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Ahhhh, Boden. Every new release of theirs seems to get prettier and prettier! Their October new arrivals include plenty of luxurious velvets, silks and high-quality cottons to upgrade any wardrobe from average to spectacular! I particularly love the quality of Boden’s garments — unlike other brands where I see poorly stitched seams, low quality fabric content and colorfast dyes that are hard to care for, Boden seems to be one of the few brands that cares about its reputation via construction and material quality.
If you need a little push to help get you over the hump of ordering from this online-only store, at the end of this post I have a code for 20% off dresses and tops, and 10% off everything else full price!
There is so much drool over there this month, beginning with the return of velvet in items like the Velvet Martha Dress ($220 + 20% off, above) which comes in black, ink dot (shown) or wine. It’s truly hard for me to choose among the three colors of this lovely dress! The Martha fit is exquisite on hourglass and pear shapes — I size up to a 10 allow clearance over my hips, and belt the dress to bring the waist in to its ideal placement.
Here is the wine version of the Velvet Martha Dress ($220 + 20% off)…it’s oh so tempting too! If the Martha fit doesn’t work too well for you in a dress, there’s also the Velvet Martha Top ($150 + 20% off) which is equally delightful and much easier for a variety of body shapes to wear.
Boden’s velvet is not restricted to the Martha fit — another item I’m saying yes to is the Lorna Velvet Pencil Skirt ($140 + 10% off, above in ink dot). It’s long, glamorous and has just a bit of give in the thighs and a bit of taper just above the knee. I imagine it will look lovely all winter long!!
Velvet is also waiting for us in several colors in the Velvet Soho Skinny Jeans ($98 + 10% off), the highly-rated and super soft Keswick Velvet Coat ($198 + 10% off) and the Adele Knee High Boots ($370) which is part of the new Fall Icons Collection and thus excluded from all current promos. They may be worth it though with their incredibly pleasing look and the strong stripe down the side.
I found the new Icons releases to be generally disappointing sadly; the 70s vintage look is just not my thing. Besides the boots, the only other piece I like is the Hettie Fitted Dress ($370), which has a great neckline and waistline and a flattering color scheme.
It’s almost funny because I feel like elsewhere in their new items Boden was much more successful in capturing that 70s luxury feel they were going for. Take the Erica Dress ($210 + 20% off, above) for example. This dress has an almost haute couture feel to it and is ultra-flattering on! The sheer sleeves are a spectacular choice (especially in the polka dot colorway). It’s curious to me that Boden refers to this dress as being 60s when to me it has a clear early 70s vibe.
It’d lovely on its own with heels, but if you want to go for the full chic effect I’d recommend a long silky scarf half-tucked under a blazer for work or day. Although these looks are all with pants, here’s a visual of the styling idea I’m talking about: 1 | 2 | 3 (on the right) | 4 — you can get more styling ideas at any time by follwing my Street Style Pinterest board!
Here’s the complete outfit idea for the look:
Another dress that fits that luxe vintage idea to a t while being ultra-flattering is the Delia Dress ($150 + 20% off, above) that has 2 new patterns to oooh and ahh over. I own this dress in the ‘black pop spot’ in an 8 an I adore it! The pink polka dots in various stages of opacity are lovely and the ever-so-slightly flared sleeves balances out the proportions of my hips and shoulders beautifully. It skims the body without being too form-fitting.
For work, this dress pairs very well with a cardigan and Boden has several great options in that department! I myself am a fan of the Bernadette Cardigan ($95 + 10% off), but if ruffles aren’t your thing there’s also classic options like the Cashmere Crew Neck Cardigan ($150 + 10% off), the Favourite Crew Neck Cardigan ($80 + 10% off), and cropped versions of both of those. You’ll find beautiful hues and exceptional well-sewn buttons on Boden’s cardis, something that allows me to breathe easy and not fear noticing another missing button when I get home from work.
Boden sticks to mostly symmetrical, uniformly sized patterns, and this isn’t as exciting or appealing as more blended playful patterns, but it does make for subtly pretty frocks like the Silvia Jersey Dress ($140 + 20% off, above) which comes in two new laurel leaf prints. This dress is great because it has a complimentary scoop neckline and an easy waist tie that would also look great around your neck as a scarf.
If you like this shape but want a little more structure, go for the Irene Ponte Dress ($150 + 20% off), a fit-and-flare dress that’s captivating, especially in the purple shade called ‘black forest.’ Here’s a complete outfit idea for that option:
Let’s conclude our dress exploration with the fitted, printed, perfect Fleur Fitted Dress ($170 + 20% off), a dress that would look equally lovely with heels, ankle boots or tall boots.
