Embellished by petite pintucks and vintage prints, this empire-bodice dress of crisp cotton lawn has an attached sash that ties in the back. Lined with voile. Colors: Vintage Rose or Vintage Dot.
Average Customer Rating:
4.2 out of 5
Rating Snapshot
(24 reviews)
5 stars
14
4 stars
4
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 star
1
20 of 24 (83%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Review 1 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
25
BusyBee Location:
Fairbanks, AK
Gender:
Female
Age:
25-34
Poofy and Pregnant
Date: February 18, 2010
I read the reviews on this dress- and decided to ignore them, but they were right. Granted- I just had a baby 4 1/2 weeks ago and have about 15 extra lbs. but I ordered my normal size, which is a 4P. I got it today and the dress "fit" me, which it should not have! It did look horrendous on me though. It was way too poofy in front. I'm going to have a friend try this on for me to see how it looks on a flat tummy, but I think I'll be returning it. I don't think the fit will be corrected when I get back to normal size. Plus- the top fit me just fine- and let me tell you- I'm huge right now. I would say the 4 is more like an 8.
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Review 2 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
55
Oceanwaves
Gender:
Female
Age:
45-54
Versatile, fun and flattering.
Date: February 1, 2010
I was on the fence about whether or not to keep this dress and am glad that I did. The sale price makes it an excellent value. I am 5’10 1/2” and bought my usual size 12 which fit perfectly (the length could have been longer as it is about an inch or so above my knee but I have had no trouble making that work with the right accessories and flat shoes). Other readers complained about the lack of zipper. I am glad that there is no zipper on the side as I find there is more than ample room to pull it over my head. I find the neckline, the sleeves and the pleated bodice very flattering. The embellished details are very well done and although I am not a fan of the sash, this one is not obtrusive. The voile lining and stiffer cotton does give it a bigger shape so it might be overpowering for someone with a more petite frame, but it drapes beautifully on someone taller. The colors are a wonderful surprise of earth tones that I don’t normally see together (there is an unusual olive green and chestnut that I love) and can be worn year round. With thick brown tights (or leggings), riding boots, a long tan shawl neck cardigan sweater and chestnut wool scarf, the dress had a “a pulled together, a few notches above casual look” that I receive complements on each time I wear it (I added a wool beret and shorter booties for a “funkier” look which was fun too). This dress would be just as appropriate with pearls, fitted jacket and heels. I can’t wait to wear it with sandals in the summer. The only improvement that I would make if Garnet Hill were to sell this dress again in the future would be to have a regular and tall size so that the length would work for a wider range of heights.
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Review 3 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
35
Tabby11 Location:
SF Bay Area
Gender:
Female
Age:
45-54
Top 250 Contributor
Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Date: January 14, 2010
First of all, I was thrilled with this dress's sizing. I am a true size 8, ordered the 8 and was pleased with the fit; I could probably even go down to a 6 in this design. Usually when I order in my size range from GH, the dresses are too small. I ordered the floral print with tones in it that would coordinate well with black accessories if that's how you like to go. The neckline was PERFECT: somewhat wide, not low cut, just pretty and flattering. The little pleats are a sweet feature, as is the tucking stitched at each sleeve that the photo doesn't really reveal. That said, the length reached the bottom of my knee, not a flattering look for me. I didn't like the look of the tie waist, and the elastic in the back of the waist doesn't look good (to me) without the tie feature. The skirt is full; I don't like the way the fabric hangs at all. I usually have to wear a sweater, and the way the skirt looks under a sweater is just too full and clunky. This dress would be perfect in a fabric with a drapier hang. I decided to send it back, despite its potential. I reviewed the dress as "I would recommend to a friend," but I would also provide the caveats stated here. How we feel about a garment is pretty subjective....
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Review 4 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
45
LKinPA Location:
Scranton, PA
Gender:
Female
Age:
35-44
Top 500 Contributor
I really love this dress....
Date: January 14, 2010
however I have to agree w/the previous poster, this dress could really use a zipper, either a side or back zip to give it a more fitted shape....also the dress really did not need the tie back, it does take away something from the design.
Overall I LOVE the way this dress fits, I'm a pear shape and it just skims over my hips perfectly...I purchased a long chocolate brown cardigan to go over this for the fall/winter and it looks stunning together, perfect for work or dinner, and another poster made a great point, looks adorable but not too cutesy, PLUS I had been waiting for this to be restocked and then it was on sale, bonus! Thank you Garnet Hill!
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Review 5 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
45
EnglishWillow Location:
usa
Gender:
Female
Age:
35-44
Vintage Charm but needs zipper
Date: January 10, 2010
Beautiful vintage dresses are 100% cotton without elastics, spandex, or rubber latex sensitizers. Reminiscent of English countrysides, these dresses can be worn casually or formally. However, the exterior fabric and liner are very thin, and the dress has no zipper. You must pull your head over the neck hole and maneuver your arms around a limited space. A back zipper would have been immensely useful. I am a borderline petite height, so I selected the regular height which allows the dress to fall slightly below the knee. This is a lovely dress, and I hope to see more cotton dresses in the future.
I've been eyeing this dress for the past year. Looks beautiful in the picture, but, like other reviewers, I found it to be too formal... and it kind of felt like I was wearing a big tablecloth. Garnet Hill dresses are usually the best, but this one was not for me. Garnet Hill: please find some more casual cotton lawn dresses just for hanging out at home!
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Review 7 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
15
judy645 Location:
Bayarea, CA
Gender:
Female
Age:
45-54
too bad
Date: November 26, 2009
I've been soooo looking forward to the arrival of this dress as it looks so pretty in the catalog/on-line. However, when I tried it on it was just sooo wrong as it made me look huge and pregnant as it did to the other reviewer. Sadly, I'd have to return it also.
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Review 8 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
45
Tartie Location:
NY, NY
Gender:
Female
Age:
35-44
Top 1000 Contributor
super cute but mature enough!
Date: November 17, 2009
I bought Vintage Rose and it is just so lovely. I usually wear size 4 but it was sold out, so oredered size 6 to try it on. Size 6 turned out to be a fit and I am very pleased. The flower pattern is cute but sort of mature loveliness going on, so I do not have to worry about being too cute. I can wear this in spring, summer, fall and even winter with wool cardigan which will give some French country atomosphere. I am so glad that I've got this dress!!! It is a bit pricy for cotton dress and so I give 4 stars, otherwise 5 stars!
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Review 9 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
55
AMDL Location:
Portland, OR
Gender:
Female
Age:
25-34
romantic autumn dress
Date: November 14, 2009
I really like this dress, although it is not quite what I expected. I thought this would be a very casual everyday cotton dress. The pattern (floral) and the style (the tie-back sash) are casual. However, because of the crisp, slightly stiff fabric and lining the dress (especially the skirt) is very shaped and I feel that wearing it calls for a bit of an occasion – not a formal occasion, but something more than just running out to do some shopping or to have a coffee. Perhaps a birthday party, or Thanksgiving dinner? The skirt balloons out a little as another reviewer commented, but it is not too poofy. The hem hits just below the knee and I wish it was shorter, but that will be an easy fix. I’m not fond of the sash and I second the idea that it would be better to have side pockets instead. That said, it is a beautiful, well-made dress. The pattern (vintage rose) is delightful, and the little pintucks at the empire waist and the sleeves make it extra-special. My usual size 10 fit me fine, it was a bit loose around the empire waist but not enough to go down a size. Overall, I love it and I’m so happy that it was back in stock after being out for so long!
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Review 10 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
35
Sawyer Location:
mass
Gender:
Female
Age:
35-44
too poofy
Date: November 13, 2009
I was so looking forward to the arrival of this dress! The colors are gorgeous and the dress is very nicely made. I loved everything about it ecxept the way it fit me. I am 5'3" and 115 lbs, but the dress was too poofy around the waist and made me look overweight/pregnant, so I sadly had to return it. I think it would probably look nice on someone taller than me.
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Review 11 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
35
CONSV Location:
CA
Gender:
Female
Age:
35-44
Top 1000 Contributor
baby doll dress
Date: October 30, 2009
This dress gives you a baby doll look so I can't wear it for a business casual look. It's best for weekend wear but a bit too pricey just for that use. Too bad I had high hopes for it.
