When I ordered I didn’t even notice the pleated banding running horizontally under the bust but I really liked this about the dress. It gives it a crisp, finished look that counters the casual material and ruffle.
The ruffle neck is also made of pique and the ends are left unfinished, once again. I am not crazy about that. A couple runs through the wash and who knows what it will look like.
Underneath the banding, the dress has inverted pleats. These kick the dress out away from the body. The pleats tend to unfold and hang open. I’d like them a little crisper and laying flat, so I would probably press them before wear. I don’t mind the skirt fullness in this dress as much as I did in the jersey strapless. I think because the pleats are set lower and not directly under the bust.
I ordered this dress in Fresh Mint which appears to be sold out on the website. The Fresh Mint is just a bit greener than my photo shows. It is a shade darker than the Spearmint Bon Bon dress and a shade lighter than the Tropical Aqua jersey.
I really like this dress but now for the issue… The neckline is so low on me. I had to carefully position to not show half my bra in the pic. I would need industrial strength fashion tape to keep everything in place. Yet still, any one taller than 5′4″ would see right down the front of the dress. Of course, I can wear a tank with it but that ruins the cuteness of the neckline. I think having the dress taken up would be too expensive since the ruffle will need to be taken off and reattached.
Sometimes I think J.Crew’s low necklines and see through t-shirts are all just a scam and that they make 80% off their profit from.. tank tops
Retail Description: The perfect dress for every warm day. Cotton piqué. Sleeveless silhouette. Fitted bodice, soft tulip skirt shape with inverted pleats. Deep V-neck with ruffle trim. Pleated canvas at natural waist for a close fit. Hidden side zip. Falls above knee; 20″ from natural waist. Import. Machine wash. Catalog/jcrew.com only. $78.00
Sizing: TTS
Overall: want to give 3 but that darn neckline..
I looove this dress but the neckline was what kept me from ordering it. I was afraid of that. I cannot pull off a plunging neckline. Boo-hoo!
It looks so pretty on you–thanks for reviewing it!
I love this dress too and was wondering about that neckline. I love dresses in pique knit so I wanted this to be perfect. Too bad. Thanks for the review!
Wow, I hadn't noticed the banding at the waist either and I really love it!
Not sure if I could pull of the neckline. . . Is it pulled up to be decent in the picture or is this where it falls?
It's pullled up a little Stacie, just about an inch
I sympathize with the plunging neck problem. I've given up on getting anything from J. Crew this summer that doesn't have a crew neck.
I'm 5'4" like you, and about an inch shorter in the waist then I should be to not be considered shortwaisted. Doesn't seem like that should lock me out of summer tees, but it totally has this year. Even the sales associates were shaking their heads when they saw how things looked.
I got this dress too, but in navy (size small). Mint wasn't offered at the time. I think your review is very accurate. I kept the dress, as I think it will be a nice addition to my summer wardrobe. The neckline wasn't a problem for me, but I a bit disappointed the ruffle neck is unfinished. Great review!
J.Crew is seriously making me angry with all these low necklines and large sizing they are doing to their cute summer dresses. They are so cute that I want to wear them but not worth the frustration of having them altered or putting stuff underneath.
I too purchased this dress in Tea Rose and had to return it because of the neckline, even after sizing down. I seriously liked it, esp. the pique material and color but could not work with the neckline. Who is wearing this stuff and why do they continue to produce it?
Sounds like we are all having the same problems, again and again! It boggles my mind that J.Crew does not have one person on their team willing to stand up and say when an item has a design flaw!
Tomorrow I'll be returning about $400 worth of dresses that don't fit correctly. When I should be enjoying them and wondering how I am going to pay off my JC card lol.
That neckline makes the dress!! Simple and sexy -Just enjoy it; it does look good on you!