Did you see my Free People Dress Dupes? post a couple of weeks ago?
During that process, I stumbled on some dresses on Amazon I thought were worth trying out.
I understand that most of the clothing is made overseas and shipped to the US. And just sewing a label into an article of clothing doesn’t fundamentally alter the quality of that particular garment. But it’s undeniable that if clothing is being procured by a reputable, well-known brand there is some degree of quality control and oversight that comes with it. This make the brand quality feel more consistent. It ensure that sizing is standardized from season to season.
The biggest crap shoot when dealing with off-brand or no-name clothing lines is quality and fit.
Tips for Buying Clothes Online
These tips apply to more than just shopping on Amazon, but these days I pretty much limit my off brand purchases to Amazon because things like shipping and return policies are easier to locate consistently. However, it’s worth reading these tips – and adding your own if you have some!
- Check Measurements. I find that often there ARE no measurements. If I feel the fit is a serious concern (like hem length) I steer clear of those because often the risk versus reward is too high. I hate to waste time and money unnecessarily. You may need to convert from metric to US but check them carefully.
- Read Reviews. I always look for reviews. I also scrutinize the content of the review. Is it written in proper English or does it feel like someone from the factory that makes the clothing was instructed to write a review? I’m looking for credible reviews that have details on fit, quality, etc. I actually want to see some less than stellar reviews because it makes me feel like it might be actual customer feedback.
- Check Return Policies. Before you get emotionally attached to a piece (It can happen, don’t judge!) check the return policy. Many of the online vendors I’ve checked make it very difficult to find return policies. If you dig deep enough, you’ll find it. And…if it isn’t immediately obvious, usually there is either a note that they cannot be returned or there are some unreasonable hoops to jump through. If the article price is low enough, I’ve been known to take the risk. I’d say that 80% of the time, I regret it. Trust your gut.
- Check Shipping Costs. This another big one. Often once you get all the way to the end of the process, you’ll find out that the reasonably priced clothing DOUBLES in price once you ship it! And…if it doesn’t work out, in the best case scenario, you’re paying to ship it back. In the worst case, you’re stuck with it.
Amazon Haul
If you know me IRL at all, then you’ll know that I favor dresses over everything else. Easy to pull on, dress up, dress down, light, breezy – what’s not to love? I like them long, short, casual, formal – any kind of dress and I’m game to try it. I actually purchased these dresses in a variety of sizes – and I returned a couple of styles that I never bothered to photograph – though in hindsight I wish I had. Live and learn.
In any case, the four dresses below stayed in my closet. I’ll provide notes and links if you’re interested.
For reference, I am almost 5’7″ and roughly 125 pounds.
I normally take an XS or a S (2 or 4) in clothing, depending on brand.
I have a goal to get higher quality/resolution photos on my blogs. Right now the mirror selfie is my only choice but once I get a better set up, I’ll give you better quality photos. I promise!
I arbitrarily named the dresses in my head because the brands aren’t anything you’ve heard of – and often you can find multiple vendors selling similar dresses. I don’t know why but it’s silly and it makes me smile when I put them on. I can’t say I’m consistent about the name but they each have a feel or a vibe to them.
Dress 1 – Aka “The Ruffled Dalmatian”
I adore polka dots. The pattern on this dress is a little more dotted than polka dots and the background color is an ivory. It comes in many different colors and patterns. I haven’t been able to color correct this photo but it’s much closer to the white and black color from the site (below). If you follow the link, pay attention because there are actually two DIFFERENT styles on the same link. Most of them do NOT have the ruffle, which is fine if you don’t like that detail. Personally, I think that’s part of what makes this dress stand out. Is it a little weird? Maybe. But that doesn’t stop me from loving it.
I ordered (and kept) a SMALL in this one. Generally if I follow size charts, I size up. If it were in a US store, likely I’d purchase an XS.
TIP: You know that the actual sizes are a myth, right? I’m just as susceptible to them as anyone. My solution? Cut the sizing tag out once you know you are going to keep it. Then it’s just “Me size”!
For me, the SMALL was perfect in length and width. The waistband isn’t too tight, the top stays up. The flounce over the top means you can go braless if you choose! I keep talking myself out of purchasing these in yellow and a fern pattern – because I have enough dresses, but I recommend you check this out. Sandals, boots, small sweater, belt even – if you’re so inclined. I think this is a versatile one!
Dress 2 – Aka “Wine in Warm Weather”
This beauty comes in five beautiful colors. I love the white if I was rocking a tan – but since I don’t tan anymore and my dry cleaner begged me not to purchase any more white clothing (true story – I wish I was kidding!) I thought I would get the more “dramatic” color.
