Dresses Like Anthropologie's (But Not)

[unhly_msqurade]

I'm a diehard Anthropologie fan, but this season's summer dresses aren't for me. I wear a medical device on my abdomen, and anything tight around my waistline is extremely unflattering. I love dresses with a loose elastic or tie waist that have a bit of a blouson effect (see Gap dress below), but Anthro's offerings this season are either shapeless tents or have wide, tight bands or smocking around the waist. Any tips for brands I should seek out? I'm either a small or extra small in size if that helps at all. Thanks for the advice, kind folks!

 

[Swanky]

Have you tried their little sister, Free People?

 

[unhly_msqurade]

Have you tried their little sister, Free People?

Thank you for thinking of this! Great idea, but, alas, I have! No luck.

 

[Harpertoo]

I found a few - just a few - at Aritzia when I was looking for a dress for my daughter. Definitely had to wade through the more body-con looks to find what she was after….I will say the ones she liked were all pretty short almost baby-doll style.

 

[unhly_msqurade]

I found a few - just a few - at Aritzia when I was looking for a dress for my daughter. Definitely had to wade through the more body-con looks to find what she was after….I will say the ones she liked were all pretty short almost baby-doll style.

Thank you! I’ve never shopped at Aritzia but will definitely visit their website!

 

[Harpertoo]

Have you tried their little sister, Free People?

I had no idea of the connection. I’m going to enjoy telling my spouse since he’s labeled Anthro’s style as ‘quirky art teacher’.

 

[Swanky]

I had no idea of the connection. I’m going to enjoy telling my spouse since he’s labeled Anthro’s style as ‘quirky art teacher’.

And Urban Outfitters is also a sibling!

 

[Swanky]

Zara is hit/miss for these dresses as well.

 

[unhly_msqurade]

Zara is hit/miss for these dresses as well.

I have never shopped at Zara but heard good things. Thank you!

 

[DreamingBeauty]

If you otherwise like any of the "shapeless tents" you could always add a belt or sash to create a waist at the level you want it to be.

 

[Straight-Laced]

Have you looked further afield at Hush UK? They have a few designs that look easy to wear and aren't shapeless - there might be something that works for you.
I've noticed there's a lot of smocking around this season. I generally avoid it too because it looks terrible when it starts to fall apart.

Dresses | hush

New dresses have arrived! Shop our beautiful latest styles & beloved classics in gorgeous new prints. Find your perfect spring look in our collection today.

www.hush-uk.com

 

[Jktgal]

have you looked into monsoon, @unhly_msqurade? their bohemian styles of dresses and tunics might be to your liking.

 

[unhly_msqurade]

have you looked into monsoon, @unhly_msqurade? their bohemian styles of dresses and tunics might be to your liking.
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Ooh! These are really pretty. I will definitely check them out. Thank you!

If you otherwise like any of the "shapeless tents" you could always add a belt or sash to create a waist at the level you want it to be.

I DO like the shapeless tents, but I'm 5'1" and size Small, so I get lost in the fabric when I belt a tend. Thank you for the idea, though! I wish it would work!

Have you looked further afield at Hush UK? They have a few designs that look easy to wear and aren't shapeless - there might be something that works for you.
I've noticed there's a lot of smocking around this season. I generally avoid it too because it looks terrible when it starts to fall apart.

Dresses | hush

New dresses have arrived! Shop our beautiful latest styles & beloved classics in gorgeous new prints. Find your perfect spring look in our collection today.

www.hush-uk.com

Thank you for the recommendation! I just looked at their site. There are so many things that I'd love to wear!

 

[unhly_msqurade]

have you looked into monsoon, @unhly_msqurade? their bohemian styles of dresses and tunics might be to your liking.
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Addendum: I just looked at their site. GORGEOUS! Thank you again for the recommendation!

 

[unhly_msqurade]

Update! I found what I wanted at Anthro after all. I had discounted the Somerset dress because of the smocking at the waist. Turns out it's extremely flattering (even with a medical device strapped to my abdomen). Highly, HIGHLY recommend.

The Somerset Maxi Dress

Shop the The Somerset Maxi Dress and more at Anthropologie today. Read customer reviews, discover product details and more.

www.anthropologie.com