As an avid lover of animal print, this dress in a darker color scheme caught my eye after making an appearance in several ads. I couldn’t find it in petites at my local store, but ended up getting one as a gift thanks to LOFT. This dress runs roomy so I’d suggest sizing down, or slimming the torso sides if you’re narrow framed. The drop-waisted style is a chic look that I’ve often admired on taller ladies, but think petites can pull it off too if the length is short enough for balance. 
I’ve worn it casually as-is with booties and layers, or belted with a moto jacket for a more shapely silhouette. This bow belt in faux pebbled leather is adorable, and in my favorite belt style where the extra end tucks neatly underneath versus flops around on the outside (not sure exactly what this style is called, but it has a prong nub beneath the bow instead of a buckle). I’d recommend it for a cute accent piece to dress up plain outfits. Sizing seems to run big for this as well so I added a few extra holes with my nifty belt hole puncher, for it to fit both my hips and waist.
Dress is a sweatshirt-like material (70% cotton, 28% nylon, 2% spandex) and unlined so best suited for casual wear. Please note it has an exposed zipper on the back, which I will have my tailor replace with an invisible one. He charges $15 to do so on unlined pieces, so I’ve been taking advantage of this service for numerous dresses and skirts to make them more versatile.
The measurements of this dress in XXSP are 15.5″ across the armpits, 15″ across the waist, 32″ total length, and 16″ sleeve length – will need slimming for someone similar to my size. The size S in the bow belt came with original holes ranging from 30″ to 34″ in circumference.
After my last review I ended up getting the jeweled sweatshirt on sale and will show a few outfits with it soon! It’s 100% cotton, fits well without alterations, and has been easy to dress up and down – all in all a pretty good buy. Would recommend while all sizes are in stock, especially with the current promotion. Please note that when un-tucked though, it’s a little long on someone my height (5 feet) so I usually fold the bottom band under. Measurements of XXS petite in the sweatshirt is 16″ across the armpits, 22.5″ total length, 13″ across the shoulders, and 22″ sleeve length. Out of curiosity I also ordered the 5-pocket legging jeans mentioned in that post but received the wrong size in the mail. The sz 25/0 petite almost fit though, which is promising so I’ll give them another try sometime.
Drop waist dresses are supposed to fit loosely and flow away from the body (see this pic for example: http://coolspotters.com/tv-personalities/lucy-mecklenburgh/and/clothing/asos-quilted-drop-waist-shell-dress#medium-3489647). I think it's a bit odd that you (and other petite bloggers) seem assume that anything that doesn't fit "snug" or "slim" runs large in sizing. Some garments are just supposed to have a more relaxed silhouette.
Hi Jean, love your leopard print dress, so street style chic. Love it http://www.kblossoms.etsy.com
You are truly wonderful! Thank you!
Hi Jean,
I want to know where I can buy a jacket that you´re wearing in your fourth profil photo of facebook. It´s a brown jacket, similar to this BlankNYC jacket. Please, let me know it!
Thank you very much!!
Thanks so much, Jean! You rock.
Hey Jean,
Just wondering if you can show some fall outfits for first date, looks that are classy but casual.
Thank you!
Hi Allison – you can look for silk or poly drape "cardigan jackets" without the lapels that blazers have, if you want something lightweight. If you don't mind something a little heavier in weight, I think your answer could be sweater jackets which are some of my favorite pieces. Here are some examples:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=970091002&tid;=braff2178999≈=2&siteID;=brafcid105
http://www.anntaylor.com/petite-double-breasted-sweater-jacket/351396?colorExplode=false&skuId;=17360982&catid;=cat920014&productPageType;=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor;=1655&CID;=aff_7078679
If your office is on the more casual side of business casual, you might also like the lighter weight drape fleece "cardigan" that I posted here, which I throw on at my office to stay covered up:
https://www.extrapetite.com/2014/09/casual-fall-taupe-and-gingham-at-boston.html
Totally understand your need to look fantastic and appropriate in this tough setting, but mostly fantastic : ) What about something that is covered-up but shows off an hourglass silhouette? Maybe a lace or printed top + a full skirt with a very fitted waist, or, go sleek with something like the DVF Zarita lace dress (currently on sale at some places like Nordstrom) has an understated sexiness to it and is fitted without being like a "bandage dress." I have the nude color and wore it a past weekend and got so many unexpected compliments. Hopefully you'll find something that works out for you, and more importantly lets you enjoy the shower! Remember a happy smile will radiate the most beauty!
Hi Jean,
I work in the corporate world, and my wardrobe is less than lackluster. I'm currently relying heavily on long-sleeved cotton cardigans (must hide the tattoos), and I feel like I appear homely and unsophisticated. I feel like this is coming down to a fabric issue. Do you know of any garments that act as a cardigan, but are light and airy (perhaps silk or rayon, or a blend)? Something that can be worn open with a shell underneath and that is neither a cardi or blazer?
Thank you!
