Flowy jersey bateau dressClick here for product page
Item 95804
Regular: $88.00 (but on sale in stores for $59.99, before any additional discounts)
When I first saw this dress hanging in a store, I didn't think much of it. After two weeks went by, my local J.Crew was having an "additional 25% off sale" so I decided to try one on "for fun." I was already purchasing quite a few items, so I decided to leave this dress behind... But the moment I came home, I regretted the decision. I immediately called the store and asked them to hold the dress in navy for me. The next day I picked it up for $38 (thanks to the 25% off, plus 15% teacher discount) and washed it immediately so I could wear it later that evening with some capri sandals.
Why do I love this dress so much? It is such a light and airy dress (perfect for the hot summer weather) that is both casual (thanks to the jersey fabric) and elegant (thanks to the boat neck and three-quarter sleeves which "dresses up" this item) looking at the same time. I also love the empire waist- which emphasizes tiny waists while downplaying the hips (perfect for my pear-shaped body). :)
I loved this dress so much that I went back during the "additional 30% off sale" this weekend and got this dress in the dark slate color too (just for $35!) I would definitely recommend this dress.
Do you own the Flowy jersey bateau dress? What is your impression of the dress? Would you recommend someone to buy it? Have you noticed that the dress is still featured as a "New Arrival" (and at regular price) even though it has been "on sale" in-stores for some time?
I agree with you. The dress is very flattering when you have it on. It does not look too attractive on a hanger but it is one of those pieces that you appreciate after trying it on. I liked it so much that I bought one for myself and one as a gift for my sister.
ReplyDeleteFunny! I did not give the dress a second look until you all began raving about it. I bought it in slate and cant wait to wear it. I think I will pair it with a great scarf, jean jacket and boots for fall.
ReplyDeleteAlexis - it *is* gorgeous in the picture. I love how comfortable it looks - and casual, but still sharp enough to wear going out.
ReplyDeleteI unfortunately do not have the problem of a tiny waist, and I don't think the overall cut would work for my body type. I usually do like empire waist dresses though - but in this case, probably because the flowy/full skirt - it cuts the body off in a weird place - makes the top look too short or somethin - I can't quite put my finger on it.
On the right person it would definitely work. (and I love the dark slate color!) But for me I'd probably leave this one behind...
I wanted to love this dress so much after hearing all the rave reviews about it, and when I tried it on, it was so comfy I almost bought it. But it wasn't great on my "shape" - I have a bigger chest and the empire cut of it just made me look all boob. If the waist had been just an inch lower I would have taken it in a minute!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad so many of you love it though!
Sky: Exactly! It is definitely a piece you need to try on (or see on a model) because the look of it on a hanger does not do it justice. :)
ReplyDeleteHDayton: I think you will really like the dress. It's very flaterring and looks great!
Ratsonparade & Kater: I hear you about this dress working for some body types, but maybe not all. I can also see how it might not "work" for those gifted in the bust. :)
I didn't think this dress would work for me either but I liked the color and gave it a try. I am glad I did because it is so comfortable. I also appreciate the fact that I can wear a comfy bra under it and don't have to worry if it shows or not.
ReplyDeleteI snatched this dress up in navy, too. I have a higher waist and hips, so it fits me perfectly. I only wish it came in more colors!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, because I posted a comment about this dress on the "What Will You Pay Full Price For" post a few weeks ago. I had been on the verge of purchasing the dress at full price, but decided to hold off. Then I regretted it, so I went back to the store - but it had already gone on sale (plus an additional 25% off)! It's a great dress for summer, and I think it will transition nicely into fall too.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to love this dress. In fact, I did from the moment I first saw it online. Then, I tried it on. I am a busty girl and it just didn't work on me. The medium was way too tight across the chest and the large was way too big in the waist! I can usually wear their knit empire waist dresses, but not this one. I don't like bateau necklines with my large chest. I was so disappointed because I wanted this dress. Oh, well, the Lisa dress worked well, so I'm happy.
ReplyDeletekater: I agree--- I too have a chest and found the dress to focus to much on it..... :(
ReplyDeleteAlexis and all those who purchased--- I am sure you all look fabulous! Enjoy!
Kater, I'm with you, it's not right for women who are chesty. I wanted so much to like it, as it looks so comfortable, but I was the Boobinator in this dress, and not in a good way! And I agree with you, math teacher, the bateau neckline is not a wise choice for women with larger chests.
ReplyDeleteI too wanted to love this dress, but the fit was just not right on me. I'm petite (5'4" on a good day) and the empire waist just hit too low on my body. If it would have been higher, I would love it. I wish they made this and the trouser jeans in petite sizes!
ReplyDeletemary: LOL! boobinator! I'm totally using that from now on!
ReplyDeleteI was so disappointed, kater. On the hanger, the dress looks great. I'm glad to know that other busty women have experienced the same problem; I don't feel so alone!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this dress, as it seems too short on the model...how is the length on everyone? If it works for those with a small bust, then I would be the perfect candidate...maybe I will try it on the next time I visit my store(if they still have it)...I always worry about this fabric showing every lump and bump...is that the case with this dress, or is it "flowy" enough that it doesn't cling in all the wrong places?
