Party Dresses Review: Banana Republic, Charles Henry, and ASOS

Sharing reviews of a few party dresses today, because it’s almost that time of year again.

Style Banana Republic Scalloped Pocket Dress, available in two colors.
Material 88% polyester, 12% spandex; the material is only somewhat stretchy so has some shaping properties.
Fit True to size for fitted Banana Republic dresses with a side zipper; size up if you have a proportionately large chest.
Price $96.99 (+ an extra 40% off with code FRIENDS)
Decision I am keeping this in black; the scallop details appeal to my aesthetic sensibilities and the pockets seal the deal. It’s also fairly comfortable despite being a fitted design. The dress is gorgeous in red, but is a little too loud with scallops for my taste.

Banana Republic Scalloped Pocket Dress / Black / Size 00P
Banana Republic Scalloped Pocket Dress / Red / Size 00P

Style Charles Henry Off the Shoulder Woven A-Line Dress, available in four colors.
Material 95% polyester, 5% spandex. The material is not easily wrinkled, and drapes well.
Fit Even accounting for its original blousy design, the dress still runs about a full size large. Order a size down unless you are tall.
Price $88
Decision I like the color and the material, but it fits me poorly off-the-rack. I could make it work with a belt, but am not really in a position to add indiscriminately to my closet. Will likely return this.

Charles Henry Off the Shoulder Woven A-Line Dress / Size XS / Pine

Style ASOS PETITE Extreme Cowl Front Midi Dress (regular sizes here), also available in navy (petite sizes here).
Material 100% Polyester with no stretch.
Fit True to size for ASOS, though the length is a little long (even in petite) on 5’2 me.
Price From $22.55 to $82.68 (the dress is cheapest in petite sizes and in the rust orange shown here)
Decision I have owned this for a few months now, and have worn it once. Shown below is the dress shoddily taken up a few inches from the shoulder (the original design on me showed too much cleavage). I plan to add snap closures to the front splits—it is currently poorly suited for windy conditions or walking briskly.

ASOS PETITE Extreme Cowl Front Midi Dress / Rust / US 0

A few more special occasion dresses that I have my eyes on:

Happy shopping!

Hi, I am Elle!

Recommended Posts

Where I Shop

Leave a Comment

%d bloggers like this: