Work Dresses Review: Felicity & Coco + Vince Camuto + Tahari

Left: Vince Camuto Crepe A-Line Dress || J. Crew Icon Trench Coat in Wool-cashmere || Kate Spade Olive Drive Brigette Leather Satchel || Ann Taylor Mila Leather Pumps
Right: Vince Camuto Crepe A-Line Dress || Burberry Mottram Trench || Ann Taylor Trio Layer Necklace || Michael Kors Golden Oversized Runway Watch || Ann Taylor Signature Tote || Aerosoles Goldfish Suede OTK Boots

I recently ordered a number of “work” dresses (easier to justify) to “try” after retiring a few older styles that are starting to fade. I’ll start with the only keeper of this group: the Vince Camuto Crepe A-Line Dress (40% off in select colors here).

Material 68% polyester/30% rayon/2% spandex; this medium-weight fabric is mostly wrinkle-resistant. It’s light enough for summer in an air-conditioned office, and warm enough with another layer for mild winters.
Fit Runs 2R-16R and 0P-14P; Nordstrom recommends sizing up in this style, but I think it fits true to size. The slightly flared silhouette is flattering (especially on a straighter shape), and the bateau neckline lends itself to being accessorized with jewelry, or worn with a collared shirt underneath.
Price $148 is on the higher end of what I am willing to pay for a nondescript work dress, but the current sale makes it easier to justify the purchase.
Decision This was a keeper. I wonder if I should’ve gone with a more unique color like aubergine or hunter green, but I ruined a navy workhorse dress recently so this conveniently became its replacement.

Vince Camuto Crepe A-Line Dress // Size 0P // Navy

Style Felicity & Coco Seamed Pencil Dress, available in eight colors.
Material 65% viscose rayon/25% nylon/10% spandex; the seamed synthetic material is stretchy (so not uncomfortable to wear), and just thick enough to hide seamless panty lines.
Fit Available in regular and petite XS-XL. It’s a “body-conscious” fit, so meant to be body-hugging. I found that it accentuated every lump and bump (or big breakfasts) on my body. If I had to keep this, I would re-order in a size up.
Price $98 is reasonable, I suppose, for a dress that could double as a special occasions option. But it is unlined and has an exposed zipper, which could be part of the design, or a cost-cutting measure.
Decision I returned this as I have plenty of bandage dresses that I like better. Also, super tight dresses make me want to slouch. Furthermore, I am not sure that I would feel comfortable wearing this to work, but I can see it being flattering on the right person (i.e., someone tall and with some curves).

Felicity & Coco Seamed Pencil Dress // Cobalt // Size XS Petite

Felicity & Coco Seamed Pencil Dress || Ann Taylor Refined Pocket Cape || Prada Saffiano Lux Large Double-Zip Executive Tote || Ann Taylor Mila Leather Pumps

Style Tahari Seamed A-Line Dress; available in 10 colors
Material 63% Polyester/33% Rayon/4% Elastane; the fabric is mid-weight and with some stretch. It is not wrinkle-prone, but I expect it’ll benefit from a nice steam before you put it on. It is fully lined.
Fit Runs 2R-16 and 0P-14P. I feel it fits true to size, or very slightly small. If you are between sizes (or are particularly large-chested), you may need to order a size up.
Price It retails for $128, but is on sale for $64 in all colors online.
Decision I returned this, as it fit me just okay, and I wasn’t excited about the color I ordered. On sale it’s a decent value, and there are no major issues that would preclude me from recommending it.