The James Perse open back skinny dress is on sale at Shopbop for $136 – I’m finally ordering it!! (just FYI, I’m sizing down to a size 1 in this dress, I’ve tried it on and think that’s a better size for me. Other readers have echoed that you should size down in it).
This will sell out pretty quickly, so if you’re interested, get it now! And ask a question if you have one, I know a lot of readers already own this dress.
Why it’s so great:
- The neckline is amazing
- The straps/low back are BRA-friendly
- The ruching is wonderfully flattering
- the open back is subtly sexy 😉
Challenges if you’re new to James Perse
- it’s body conscious, but the ruching & layering hides a lot
- the longer, midi length is a little harder to walk in at first, but you get used to it. Also, it will ride up as you walk.
I have this from a previous season I think–in grey–and you are NOT KIDDING about body-con. It is super-comfortable, but it’s the only dress I’ve ever seriously considered getting shapewear for. (I didn’t. This is a date dress for me, and screw everybody who thinks I should be unable to breathe freely on the rare evening I get to go out without children.) I do love it, but it’s a good thing I also love my hips and thighs. I think the length and tube-y-ness of it are assets–it feels very glamorous to wear.
If it sells out in your size–I found mine on eBay. You might get lucky!
i will admit, i wear shapewear with almost all my JP dresses/skirts, but mostly because i just feel more comfortable that way, AND even if i wear a thong or whatever, i find my underwear moves around too much, so shapewear is easier because it stays put underneath.
agree with loving your hips/thighs to wear this dress 🙂 it absolutely accentuates them!!!
You and your enabling ways, Grechen! I’ve been resisting this dress for months now. I even went into Bloomingdales TODAY to see if by any chance there was some sort of sale. (I cannot figure out sales there.) Had been thinking of getting it in the dark gray, as a change from my usual black, but black it will be!
Such an enabler! I ordered it and will hopefully wear it this Friday for an anniversary dinner! Thank you!
yay!! it’s the best anniversary dress 🙂
oh, sorry …not sorry – i think this is just the best dress. had to enable!!
Grechen, you are an enabler but I love you for it 😉 I have this dress in the “carbon” color and I LOVE it. It’s my “date dress” too…makes me feel so feminine and proud to show off curves. I first got it in size 2 but then exchanged it for size 1 which I think fits me perfectly.
Having never bought a JP dress (but eyeballing this one for a while) I’m having a hard time with the sizing. I’m 5’11” and wear a US 6-8, depending on the brand… a lean hourglass, if you will. Would you suggest sizing down to a 0 or is a 1 my best bet?
honestly, my inclination is to recommend that you stick with a size 1; you’re quite a bit taller than i am, and more lean, probably, but the same “size” generally. if you’re busty at all, you’ll appreciate the size 1…