Plenty more lovely new arrivals in the boutique below. After you’re done cruising through these, check out 10 Boden outfit ideas in a recent post and more of their Fall new arrivals here. As promised, here’s that code to get you 20% off dresses + tops and 10% off everything else full price: 8JUN. The code works via my affiliate link!
I love that velvet pencil skirt! Boden is challenging because I never know what size I'll be in their items. My cart is filled but I'm scared to place the order. Returning things is such a hassle.
Author
I hear you! It is a bit of a challenge to nail Boden's sizing. I find that their chat is usually very helpful and often can give accurate recommendations for each item. Of course no one will be right 100% of the time. At least Boden is good about being consistent with fits year over year. So if I'm say a 12 in the Richmond Pants one year, I'm going to be a 12 in those pants every year moving forward.
I gave in after your post with the 10 outfits and placed my first Boden order. I guessed wrong on my size in a couple of items. Happily the exchange process is straightforward. I love everything! Get compliments all the time. I don't really shop at most of the stores you talk about aside from Anthropologie on occasion but I'm a Boden fan now. Their cashmere is really good and like you Roxy I'm impressed with the quality.
Author
I'm delighted to hear your order worked out for you!! I too get compliments on my Boden stuff a lot, especially the solid-colored items.
I thought of you when I got my catalogue and saw that velvet martha dress. I say get one with the promo and one at the end of the season on sale. 🙂
I actually liked a lot of the icon pieces, especially the Lillian Skirt and Jacket, zooey blouse and Esme velvet coat. I’ve seen the occasional Icon piece second hand, and the quality is exquisite.
Of the new regular line offerings, my favorite by far is the Noelle Knitted dress.I like both the black and red, but I’m leaning towards the red. Love that it’s 100% wool! : http://shopstyle.it/l/kaXH
Also think these gold boots are kinda cute. http://shopstyle.it/l/kaZE
Author
Anthropolitan, that is a lovely idea!! I think I will do just that! Going to update your comment with photos and affiliate links. ♥️
I love the velvet skirt in navy. Would someone’s be willing to give me some work styling ideas? I’ll need to wear tights – maybe in a burgundy color with burgundy booties? What on top? Or other tight colors? I would say black but in my mind that seems so formal. It’s such a beautiful skirt and because a similar skirt from J Crew didn’t work for me I’m excited to see an even better version from my beloved Boden. I haven’t ordered in so long – they’ve been off their game for a few years.
Author
Hey Liz! I have lots of ideas for you. <img draggable="false" class="emoji" alt="?" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/2.3/svg/1f642.svg"> I'm going to break my response up into a few different comments.
Tights and shoes first. I think burgundy tights would absolutely work. My first idea though would be to do black sheer or glossy opaque tights with burgundy, dark green or dark brown booties. This will give you a nice warm contrast of color.
Here's my inspiration photo, just look at the tights and the booties here:
<img src="http://www.bodenimages.com/productimages/productlarge/16wwin_ww147_blk_w01.jpg">
I couldn't find any examples of booties I'm thinking of from Boden's site, so here are some from DSW and Amazon (all affiliate links):
<img src="https://dsw.scene7.com/is/image/DSWShoes/397746_329_ss_01?$pdp-image$" width="600">
dark green booties
<img src="https://dsw.scene7.com/is/image/DSWShoes/398401_200_ss_01?$pdp-image$" width="600">
burgundy booties
<img src="https://dsw.scene7.com/is/image/DSWShoes/376333_610_ss_01?$pdp-image$" width="600">
burgundy booties
<img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41hOXIVWhgL._SX395_.jpg">
dark brown booties
For warm shades, maybe try yellow (any shade would work from lemon to mustard to gold) or orange (again, both bright and rusty shades would be pretty). Or you could pile up on the cool tones with a forest, olive or emerald green? Or go ombre with a light blue blouse, navy skirt and even darker tights and shoes/boots? Navy is such blank canvas, you really can go pretty much anywhere with it.
Author
OK, next, tops.
Firstly, I think a striped top would look wonderful with the skirt. I have three inspiration photos.
Here's the main inspiration photo. Note the navy – cream – green color palette.
<img src="http://www.bodenimages.com/productimages/productlarge/17wwin_t0040_grn_w01.jpg">
Next up, navy and red. Though if I did a red top with this skirt I'd want it to be silk.
<img src="http://www.bodenimages.com/productimages/productlarge/17wwin_t0067_nav_w01.jpg">
Finally, if you really want a pop of color, purple stripes are great too!