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Review 12 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
55
elle Location:
Virginia
Gender:
Female
Age:
25-34
Top 25 Contributor
perfect with a hint of retro 50's
Date: September 21, 2009
Fantastic dress in crisp cotton. Does take some ironing. Empire waist, cap sleeves, modest scoop neck, with tie back straps. There is more gathered material in the front than back. The dress is a-line but has sort of a 'bubble' thing going, though it is pretty subtle. It should fit most body types and is pretty forgiving. I have the petite in vintage dot (gray with soft aqua dots) and it hits about knee length.
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Review 13 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
55
Gwen Location:
New England
Gender:
Female
Age:
45-54
great fall dress
Date: September 15, 2009
Bought this dress in the floral. Lovely unusual colors. Very flattering, slimming fit. Dress seems well-made and comfortable. A little short (I'm 5'7"), above the knee and I prefer it below, but has a big hem so I'm going to lengthen it. (How about putting dress lengths on website, and offering dresses and skirts in 2 lengths GH?) Good quality and unique colors and design!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
45
Artist Location:
Florida
Gender:
Female
Age:
45-54
Top 500 Contributor
Date: August 26, 2009
This dress fit me perfectly in my regular size 10. I'm 5'5" and weigh 128. Love the colors on the Vintage but not crazy about dots. Also, the dress is lined which I don't think was necessary, but maybe it makes it hang better? Didn't care for the tie back so I cut the ties off and like it much better. Side pockets would have been my choice over the sash that ties. If you don't tie it the dress falls just below the knee where I like it. Overall it really is cute and fits well. My husband even complimented me and that's something after 15 years of marriage. I would have given it 5 stars but I thought it a bit pricey, but I think the lining does make it hang better so it's worth it.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
55
Aneliese Location:
Southern Maine
Gender:
Female
Age:
45-54
Date: August 25, 2009
I LOVE this dress, I ordered the vintage dot. I think its perfect for a late summer, early fall dress for casual office and leisure days out and about. The pleated cap sleeve detail is very flattering, giving the dress a special feel and design. Combined with a nice sweater...I will be able to wear it way into fall.
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Review 16 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
55
Blessings Location:
Palmer, AK
Gender:
Female
Age:
25-34
Top 500 Contributor
Gorgeous Dress!
Date: February 2, 2009
I was bummed when I first tried to purchase this dress that it was out of stock but I kept checking the website often to see if more would become available and as soon as I saw there was more in stock, I quickly purchased it. I was glad I spent the money on this amazing dress. It's beautiful vintage details combined with the floral print makes it an excellent choice when you're going somewhere special. I love the fall colors and the quality construction and is my favorite dress that I've bought from Garnet Hill so far!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
55
cinnamon
Gender:
Female
Age:
45-54
Sweet Dress
Date: January 30, 2009
Very flattering for a petite figure. The material is soft to the touch. Vintage dot is a pretty color.
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Review 18 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
55
LINofNJ Location:
NJ
Gender:
Female
Age:
35-44
Cap Sleeve Dress
Date: January 30, 2009
I got this dress in Vintage Rose floral and I love it. It has a pretty feminine fit and I find it very versitile and goes with a lot of things. The fabric is more on the thin side but it's lined so it's very subtantial and of nice quality. While this dress goes great with sweaters and tights in fall/winter, I'm sure I will wear it "as is" throughout the spring and summer too! Glad i got it!
This is the most versatile dress I own. It is seasonless with layers or without, can be dressed up or down with accessories and with the vintage rose print that I have, the palette encourages creativity with shoes, purses and hosiery. The fit is flattering and forgiving. The tie in back adds feminine flair, but doesn't look immature. This is my favorite and most comfortable dress.
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Review 20 for Pleated-Bodice Cap-Sleeve Dress
Overall
55
BonBon Location:
Salt Lake City, UT
Gender:
Female
Age:
45-54
Top 1000 Contributor
Beautiful Dress!
Date: January 30, 2009
I loved this dress so much I bought it in both colors which I never, never do. However, the two patterns were different enough and this dress is so fun with the pleated bodice and the flowing skirt I had to have both. Plus, the dress is slimming and extremely feminine. I felt younger and prettier than I had in a long time. Beautiful dress!