ReplyDeleteIt sure was clinging to my boobs, FFM, and I'm sorry to report that was the only thing I (or anyone else, for that matter) could see!
ReplyDeleteIf you have a smaller frame, it will probably look very nice on you, and as Erica said, it's light enough to wear now but will transition well into the fall.
hmmm I will have to try this dress on then... I didnt think it would be attractive. I think I will give it a second look and try it on!
ReplyDeleteSweater dresses seem to look frumpy on me but I will totally give this dress a try.
Thanks for the tip.
It's really not a sweater dress--it's a soft jersey. I wish it had looked good on me, because it just seemed to be such an easy piece.
ReplyDeleteSo I didn't know JC had a teacher discount. Is this in all stores? Just show ID?
ReplyDeleteFabulousFloridaMommy: The length is slightly above the knee- but it still looks great because of the overall line/shape of the dress. I also think it works well for my type of body because I am slender on top (both shoulder, chest, and frame wise).
ReplyDeleteThis dress also does not cling to the "bottom" portion of the frame thanks to those pleat-like details- which is great because it covers up any tummy, hips, and thigh issues. :)
Hi Anonymous at 3:43 PM: Yes, just show some form of teacher ID and you can get 15% off your entire order. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Alexis. Heading to JC this weekend and will be perfect for BTS shopping.
ReplyDeleteThe teacher %15 stackable discount varies from store to store: three of my NJ stores honor both the final sale 30% and the additional %15, but a manager-type in Bridgewater Commons yesterday told me the teacher discount was only good on full-priced items. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if any stores still have this dress on sale? I saw a ton at my local b&m a week or two ago, but I haven't been in almost a week. Also, is the additional 30% sale still going on?
ReplyDeleteAly: I saw this dress on Friday and Saturday (of this past weekend) available in the Westport and New Haven, CT stores. Although they were on sale, they weren't in the regular sale section. They were displayed with other regular priced items (even though the price tag had the sale price on them).
ReplyDeleteI am sure these dresses are available in other stores still. I don't think they will be sent back like the other sale merchandise, because they recently (well relatively recently) came out. :)
I saw a ton of these dresses at both the 5th Ave Jcrew and the Prince Street Jcrew in NYC.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, as many ladies have noted - this is terrible for women with any semblance of a chest. I wanted this to look good on me, I really did - especially after seeing it in the catalog. I'm a 34C and it's just too boobtacular for me.
Aly
ReplyDeleteAs of yesterday, stores in NJ still had the 30%.
I saw the same deal a few days ago and hoped it would look good on me! But it didn't...it doesn't work for people who are petite. The dress is supposed to have an empire waist with the narrowest part below the chest, but it fell to my waist! Even the SA said no...
ReplyDeleteI didn't see any today. The extra 30% is gone, and the sales section had very limited items today when I visited the B&M at Columbus Circle.
I really liked this dress. I'm 5'4" and it worked on me, although the length is just below the knee for me (and that's where I like it). The empire hits at the right spot, and it's so soft and flowy that I did not notice any problems with it clinging like with the tie-front jersey dress. I think the dark color helps; I have it in dark slate. I would still probably wear it with appropriate undergarments just in case, but it really was a delight to wear.
ReplyDeleteI have this dress in the dark slate and love it too. FFmommy, like Michelle just said, because of the pleating it doesn't cling like the tie front dress. The length is fine-- I'm 5'6" and it hits me at the knee. I think the model must be much taller. I'm smaller on top (A cup)--size 2 and bigger on the bottom(size 4), so this dress is perfect for me shape wise.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this dress in person but what I like best about J.Crew jersey material has to be how soft it feels. I remember trying on the Sanur dress - I wouldn't have except my hand brushed against it as I was rifling through the aisles and I was like "Wow!" I've washed my dress several times now and it still retains that soft, well-made feel. I want to check out this dress to see if it's as soft as the Sanur one!
ReplyDeleteThe slate is a great color. But I'm 5'4" and between a 6 and an 8 so neither the medium nor the small provided a good fit. Dress is cut for a taller person.
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis, I agree with you. For being honest, I did not give this dress a second look until you talked about this dress a couple of weeks ago. Then, when I saw a shop representative wearing this dress with a white shirt and tanned leather boots, I found it so flattering! It is great to wear as it is with posy capri sandals, but I wear this dress in slate with a white shirt and a navy straw-flower tie belt (#95487). It is so versatile. Thank you for your recommendation!
ReplyDeleteJosie, Michelle, Anonymous 10:14pm:
ReplyDeleteMe too, I am 5'03" and the empire waist hits little low on me, but still enjoy this dress!
Naomi,
ReplyDeleteThat outfit sounds interesting....I never thought about layering the dress over a shirt. What kind of white shirt was it? A white collared buttondown? If so, what did she do with the sleeves--roll them up over the 3/4 length sleeves of the dress?
I love' love this dress, which I have in the dark slate! It fits great (I'm 5' 5" and unbusty), and I love it the more that I paid $28 for it. I'm considering getting it in the strawberry.