In fairness this doesn’t have to be dry cleaned – but I think the real lesson was that I can’t keep white clean!
It’s a sexy dress. Perfect for vacation or maybe a date with your person. The crocheted top has enough coverage to NOT require a bra but if you need support…this isn’t the dress for you. It’s a casual fit which makes it really comfortable. The bottom is lined to almost the knees so you don’t have to worry about the dress being see-through.
The Amazon recommended fit was XS but I chose to go with a SMALL for extra coverage on the top and a little extra length. I think the XS would have been fine for comfort fit, but I think the SMALL was the better choice for me. The wine red is true to the color on the website.
If you decide to check out the Light Pink, let me know what you think. My gut was telling me that the onscreen color wasn’t accurate.
Of course I paired it with a one of kind piece of jewelry from my favorite artist Become Spellbound. I’d pair this with flats, sandals, a light top if it was breezy.
TIP: Double knot the halter so it doesn’t slip.
Dress 3 – Aka “Coral Flirty Mini Dress”
I love this dress. It’s so “me”! First, I think that peasant tops and ruched/gathered waists like this are really flattering if you have more height. The long sleeves means I can wear it for a bit longer on both ends of the spring/summer season. If I had room in my closet (I do not!) I would have gotten it in every color. I love it that much! It’s actually THIS dress that made me start thinking about “rules” as we age. Am I showing off too much leg? Is it too young a style? Frankly, I don’t care. Do I love it? Yes! Is it comfortable? Yes! Done. Sold. Moving on.
The caution on this dress is color and sizing. I purchased pink. The photo above is true to color. It’s coral. Nothing light pink about it. Coral. Fortunately, I love coral even more than I love pink. Lucky coincidence!
I tried this originally in Small but it was clearly made for a shorter person. I ordered it in MEDIUM and took the time to compare the two before I sent the Small back. The advantage to the MEDIUM was sleeve length, torso and hem length. I got about 1/2″ in each of those three measurements which made the difference between “fits” and “is comfortable”. It isn’t lined but that doesn’t bother me much. So far I’ve only worn it for zoom meetings, but I can’t wait to wear it out for a cool summer evening. I definitely recommend it if it speaks to you!
Dress 4 – Aka “Maritime Summer Nights”
I bought this dress in Navy Blue – though they have so many other lovely colors. I know I don’t need more than one, but the eight colors this dress comes in should meet everyone’s needs. Again, I think the peasant top is very flattering. The sort of casual, boho vibe meets summer fling vibe of this dress really appealed to me. I want to be by water, or on a boat, in this dress. Sandals, barefoot – I just think it’s romantic.
I tried this on in a Small but kept the MEDIUM solely for a little additional length in the hem. If I was a little shorter, I’d say it fits true to size. Oddly, I noticed when I was taking the photo that the dress I have is not “pull on closure” as noted in the online description. It actually has a zipper. I don’t see a need for the zipper, so it’s curious.
Additional Options
Here are links to a few others that I liked but didn’t keep. They didn’t suit me personally, but the quality and style was still quite nice.
Covered Up Cutie – I actually liked this one but my “fashion consultant” (aka George) said he thought it looked frumpy. If I ask his opinion I feel obliged to listen! But, it’s darling for the right person. I tried it in Nude Pink in 4-6 and it fit well. It wasn’t the MOST flattering color on me. And it’s worth noting that there are three or four different style dresses under the same link. I still think it’s adorable!
Flirty Frills – Oh…this one. I love it. I got it in AO Beige which is a nude pink color and it did NOT flatter my skin tone. But the dress! OMG. The dress! Perfect fit, adorable, feminine, flirty – 100% me in a dress! I ordered it in a lighter blue pattern and I’m just waiting for it to come in. Perhaps I’ll update this post when it arrives in a few weeks. Please, check out the link . There are a few different styles on the link but they are all adorable if you go for this type of outfit.
I had the HARDEST time picking the color and even now, I’m second guessing my choice. I got it in a SMALL and it was a perfect fit! Also, check out the super sexy back. If you’ve been putting in extra hours on back work at home or in the gym, you’re going to want to show those muscles off!!
If this is something that you like, I can periodically share some of my Amazon Tries, Buys and Fails with you in different categories. Sometime there is a real find online – so let’s share them with each other. Have you found any clothing treasures online? Share in the comments below!
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Some of these links are affiliate links. If you click a link and buy something, I may receive a commission for the sale. It does not cost you anything extra and you are free to use the link or not. Product purchases for review are made with my own money and my opinions are my own. If product is ever provided or the article is sponsored, it will be clearly noted at the top of the page.