<img src="http://www.bodenimages.com/productimages/productlarge/17waut_t0003_blu_m01.jpg">
So based on these I'd suggest…
White with navy stripes turtleneck, thick: http://shopstyle.it/l/kcmF
White with navy stripes turtleneck, thin: http://shopstyle.it/l/kcgw
Next up, in this photo below a pair of velvet jeans is paired with a printed top.
<img src="http://www.bodenimages.com/productimages/productlarge/17wwin_t0029_nav.jpg">
Here's that top: http://shopstyle.it/l/kcmZ
This blue leopard spot sweater looks good with navy velvet pants, so I'd bet it looks great with a navy velvet skirt too! http://shopstyle.it/l/kcmJ
And finally, you could also do a leather top with the skirt — I'd recommend black, burgundy, blush or green leather.
Here's one option I like in black: http://shopstyle.it/l/kcnl
It's pricey, I'm sure you could hunt down other colors on ebay, poshmark or the like! Hope this helps a bit.
Oh my gosh, you guys totally made my day (and it was a terrible one). I absolutely love all these ideas and I’m super excited to get this skirt now! I love black tights with warm brown booties, trying a floral top especially with olive green in it, and mustard. And I love the photo inspiration. Seriously, so grateful for these ideas! You’ll see me in this skirt on my insta in a few months (I have to pop out a baby next month first :))
Author
Yay! So glad we could brighten your day. I'm so excited about your upcoming new arrival!! ?
This would be a fun (occasional) feature – how to wear your favorite pieces. Love the ideas, Roxy!
I wish Boden would do a popup shop once a quarter in cities around the US in a way to "introduce themselves" I agree with an earlier poster who is hesitant to buy when you have no clue on what to expect. I've reluctantly accepted that is the new way at Anthro (where more and more items are not in the store), but at least it is not a case of getting the wrong size.
Author
I'm so with you on this nedrey! They sell Mini Boden in Nordstrom stores, why can't they do the same with the women's line?
They used to do trunk shows where someone hosted a Boden party at their home and there were a variety of items there to try on, see and touch. I miss those.
Author
That sounds so totally fun! I'd want to do that in a heartbeat.
Gorgeous picks, Roxy! This is OT, but Anthro has a new sale for the weekend: 25% off dresses, 20% off tops, and 15% off bottoms!
Author
Hooray! Thank you for the heads up Christina, I have a post up for that new promo now: https://effortlesslywithroxy.com/2017/10/quick-mo…
I am really impressed with Boden this year and have purchased more from them than I have in the past. I find their structured dresses are a tough fit for someone with a straight athletic build (I seem to think they may work best for those with hour glass shapes) but the knit items are fabulous.
Author
Agree, the longer I get to know Boden the more I like them. I hear you on the fit being tricky, it is hard to design for every shape. There are some items I love (like the Richmond Pants, which come in so many pretty colors and patterns) that are more difficult for me to wear.
I love Boden's jersey dresses for casual days in the office. I just wish they offered more solids, and more subdued prints. A lot of their prints are a little too busy for my conservative office.
Author
Understood, I also could not have worn this stuff to my previous conservative office environment. Not the prints anyway; the solid stuff sure in some colors.
I really like the pink Elizabeth Blazer. I love wool tweed when the quality is good. But polyester linings kind of negate the breathable wool factor.
Has anyone experienced the tweed jacket in person?
Author
Hmm I have not, but hopefully someone else can help Eina!
I ordered the Elizabeth Blazer last year, and the fit was not great. I find the Boden comments to be VERY helpful – the comments all mentioned that the underarms on the 2016 version were cut too tightly. I ordered the 6 and 8, and it was true. The 6 fit fairly true to size for me, but felt like my armpits were pinched. If I recall from the comments, the 2015 version fit much better on shoppers.
I will say that the jacket was gorgeous in person. I bought several shades in various sizes, and they were all delightful. I really liked the lining on the jackets I tried last year and thought the quality was good.
If you like the blazer, it's worth an order in 2 sizes to see what works for you, esp if you can return for free. Let us know how it fits!
Thank you for the review, Laura!
Author
Seconded, thanks Laura!
I have way too many Boden clothes now. Have had success with all but haven't tried any pants yet.
I have a Boden wool tweed blazer: http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/clearance/womens-wo… The quality is ah-mazing. Thick enough you don't need another coat.
Author
Love it evb! Thanks for the recommendation!
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The new collection from Boden is simply stunning! The luxurious fabrics and chic designs are perfect for the upcoming season. I particularly appreciate the attention to detail and the versatility of each piece, allowing for effortless transitions from casual to elegant looks. This collection truly reflects the sophistication and style that Boden is known for. In a world where quality and design matter, Boden’s new delights stand out just like the robust and durable structures of industrial steel buildings, which combine strength and elegance seamlessly.