I have been wanting to see this dress in person since I first saw the Style Guide Pin. When it arrived online it was during a 25% off promo. The dress in regular sizes was excluded from the promo but the Petite sizes were not excluded. Odd right? Even my VPS thought so. Several other 25% off promos have had the same exclusion.
~ Collection Wool Flannel Varsity Dress, Size 8 Petite ~
This dress looked like a cool casual dress. Because of the promo, I ordered the 8 Petite, which had a 33 3/4 inch length. I saw that an measured myself and knew it would be borderline short. The regular length is 36 1/2 inches and the tall is 39 1/4 inches in length, all based on the size 6. That is the size I probably should have ordered in the regular length.
The Petite seems too short, even for my taste. I think it will do well on actual Petite ladies. It looks like it may be the same length as the Jules Dress in Italian Paisley, which I love.
I am a little uncomfortable in this dress. Oddly, I think it’s the length. I can’t raise my arms past my chest unless I want to expose myself. it’s the same way with the Jules in Italian Paisley but since the print seems dressier I carry myself differently. This dress seems so casual. I also can’t figure out what shoes would do well with this dress. The online image has flats and the Pin has high-top sneakers. I do think it looks better with the booties than it does the heels.
In the 8 Petite, it may also be just a little too snug in the chest, after looking at these photos. But I still like it. Every where else, the fit is good. The material feels nice and it’s lined through the body but not the arms. I think adding some leggings would change this to a tunic but what color. I think it would be difficult to match the dress color itself so I would need to pull the burgundy or navy from the collar or sleeves.
So what do you think of the Varsity Dress on me? Should I return it? What color leggings could I incorporate to go with it. Better with the booties or heels or some type of flats?
Follow me on…
I am only 5'3" tall, but notice myself gravitating toward regular sizes versus petite, especially for items that I am going to wear to the office. Usually when I purchase a dress that is shorter than I would like for work, I tend to feel more comfortable wearing it with opaque tights. This dress looks lovely on you! Maybe you would feel more comfortable with navy or burgundy tights (or leggings)?
That is a really nice silhouette on you! Definitely give the 8R a try!
39 inches in a tall for me would be borderline short, so I feel your pain. I guess if the hem had an additional inch or two, I could add a hem facing and extend it a bit, but since this dress is the wrong shape for my figure, it is all theory. LOL.
Oh and I said try the 8 R only because if you grab the 6R you will likely still have the diagonal drag line from the bust apex to the waistline. Sizing to the 8R would mean that would give more room for your bust and the dress will fall more gently from there. Of course, there is a chance the 8R would be too large through the shoulders and the lower half, but at least try.
You look so good in so many dresses that you can live without this one (that honestly doesn't do anything for your figure) especially if you don't feel comfortable in it. I would return and get something more flattering or at least comfortable!
I really like the dress on you, just the length is wrong. I have the same problem with petite sizing in the length – it is always too short. You may be ok in the 6 regular, since regular sizing offers more room all over (even though the online measurements say otherwise). I like the red in the shoes that picks up the red in the trim. If the dress is longer, you probably can wear a low heel or flats. But, definitely return for a regular size and see how it looks.
I agree with Ema! If you did decide to keep this dress, I would size up and get the reg length. I would style it a little more casual with a sweatshirt/cardi around the waist and a pair of the white Stan Smith Adidas runners.