Topstitched Mock Neck Midi Dress

Based on the reviews, I was prepared to buy and return. However, I actually really like this. It’s sleek and sophisticated. White stitch elevates the plain black dress. Perfect for office or cocktail occasion. Love that it has pockets. The material is thinner, but it’s lined and no see-through issues. It is a bit longer (I’m 5’6” and got a small) - the slit helps keep it a few levels away from ‘Little House on the Prairie”…

This dress is so lovely with its flowy tulip shape at bottom and thoughtfully placed topstitching. The problem is the belt. It doesn’t match the waist size of the dress. The grommets make the fight too tight and the extra tail on belt is LONG. I had belt remade at Nordstrom alterations. We decided to cut long tail off, adding that fabric to middle back of belt, effectively moving grommets and buckle so they fit and centered on midline top stitched seam. If you do this, make sure to leave enough fabric to reset angle on end and the fabric can fit through side loop.

This was a really nice dress but not for my 5’1” frame. I ordered the small knowing was going to have to shorten it. A part of me wanted to leave it and wear it semi-formal. But the small was also too large! I typically wear 0-P. Even with my naturally larger breast size it was way too big. The local store seamstress had me all pinned but when the alteration price was twice what I paid…. Maybe a 4, more likely a 6 can wear the small nicely. I gave it a 4 star because it really is a nice dress.

This dress fit me perfectly. I really wanted to love it. However there were two issues. First, I thought it would be a midi but it came to an inch or so above my ankles (I’m 5’7”) so it was longer than I wanted it to be. Also the mock neck made it look a little harsh and severe — especially with my hair. I have VERY dark brown hair (almost black) so having a high and fitted neckline all the way to my head/hair just made it look like too much continuous black — like Morticia Addams almost. Even if I pulled my hair up, it just didn’t work. The dress might look better on someone with lighter hair. I liked the fit of the dress though. It fit every part of my body well and it hung very nicely. I have a 36B chest, a 31” waist, and 38” hips.

I was surprised to see such bad reviews on this as it was one of my favorite buys from the anniversary sale. I overlooked it originally but then saw someone else wearing it and loved it so I ordered for myself. Sounds like some inconsistent quality / stitching based on the other reviews, but the one I got is great! True to size, love the contrast stitching. Gives a really unique/polished option for the office. Fabric is lighter weight and has more movement than I expected in a good way. My belt is fine, and you could also style with your own belt. Definitely recommend!