Cowl Neck Side Ruched Knit Dress

Bought this at the anniversary sale because the price was right (Vince!). Didn’t have a particular event in mind when I purchased it but it seemed like it had the potential to be one of those sleeper wardrobe items. Definitely will be that: I see wearing it with sneakers and a jean jacket for work (librarian) or travel. I can also dress it up with heels or boots and a blazer. The ruche is flattering as is the cowl neck, but the high cut sleeves keep it from being matronly. I’m 5’4.5 and I like that it hits above the knee and not mid shin. I think the versatility of this dress will be its super power. The only thing I’d say is that this looks black, not blue, to me—even held up against my blacks and navy clothes. It’s black.

On me, this dress in my size (S) fits well from the waist down. But the top of it is too big and a bit sloppy, so it ends up not flattering in toto. The armhole gaps droop down low showing my bra sloppily. IRL there's too much material piling up there at the decollatage--It makes someone with any chest look matronly. For reference, I am 5'8", 117 lbs, with an athletic Nordic frame (shoulders same proportion as hips, smaller waist, longer torso but also short rise and 32" inseam). I will take this dress to the tailor to fix it. The material is quality, but nothing special. I am a sucker for Vince's Coastal Blue color; it is a perfect dark blue. The just knee-hiding length of the skirt is excellent for a woman of vintage.

This might be the sleeper of the anniversary sale for me. Needed a good base layer dress to wear casually with tennis shoes or dress up for work. This is it. It is perfectly figure fitting without being body con, hugs in the rich places, super soft and comfortable AND machine washable and can tumble dry this. Great price for what will be an incredibly versatile dress.