November 13, 2011

Tiered Stripes Dress Review

Tiered Stripes Dress (Size medium)

Anthropologie heavily promoted the Layered Column Dress via email and on the website as universally flattering. And soon after, they released the Tiered Stripes Dress which was a long-sleeved version of the same. Both are made by Bailey 44 and sized in letters rather than numbers. I admit that without that additional push from marketing I probably would not have looked twice at this dress. It is stretchy, figure-hugging, with vertigo-inducing stripes, and a mid-calf length. Conventional wisdom says that none of these elements are supposed to "flatter" (in the narrow sense) a curvy and short person like me. But the boldness of their marketing claim intrigued me. So when I stopped in my local store to make a quick return, I also decided to give it a try.

I grabbed both medium and large. And although I think it is expensive for what you get, I was pleasantly surprised by how it looked. The large (bottom photo) had additional length and was a little less clingy. But the dress is meant to cling. As a result, I actually preferred the look and length of the medium (top photo). I do think this dress is outside of my own comfort zone. But it is cool and structural for a jersey knit. And I was surprised to see that the stripes added enough play to the cling that it didn't feel obscene. This dress isn't for me but I can see why Anthropologie chose to market it the way they did. It does seem to have the potential to really make a range of bodies look fantastic.

9 comments:

Cynthia said...

So, I never thought a horizontal striped, close fitting jersey knit dress would be in my comfort zone, let alone my go-to for when I need to feel professional and confident. Then I got that one that I have been wearing all the time. This looks fantastic on you and like it might have the same magic. I've had my eye on the red one and I am definitely going to check it out.

Allie said...

You are smokin in that dress!

carol_prettythings said...

Jess, you look amazing in that dress (size Medium)! I'm totally on board with you about the cling-factor - I have a hard time with clinginess, particularly with my lower half. Even pencil skirts can be too clingy for me, haha. But now I'm intrigued. I may need to try this one on, just for fun. I have to say the major reason I stayed away from it was the length. I'm not quite sure I can pull it off, with my shorter stature. We shall see. Thanks for sharing the review!

Kate Anderson said...

love this on you! form-fitting garments can be tough in the comfort factor, but it looks fantastic.

A Stylized Hysteria said...

I was admiring that dress in the window a few weeks ago. FWIW, I think the medium looks incredibly flattering on you. You make me want to try it on!

Cynthia said...

I never would have thought that a horizontally striped, close-fitting knit dress would be in my comfort zone, let alone that it would become my go-to for events where I need to feel stylish and powerful.  But it is.  You look fantastic in this dress!  I've been eyeing the red version because it looks like it might have the same mojo as my power dress...now I'm definitely going to try it on.

respect_the_shoes said...

I have not seen a single gal yet look bad in that dress and you're no exception - it is kind of fantastic! I only wish it were a bit shorter for someone like me, you look great in it!

thatdamngreendress said...

Oh gorgeous!  That colour looks really pretty on you too!  I have been this close to buying the black and white one, but the sleeveless really doesn't balance me very well.  If the sleeved version came in black and white...oh boy, I don't think I could refrain.  Hoping it will somehow be available in my size when it goes on sale though- I think it would look great with a blazer!!

Grechen said...

that dress looks AMAZING ON YOU!!!!! now i must go and try it on.  i wanted to, but thought it was too expensive, so i didn't.

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