Beautiful dress!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Beautiful and cheerful, I like this combination 🙂 Swaying skirt line and that leather jacket – I could use that at work myself. Nice leopard print. Have a great weekend, Jean –Anu from Finland.
I'm not a fan of leopard print, but it looks so incredibly good on you!!! So chic and classy!
Kira
http://kiraiswearing.blogspot.co.uk
xx
Lovely Dress! I love leo-look
if you like, visit my blog on http://www.nissimendes.ch
New Post: http://nissimendes.ch/dauntless-be-brav/
This outfit is so chic and edgy! Love how you paired leather and leopard together for the most fierce look!
xx, Diane || http://www.modernisticphoenix.blogspot.com
Love this dress on you!
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
This drop waist definitely works for you!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Hi Jean,
I have to go to an afternoon "couple's shower" in October in Philadelphia. On a personal note, my ex will be there with his new fiancé. Needless to say, I want to look fantastic- but also appropriate. Any outfit ideas or suggestions to save me from any more stress?
such a great dress 🙂
Saci
ChocolateFashionCoffee
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I like color and print of the dress but hesitate it might be too short to wear in office. Also drop waist design tends to elongate upper body, so I didn't pull the trigger.
This is dress is so pretty….and your style is so effortless…love both the looks..
xo
Hems
http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/
Love this dress. It's so flattering and perfect for fall!
<3 Daisy
Simplicity Relished
I love this dress, so elegant but also trendy!
Oh my word.. I just love this look!!! The dress is so versatile!
Hope
http://www.hhdesignsblog.com
I think the pattern/color looks fantastic on you. 🙂 However, it looks better without the belt as the belt awkwardly broke up the drop waist silhouette. If the length hit higher at about mid thigh, it would be perfect too, but the current length still looks good on you. I would pair this dress with a longer jacket like a peacoat or trench (in navy, camel, plum, even dark green) with d'orsay or pointed toe flats without tights. Probably the color combination and accessories is what's throwing it off and making it look "matronly" as stated by others. I think putting a roomy solid sweater over the dress could be really cute and chic too along with booties. I would ditch the jean jacket as the wash is too light for it and the jacket style looks kind of dated. The leather jacket looks great on you, if you could find a motorcycle style jean jacket that would look cool too.
So cute! Love the dress with the denim jacket<3
http://www.shallwesasa.com
I adore the leopard dress with the dropped waist flare on you! I love how you styled it casually with the denim jacket. Great deal on the zipper change with your tailor!
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
The dress is lovely!
http://www.missbagaholic.com
I got this dress after seeing it in a LOFT mailer. Love wearing it with my jean jacket too
Hunnh. I really like the black with brown. I guess that makes me old and matronly too now.
Hmmm… I saw this dress, but felt it was NOT right for me. Drop waist- never had a dress like that, BUT do love animal prints these days. As others noted, also NOT a fan of this dark brown color. It looks good on you (as usual)!
Wonderful! Love very much the first outfit! Perfect! <3
xxx
Le monde des petites
The dress is not exactly my style but it has an interesting cut and I really like your look in the first photo. The combination with the belt and the moto jacket looks good 🙂
Beautiful fall color. Love it both ways.
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
Your very old auntie and I have similar tastes, then : ) Would love to hear any of your suggestions on how to style it differently since I'm open to trying things outside my comfort zone!
I love everything about this dress! Beautiful fit and print!
chrissabella.blogspot.com
I always found drop waist dresses unflattering on me because of my narrow hips, but this dress looks very cute on you! I too took advantage of the Loft sale and ordered a few pant styles (including the Zoe that I remember fit you so well!) to try as well as that jeweled sweatshirt (and a jeweled button down). Thanks for the recs 🙂
This dress is a wonderful staple for fall and you styled it perfectly. The bow belt is simply adorable and adds a touch of girly to the whole look.
Red Reticule
Hi Jean,
I definitely think you could have picked a better pattern or color combination for this dress, if there's any other. In my opinion, it doesn't flatter your body type at all. Especially with your choice of pattern/color, it makes you look very matronly – something my very old auntie might like. In the last pic, you look especially short with that dress. I think you could have done better, like that blogger you linked above did.
I think ideally a little above the hips. I thought this one looked cute on Crystalin who is around 5 feet tall, I believe: http://crystalinmarie.com/drop-waist-perfection/
definitely a fan of the moto jacket with that dress!
It's from Blank NYC – reviewed it here: https://www.extrapetite.com/2013/10/blanknyc-faux-leather-jacket-and-olive.html
Amazing dress! That bow belt completes the dress!
It's a lovely dress!
Just out of curiosity, though, where exactly is the drop-waist supposed to hit?
Where is the moto jacket from?
I'm loving it with the bow belt and moto jacket! Very cute. It's perhaps a bit too baggy without the belt IMO.
Style by Joules
Animal print apparels usually look a bit too dramatic for my liking but I find this dress quite pretty, perhaps due to its feminine drop-waisted design. Love that you match this dress with a cute bow belt too!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com