ReplyDeleteIts funny, I am busty (36dd) and so when I heard all the raves about this dress on this blog, I dismissed it as not working for me given the empire seaming and the bateau neck. Then I went ot the stores this past weekend, saw the dress hanging there and thought why not try it on. Once on, I absolutely loved it!!!! Yes it does emphasize the girls but it also makes my waist look so tiny and as long as I pull the empire waist down a bit, its not too much boob-age! I loved it so much I bought it in the navy and strawberry and am eyeing the dark slate online!
ReplyDeleteI've worn it to work already, with a featherweight merino cardigan in bright azul and a pair of ankle-strap nude pumps, got lots of compliments. That night I wore it again to go out for drinks with friends, with nothing on top, and a pair of flat jewelled sandals. Such a comfy multipurpose dress! I've also tried it on with a boyfriend short sleeve cardigan and a belt on top, and think that would look fab for fall with some nice knee high boots!
Do you girls think the strawberry colour is appropriate for fall?
Oh and I agree, the dress looks like NOTHING on the hanger. In fact, I would have passed it by had it not been for this blog!
oh forgot to add i'm 5'7 and this hits me at my knee which i love (most of jcrews stuff is too short for me)
ReplyDeleteNaomi, how did she layer the dress over a shirt?
strawberry totally works for fall! I love jewel tones and redder hues in the fall! Go for it. Esp paired with black brown or navy! Oh, its a DO!
ReplyDeleteA: I agree with Blumre that the Strawberry will work for fall. I love the color too!
ReplyDeleteThanks blumre and alexis! Now to try this dress on with a shirt underneath, what an interesting idea and something i never would have thought of!
ReplyDeletethis dress was in the store for about 2 weeks at full price and went on sale when the additional 25% off started. so i bought it in slate the minute it went on sale. i love the shape and feel but it def makes your waist look small and great BUT it also accentuates my chest that i would not feel appropriate wearing it to work. i think i'm going to save it for the fall and wear it with a cardigan so it's not too revealing.
ReplyDeletebkp, I wore this dress to work with a cardigan on top and it looked great....was also thinking of trying it with my kelly sweater jacket. I've also tried it on with a short sleeve boyfriend style cardigan (Simply Vera by Vera Wang) and belted and it looked really fab! Just some suggestions...
ReplyDeleteI think this will look killer with boots in the fall!
OMG....I'm wearing this dress right now! Love it. It's so flattering for all body shapes and sizes. A few people stopped and asked me out it. I just paired it with a pair of capri flats. I wore the slate color today, but I also have it in the red and blue. I buy in excess when I like something - LOL
ReplyDeleteJacquie: I know what you mean about buying multiples of something you love- I do too! :)
ReplyDeleteI actually wear this dress the same way you do- with capri sandals. It is such a great outfit that takes practically no effort to put together (which is the way I like it!) but looks classic at the same time. :)
I will agree with all the comments from petite women! I went in today to try it on. The smallest size my store had was a small. The waist was literally inches below my bust! It made my breasts look saggy, haha.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as a side note, I called to have them put the dress on hold for me and they said they had only one small, in the red. When I went into the store, they had multiple smalls in both the gray and the red. Very weird, in my opinion!
I'm considering getting another in the navy, but I'm wondering, how do I go about getting it at the wonderful price that many of you (Vivian in particular) did? I know it's been discussed, but what do I need to do exactly to get a price adjustment? Do I have to call it in online, or can I do it right at my b&m store? I suppose I need to know which store is selling it for the lower price.... where is that? Thanks for any insight!
ReplyDeleteThe Stanford (Palo Alto, CA) store is selling it for $59.99 + 30% off, if that helps! I think some stores stopped the extra 30% off. I've never tried a price match, though, so I don't know how to do that. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteJosie:
ReplyDeleteI wear this dress over a simple non-buttondown & 3/4 length-sleeve shirt, turning collor up and rolling up sleeves. I also wear this dress with a GAP demim jacket. We can get effort-less look with this dress. It is so fun to think about combinations between J.Crew items and closet staples!
Anyone here has the "fresh strawberry" one? How do you suggest to wear it in the autumn? What knid of shoes do you think that pair nicely with this dress and colour?
ReplyDeleteI'm from Mallorca, a mediterranean isle, and I'm amazed on J.Crew's items and on this blog!
Celia: The strawberry shade is very bright (in my opinion). It is also a pretty shade of pink (but just bright). I think if you are planning to wear the strawberry somewhere super sunny & hot (like a mediterranean isle where bright colors really look their best) than it would be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI also wear this dress with my J.Crew capri sandals- it really looks quite nice. :)
Thank you Alexis! I really appreciate your advice!
ReplyDeleteI've just bought the dress on eBay and was looking for some suggestions of people who own this in strawberry...
But now, as you say it is very bright, I'm doubting if it will be for my skin and hair colour (soft brunette with hair highlights and withe skin)...
Does anyone still have this dress in navy, size medium and want to sell it? Desperately trying to replace mine that was damaged!
ReplyDelete