K/R J. Crew dress recommended by Suz

This is one of the J. Crew dresses Suz recommended in this post It's going back, because I look awful in dresses (sorry I don't know how to change the name of posts to something like "here" - any help on that would be appreciated). I have loved this dress since I saw it in their catalogue, and when Suz recommended it I decided to give it a go.

The top needs to be taken in a little, and I can do that alteration myself. The front center pleat is still tacked down, so it will be wider at the hem.

Honest opinions please, so that I am not blinded by my love of stripes and my love of J. Crew! With slight alterations to the top, is it a keeper? It doesn't pinch under the arms, I was trying to hold it back in the photo.

I also have the floral dress from J. Crew on order - they didn't have it in the store

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J.Crew

Stripe basket-weave dress

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Top Pick

J.Crew

Photo floral dress

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Top Pick

10 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

This is a yes for me!

Day Vies

I love the colors, the print and the style. I think it's worth altering the top to get a better fit. You're starting with J.Crew quality -- definitely worth the investment if you feel strongly positive about this dress (if you are on the fence about the design elements of this dress send it back-- you'll never love it). A statement necklace in almost any bold or pastel color would be simply stunning.

Suz

(website)

Oh! This one is much better! The stripes are better for you, too, than the floral. They're soft but strong. I love the colours.

If the alteration is easy and you like it, I say keep. It looks really pretty and does seem like the kind of dress you need for this occasion. I understand your desire for something other than a sheath in this case -- it's hard to find a sheath that reads "day party dress" as opposed to evening dress or work dress.

So glad my web sleuthing may have made a difference! Even if you don't keep, at least you have a fall back now!

Question -- what about a topper? Would you need one?

Peri

Karie, that's fantastic! Yay, Suz. As hard as it is to find a good dress, keep for sure. Can't wait to see the colorful one too.

Karie

Humm...a topper...I have an off white shrug and a gray blazer that might work but I'll have to try them on to see. The reception is a clambake - both wedding and reception are outdoors casual attire was requested - and I was thinking I might just bring a change of clothes for the clambake.

Like BCBG, J. Crew usually "gets" me. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the floral dress - I have a feeling it will also be big in the top as the reviews said it runs a little large - but I'm keeping my fingers (toes too!) crossed.

Good luck, Karie!

I definitely see that a change of clothes might be a good idea for the clam bake! Can you find out what others are doing?

Anonymous

Yes, this is a keeper. I love the low contrast stripes on you. Is it a shift style? I love the easy way it fits. Perfect!

Mia

I brought home this same dress but in the end took it back. I would have needed to have the top taken in as well and the question of a topper was vexing. I might have kept it if I had an outdoor event to attend as I loved the style, quality and comfort of it. Looks great on you and if you feel fab I think it would be perfect.

I saw the floral IRL and the fabric was very thick which I found strange for the style. I say stripes rule. Good luck!

Beth Ann

This one is fresh and chic -- feminine, but not at all frou frou. It's also flattering on you, even if the top is a bit large.

You may not have a closet full of dresses like Lyn, but most of us could enjoy a few well chosen frocks!

Vicki

This is a lovely classic and your combination of J. Crew and stripes here makes it. With a little alteration to the top, you're set. I noticed a cute cropped cashmere cardigan on Boden, but it sounds like you're set with a topper.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I love it too, Karie. Good job, Suz. Killer after a little alteration. xo

Firecracker (Sharan)

Fantastic dress for you and for the occasion. I like the combination of the crisp look with the more casual fabrication. I could even see a short cardi in a solid color over this dress: coral, red, blue. . . Maybe you could just change toppers between the wedding and clambake?

Ginkgo

I like this on you! Keep.

columbine(erin)

I like this on you about a million times more than the dress in the other thread. This looks great for you in color and shape. Love it!

Thanks everyone! I absolutely adore this dress - the alterations will be a pain because of the lining, but are alterations I've done before, so it's all goodie The fabrication is a linen blend and does not seem to wrinkle easily.

Mia, they had a skirt in the same floral fabric as the other dress - it did seem a bit stiff. I might not mind that if it makes the flared skirt stand out a bit (like how a crinoline would). I am not opposed to keeping both dresses and wearing one to the rehearsal dinner (DH is the best man) and one to the wedding.

Claire, this dress has a pretty waistband (the bottom part is straight while the top curves in the center) and the skirt flares out slightly with a single front pleat - it's still tacked closed in the photo.

Firecracker, I like the idea of adding another color for the topper. Firecracker and Suz, some people are adding a topper and changing shoes for the clambake, and some are changing completely. I like the idea of topper & shoe change best. I was thinking of wearing my Bella Vita Wow pumps (they should fit my surgery foot by then) and changing into the peep toe wedges you see in the photo.

Vicki, I am heading over to the Boden website to check out that cashmere topper. Thanks!

Jaime

Huh? You look awful in dresses? Not this one! Keep!

Vicki, those Boden cashmere cardis are super fab! So many delicious colors, aqua, green, pink and a million more - what's a cardi loving gal to do? I think they would be a nice topper for the clambake in the evening. I might have to try one. Hopefully they're not itchy.

Boden

Cropped Cashmere Crew Neck

Gaylene

If you think the Boden cashmere cardis might be a bit warm for summer, I'd also suggest looking at the J Crew featherweight cashmere cardis. Mine is a real workhorse in the summer when worn over a sleeveless dress because it provides coverage without too much warmth. Lots of colors, too.

Collection featherweight cashmere cardigan

Jeanie

Wow, you are a quick dress changer This dress look gorgeous on you. Suz really steered you well.

Suja

Love this dress! Definitely a keep vote from me.

Deborah

This looks really lovely Karie. Glad you found your dress:)

Neel

I love this dress on you Karie (read the other thread and didn't quite have anything to add). And I think the cashmere cardi is a brilliant idea. Such luscious colors.

pil

Great dress, Karie, I'm just now seeing this. You're brave to undertake fitting alterations and with a lining, no less. I'm ok with shortening a hem or sleeves, but that's about it! How nice to have Suz as one of your personal shoppers

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