Dressy Jersey Grecian V-neck Long DressClick here for product page
Item 12613
Regular: $98.00
I just realized that I haven't written a product review in quite awhile! I hope the following is helpful. ;)
I love the long maxi dress look. However, I never could find a long dress with the perfect length- a dress that didn't hit my ankles or required me to wear heels. Well, I have finally found that dress- J.Crew's Dressy Jersey Grecian V-neck Long Dress (and the title really does say it all)!
First, the "more refined, sophisticated jersey viscos" is a wonderful material. It has a soft and smooth feel to it. As a jersey fabric, it can stretch when needed- which only increases the comfort of this dress. I have also found that when the fabric does stretch, there is no "see-through" of the material. (It could also be because I purchased the "Chocolate" version of this dress.) The fabric really does have a "dressy" feel to it- very similar to the Flowy Jersey Bateau Dress (refer here).
Second, the straps that are referred to as "twisted spaghetti straps" which reminds them "of a mythical goddess" is a nice touch. It does take some getting use to though. I have a tendency to try straigtening them out- even though I can't! ;)
Third, the length of the dress. The dress is described as "Falls to floor; 41 1/2" from natural waist". As someone who is 5'8", I found the dress to fall to the floor (if not slightly grazing it). I think this is because the weight of the jersey is a bit more substantial than a t-shirt, so it stretches the material to the ground. (Incidentally, the bottom of the dress is raw edge hem.)
The only drawback to this dress is the bunching on the back- and how the fabric falls from that point. Because of its positioning, the "empire waist" detail does not define my waist from the sides, even though it does from the front and back views. So what ends up happening from the side view is there is a straight a-line look from the bunching of the dress to my rear (as oppose to a more tailored, waist defining, look).Lastly, this dress really is versatile. Because of the style and drape, it is very easy to "dress" this dress up (for a more sophisticated look), or to "dress" this dress down, (for a more casual look). It's like the little black dress! :)
What are your thoughts on the Dressy Jersey Grecian V-neck Long Dress? Are you considering or already have purchased this dress? Have you seen this dress in person? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)
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ReplyDeleteI was just on the site and "Final Sale" has been changed to "Spring Sale"! I'm hoping this means I can actually return a sale item if I don't like it! Yay!
ReplyDeleteHm. I haven't tried this dress on myself, but I just want to say that I hate it when a dress has "gathering" (bunching) in the back. From the front it looks fine, from the back it looks fine, but whenever I turn to the side I think, "Holy cow, it looks like I've immediately gained 30 lbs."
ReplyDeleteI've never been able to make it look flattering on me, dresses, that poof out slightly in the back like that. :(
It's a very pretty dress, though!
I just don't like or "get" Maxi dresses. It is too hot to wear one with all the length but too cool otherwise on the top (and, no, I don't want to cover up with a sweater!) so, no super long dresses for me with spaghetti straps!
ReplyDeleteAlexis - I am confused by a comment in your review. An empire waist should not define your waist, it should fall right below your bust. If this dress is hitting at your waist and bunching in the back, it probably means you need the straps shortened, even a small amount. I would imagine that the rolled straps serve two purposes here. It is a very pretty and "grecian" detail, and it keeps the straps from stretching too much.
ReplyDeleteYes, a dress that makes my back side not look its best is not a keeper!
ReplyDeleteCrewbie: Thanks for letting us know the great news! :)
ReplyDelete♥ Chloe: I know what you mean about the look from the side making one look like they gained some weight! ;)
Anon at 3:26 AM: I completely understand where you are coming from that it might be too hot to wear some of the Maxi dresses. :) I think this maxi dress would be comfortable to wear on hot days b/c of the incredible fabric. :)
Anon at 4:46 AM: Sorry the description may be a bit confusing. :) There are other dresses from J.Crew with "Empire waists" in their description (e.g. Silk chiffon Sophia dress)and have the waists on the sides more tailored. This is what I was referring to in my comment. That the Grecian dress does not have this tailoring from the side. I also noticed this in the images of the model on the website. I hope this helps. :)
Thanks for the review, Alexis! I have been an admirer of the maxi dress look for a couple years now-but haven't taken the plunge! Quick question for you...how low is the v-neck? Is it so low that you'd want to wear a cami underneath or is it fine without?
