I am a big fan in theory but irl, not so much.
In general, I avoid sweater dressed for reasons mentioned above but sometimes I could not resist. This was the case with J.Crew cashmere Fiori dress from 2009. I loved the silver gray shown in the stock picture but since I already owned a gray sweater dress (see below), I decided to go with black.
I was not disappointed when I received it, it was exactly what I was looking for.
It has just the right length and it is not cut too low. The slightly a-line skirt does not get out of shape by the end of the day. The rosette is subtle and eliminates a need for a necklace but makes the dress more elegant. However, I have worn it with boots to the office without feeling overdressed. Miraculously, it does not pill.
I took a smaller of my sizes (S) and the dress was still roomy at first, but after I washed it couple of times, it shrunk a little and become more fitted but not too small. Btw, I hate dry cleaning and I wash all my cashmere with regular detergent on gentle cycle and air dry. It shrinks a little but other than that, I did not have any problems. I actually think it pills less after washing. You just have to be careful, so you don't throw it in the dryer with the rest of the load. I learned that the hard way. However, putting it in the dryer for 5 minutes to fluff works well.
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I am wearing the dress with my Nottingham boots and Boulevard coat in sandstone. I love this coat and I hope J.Crew will come back with the classic Boulevard silhouette next year. I don't like the cut of the one they did this year, although some of the colors are beautiful.
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My other sweater dress is even older (2007?) and I bought it from Boden. I used to buy much more from them in those years.
This is 100% thick, ribbed merino wool with not a single pill in sight. It is not itchy and merino can bother me. I got it in size 10 but it is still roomy in hips. The length is good but the neck is rather exposed, which is a slight problem in the winter when I want to be covered up. What I like about it (besides the color and 100% merino) is that it reads quite casual. I am not DaniBP (I wish) but I can wear this dress around the house and feel comfortable.
Also wearing Ryder boots and Tillary purse (review HERE).
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That's all folks!
Do you like/wear sweater dresses?
Do you own J.Crew Fiori dress?
Do you wash your cashmere and merino?
Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!
