Talk me into or out of this dress

Anonymous

http://m.bodenusa.com/en-us/wo.....rtha-dress

I really love this boden dress but there are a few issues:
-returns are non trivial. I’d have to drive to the US for pickup and try-ons. (1.5 hrs away).
-sizing might not work out for me.

My waist and hip measurements put me into a size 6 or 8 US but bust puts me into a 2 or 4.

It seems risky, but maybe a bust alteration is easy?

I am wondering if the boden fit model just doesn’t work for a slightly pear shaped person like myself.

Advise much appreciated!

6 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Watching replies. This is why I haven't ordered yet from Boden. Love the dress in theory.

Elizabeth P got some Boden things and they worked out. But knitwear is more forgiving maybe than a dress. I am not sure if she also got pants.

6 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm going to talk you out of it although I adore Boden, this dress, and their quality is excellent. You know I'm a Boden fan, and if I'd tried on this dress myself, I would have been able to advise you more accurately when ordering it. But I haven't, so your risks are high.

Dresses are tricky full stop, and Canadian online shopping is a mare. All my Boden returns are FREE, so I order to my hearts content. If you were ordering a roomy top or pullover, I'd have said - try it. (To Suz's point).

6 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

This dress has been reviewed online, including by Effortlessly Roxy (fka Effortless Anthropologie) and My Superfluities. I believe some of the people who have reviewed it are curvy.

That said, as a non-subtle pear, I'm always wanting this dress and hesitating, even though it's a little easier for me to try it.

6 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

I’ve only ordered tops from Boden, and it’s been hit or miss for me. I have an IT shape and I find their shoulders a bit tight on me...so, I’m guessing you might have more luck as a pear.

6 years ago

Suzanimal

Active Member

It's a cute dress. I love the fabric and the roll collar but it just sounds like it's going to be a hassle for you. Personally, I would pass.

6 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I’ve never got up the nerve to order from Boden since I have NO idea about sizing.
I was eyeing their paper- bag waist pants, though, so may ask Angie!

6 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

All I’ve ordered from Boden was a poncho. Obviously I don’t know anything about sizing, but the quality was excellent.

6 years ago

jussie

Veteran

I’ve had a few Boden items, I think the clothes are TTS. The shoes are very narrow though. The quality is nice
My advice is: do it if you really LOVE the look and print of that dress. It may be worth the risk. However if you simply LIKE it I would hold out for something you can try on and return more easily.
I’m in a similar situation when I order anything from Anthropologie- it’s my fave store but returning something would cost $25 AUD so I only do it if the reviews are excellent and I LOVE the look of it.

6 years ago

karen13

Veteran

Given the dress has bust darts and front and back waist darts, and you need the shoulders to fit properly, I would advise against it. Can you find a similar style in a local store to try on and see how much you would need to take the top in? And maybe take it to your tailor for guidance?

6 years ago

Kathie

Veteran

If you scroll down in the size chart, you can find the exact measurements for the garment. From what you’ve said, we’re pretty close to the same size. For this dress, I’d probably pass. The hips in the 6 would be just barely enough ease on me. But the bust of the 8 would be far too large. And, as Karen pointed out, challenging to alter.

6 years ago

Anonymous

Thank you Ladies!
I’ll pass on this dress. Darn!
I do see it in the skirt version, which I could pair with a blouse. That would actually probably look better on me (more volume on top).

Thanks Kathie, I didn’t notice the garment measurements at the bottom.
Please let me know about stuff you purchase, if it’s along the same lines as the Boden pieces. I am always look for “body twins”. Suz is another style/body twin of mine, but she is a little straighter and a little more hourglass than I am.

I guess the actual garment measurements are handy for comparing to other garments that do fit me. (I have no clue how much ease I would need. An inch?)

There are still things coming in at boden every day which is exciting!

6 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

smittie, I have the Martha skirt! Soooo, when I bought it, it didn't actually fit well in my day-to-day wardrobe. Nevertheless, I kept it and since I'm going to be a bit dressier in the future, I'm going to see what I can do with it because it's a lovely, well made piece.

I used to wear patterned pencil skirts all the time, but weight gain and tummy problems forced me to get rid of most of the ones I had. I then limited my purchase of these items, with this being an exception. This one, being newer, at least fits me. FYI, I took the same size I take in pants most places (for non-pencil skirts I usually size down one or two).

Boden

Martha Skirt

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6 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Boden is accurate with garment measurements, and customer service is excellent. I can also let you know how things fit when I’ve tried the garment - especially since we have a similar body type. I know all too well how we need structure on our dainty shoulders...

6 years ago

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