ReplyDeleteI like the Old Navy maxi dresses better. They are alot more colorful and ALOT cheaper. If I'm going to buy a trendy item that I'll only wear a few times, I don't want to spend that much on it. Also, I find ON's maxi dresses to have a more flattering fit, IMO.
ReplyDeleteAlexis: I just recieved this maxi dress yesterday and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it....I'm 5'9 and the length is perfect. The vneck is not too low...it is defintely a deep v but it offers ample coverage for my not too big C chest. I would wear it during the day without a tank under it no problem...the waist detail is very very flattering. I feel that it makes me look very thin from all angles. I LOVE it! Overall a great pick if you are on the tall and thinnish side.
ReplyDeletei wish this dress was still available in my size in the green. :(
ReplyDeleteIf I could get this for about 1/2 of the current price I would try it...but it would have to NOT be on final sale...To pricey for me for a trendy item at full price. I only see myself wearing this about 3 times during the summer as well....but still cute overall.
ReplyDeleteI will have to check out the ON maxi dresses. May be a better buy with the economy being what it is for the price and only a few times wear:)
i bought this in green for st patties day in florida (spring break on the beach) and i got so many compliments. i wore it with the white jackie cardigan at night when it was cold. im 5'2 and had to have itt hemmed (i was ready for this though!)hope this helps...
ReplyDelete-chelsey
Thanks for the review. It looks cute, but I suspect that it's too long for my 5'4" self and I wonder about the deep V. I like the jersey maxi dress from Boden better (it comes in black or red), but I'll also be waiting for that one to go on sale.
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited to participate in this review!!
ReplyDeleteAs Alexis knows, I searched soooo long for this dress. It was love at first as soon as I saw it. The dress arrived yesterday, and I must say, it is worth every penny. I purchased a size small, and it fits true to size on me. I love the versatility.
Anonymous 8:04 stated she wouldn't spend this much on a trendy dress, but I really think this maxi dress was made in a very classic style (no loud prints or pleating). I definitely feel this is a dress I can wear in many capacities for a long time.
I received the chocolate, but I must confess, I ordered the oasis green too :). That should be delivered today! I highly doubt I will keep both, but I had to have both infront of me to make an educated purchase.
I found the dress to be forgiving as it hangs and it oozes effortless beauty. Hooray :)
Love the maxis but I wish they offered them in petite. I'm 5'4", so these dresses are always too long on me.
ReplyDeleteThis dress looks so cute and comfortable! The three colors all look appealing, but I'm still waiting for a sale on it. I wish it was available at my local store, though. It sounds like a keeper for everyone, albeit maybe with some tailoring!
ReplyDeleteI think the dress is so cute, love the green, but I'm worried about the deep V.... it's hard for me to pull that off with a 34C chest, I would be showing way too much boobage! Congrats to those who own it! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis one looks and sounds promising, but I have a love/hate relationship with the maxi dress. I love the way they look on everyone else, hate the way they look on 5'4" me. I feel like I am swallowed by fabric below my waist yet the top barely covers my chest. Not a good look for me!
ReplyDeleteI ordered this dress from the red phone and used my red card and got free shipping. Total purchase was about $79. I will probably need to hem this dress, but it looked so great, I had to see if it was worth it. I ordered the chocolate because the green is sold out.
ReplyDeleteThe Boden maxi dress is much nicer in my opinion...like it better too.
ReplyDeleteMaxi dresses are very trendy and go in and out of style every few years.
ReplyDeleteI don't care for the deep V on this one but otherwise it seems nice.
Green was available earlier today in a few sizes. I don't know if it sold out already or not but I prefer the brown in general.
Won't be buying this one unless it goes on super sale though. I see limited wearing of it/trendy factor.
JJ
Anon at 8:04 AM: I tried on the Old Navy Maxi Dresses after seeing how great FFM looked with one. Unfortunately, I did not find them to "work" for me. ;)
ReplyDeleteJordan & Bri & chelsey: I am happy to hear that you also really like J.Crew's Grecian dress!!! :)
Christina: I hear you on the gree- which sold out quickly! That is why I ordered the chocolate when I did, because I feared it was going to sell out too. :)
Anon at 9:11 AM: I know what you mean about trendy pieces and prices. However, I find this dress, like Bri mentioned, has a classic style that will definitely carry me over for many seasons. :)
Anon at 10:27 AM & Marietta: The dress may be too long for those under 5'5", but it can always be hemmed. :) As for the v-neck, it is deep but not too much (its definitely not scandelous). ;) For my own personal preference, I plan on wearing a cami underneath.
