usual size 6 here which fit perfectly. The waistband is sitting a teensy bit too high but it’s close enough to work. Everything else looks, feels and seems exactly as it should be.
I am not sure I have the right attitude to pull this off as a party dress though I do love how the model is styled on Anthro’s site. This is a beautiful dress that deserves a shot!
Another Leifsdottir dress, another winner! The Patchwork Petals Dress ($248) is a fit-and-flare dress with the cutest lace detail across the waistband and a vivid print laid in strips down the dress. It’s a modern update of the classic floral rendered in a timeless shape. The simple v-neck in front hits me at the perfect spot, while the exposed silver zipper in the back sadly bugs. It hit just above my knees.
Sticking with my typical 6 worked well for this dress. Picnics, parties, post-beachwear days danced through my head while I was trying the frock on. It feels so happy! I think this would look fantastic with a jean jacket over it and a crisp white cardigan would make a great look too.
I don’t have much to say about this dress aside from I love it! Wishlisted.
Although the Paned Cocoon Dress ($138) is wayyyy too far outside my wheelhouse, I can appreciate this dress for its quality, comfort, and for its cool modern design on a 70s draped shape. (The grey motif version is a more literal sight.) From the deep v-neck to the ruched sides to the thoughtfully oversized shoulders, this a frock that just wants to be fun. And it is!
It’s more than a little short. It hit about 2.5 inches above my knees, and because the skirt is such an intense fit compared to the huge top portion, it feels shorter. I’m in my typical size medium which fit fine…a large might be easier in the skirt but would fall off my shoulders for sure — I even had to pull the medium back up a few times thanks to that v-neck.
One more shot with arms open….
This dress isn’t something I’d ever wear but it’s a machine-washable, soft (rayon-spandex jersey/poly with a viscose lining), and fun dress! I could see my friend Jan who lives out in LA looking great in this with a pair of calf-height boots, higher socks and a killer necklace.
Have you tried on any of these dresses? What Anthropologie dresses are you loving right now? The latest additions to my wishlist are the Lemonhill Brocade Dress ($350) and the Butterfly Garden Gown ($395). How about you?
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