Soon to be PhD: LOL! You described my relationship with finding Maxi's dresses so well. Like the one from Old Navy, I loved how it looked on FFM but I hated the way it looked on me. So I was happy to find this dress. :)
Anon at 12:00 PM: Congrats on the purchase! Please let us know how it fits once you receive it. :)
At 5'5", it was too long for me. It is a beautiful dress, but didn't suit me as well as it has for others. I was considering getting it hemmed, but I don't know if it would make it look better on me or not. I posted mine on the weekly exchange if anyone wants it, before it goes back this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI am 5'10" and am hoping this dress will be long enough... sounds like it will be! I can't wait to try it. Thank you for the review Alexis! Now I know it is long enough for taller women!
ReplyDeleteOh Wow,
ReplyDeleteThe Boden maxi is much nicer. Higer cut and has a more flattering fit from behind:) It also comes in two prints. I just ordered 3 to try! 10% off and free shipping and free returns:)
PS
ReplyDeleteThe Boden maxi dress comes in Regular and Long sizes too:) Way to go Boden (I do not work for them) Just wanted to let shorter people know that the Boden one should work for them:)
Anon @ 2:48, I got the Boden catalog yesterday, and it offered 20% off with free shipping (and returns). Yahoo! Since I never got the JCrew 25% off "red card", I feel special!
ReplyDeleteActually, I've never ordered from them before but maybe I'll try them out this time...
With an A-cup chest, I could ever pull off that neckline. It would hang mercilessly from my shoulders, looking awful! :(
ReplyDeleteAppGal: I think you would like this dress! :) As for the v-neck, it is deep but not too deep (if that makes sense). ;) I would wear a cami underneath it (to make it more casual), but I can see how other Aficionadas may choose not to (for a more dressier look). :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I ordered this dress also. I like the choice of dressing it up or down. We have great weather where I live and play so I think it is worth the money.
ReplyDeleteI guess I live in hippy beach town because we wear long flowy skirts and dresses every Summer. I think I will try to order this one after reading the review here. I don't like ON quality so maybe I will check out Boden.
ReplyDeleteI just ordered this dress after a longgg deliberation over brown or green. I love that shade of green- anthropologie had several grecian-inspired bathing suit pieces and tanks in that same shade last year and they were lovely. I love both but my skin is pale more often than I get some sun, so I opted for brown. The green seems as though it would look nicer against more color. If the dress as lovely as it looks, I'll probably cave and get the green, too. I think it's definitely a more casual summer look, and plan to wear it in beach-type settings.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I figured the raw-edge hem was designed to allow you to cut off the excess if the dress is too long. Seems silly to get it hemmed.
At 5'9" I rarely have trouble with dresses being to long... I had pictured this dress to go with flip flops or very casual/no heel shoes. The dress would have dragged along the floor if I did that.
ReplyDeleteOn a slightly different note, the v-neck was a not a problem for me (a 34C). I thought it showed just enough without looking bad.
Due to the price (I originally bought it when it first came out in March, so it was full price) I decided to return it. A dress that expensive shouldn't have an additional charge to be hemmed...
ooooh, maybe it will work for me if Alexis understood my comments re: maxi dresses and still liked this particular dress...
ReplyDeleteI just got this dress in the mail in the Chocolate Brown.... LOVE IT!! I'm 5'11" so i was worried it wouldn't be long enough. The weight of the dress helps it hit the floor just right. With my 34C chest the V-neck is just perfect. I don't care as much about the back. It looks fine to me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the reviews! the red discount card made this well worth the money and I plan to wear it all summer.
two thumbs way up!!!
I ordered this dress almost a month ago. I finally wore it on a very hot day at the zoo with flip flops & a michelle tied around my neck last weekend. It kept me very cool and casual. I just washed it in cold short cycle and hung it out to dry. It washed well. It was well worth the $98.00. I cannot wait to wear it over and over again.
ReplyDelete