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Thursday’s TPS Report: Jessica Howard Belted Dress

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Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

Today's post is suggested by reader J, who — like us — wears dresses as often as possible in the summertime. She recently purchased this dress, and notes that “for the price, the quality seems quite good (except for the belt, which is easily swapped). Although it doesn't say so in the description, the dress also has essentially invisible — yet deep — pockets. It's incredibly flattering on. I think that it's a great summer-to-fall dress.” So do we — it's lovely! J got hers at Macy's but we couldn't find it on the website… it is also available at Dillards.com for $80. Jessica Howard Belted Dress

If you've recently seen a great work piece you'd like to recommend to the readers, please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line. Unless you ask otherwise, we'll refer to you by your first initial.

Sales of note for 3/26/25:

  • Nordstrom – 15% off beauty (ends 3/30) + Nordy Club members earn 3X the points!
  • Ann Taylor – Extra 50% off sale + additional 20% off + 30% off your purchase
  • Banana Republic Factory – Friends & Family Event: 50% off purchase + extra 20% off
  • Eloquii – 50% off select styles + extra 50% off all sale
  • J.Crew – 30% off tops, tees, dresses, accessories, sale styles + warm-weather styles
  • J.Crew Factory – Shorts under $30 + extra 60% off clearance + up to 60% off everything
  • M.M.LaFleur – 25% off travel favorites + use code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – $64.50 spring cardigans + BOGO 50% off everything else

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

17 Comments

  2. Am I the only one who thinks this looks a little bit too teen for work? I feel like I’ve seen this dress in about 3-4 teen stores recently. Since I already look young, this is not something I would feel comfortable wearing in a professional environment.

  3. Can any one report on the fabric? In a good fabric, and the belt replaced, I think the tradition of plaid helps up the corporate quotient. But if the fabric is flimsy….*intake of breath through the teeth*

  4. Mel – I completely agree with the teen assessment. It reminds me of Cher in “Clueless”

  5. My first thought when seeing the dress was that a black jacket with a round collar would dress it up to an appropriate level.

  6. Well, I’m the “J” who suggested this one, so I’ll chime in on the fabric! It’s not flimsy at all. It’s actually rather thick, and is fully lined.

    I find it intersting that some people think that this looks young, because I feel like I look a bit older when I wear a structured dress like this.

  7. It looks young to me, too, although I’m having trouble figuring out exactly why – maybe because of the shade of purple it’s giving me a goth crossed with grunge high school flashback?

    I do like the structure of the dress… swap out the purple for gray, and maybe have the top be solid instead, and I’d be sold.

  8. It’s the purple plaid that makes it look young, as that’s the same 80s look that you see in the juniors sections. It makes me want to put up a side pony tail like I rocked in the mid 80s :) I like the shape, though.

  9. I love dresses like these in my business casual workplace. This is an awesome dress that will help with the transition in to fall. It would look awesome with black pantyhose and classy, patent leather black pumps!

  10. Not crazy about this dress, but a big fan of dresses in general… reminds me too much of 80’s plaid, maybe in a different fabric…

  11. It always cracks me up how so many people on this site are so anti-80s! Sad to say, ladies, the 80s are back. It’s taken about 5 years to really hit but, here come the leggings and rompers and side ponytails. Some of it is ok! I am studiously avoiding the leggings and rompers, though. Nothing good can come of that.

    As for this dress – with the right belt, I think it could be great. Super cheap, too.

  12. Does it have some sort of piping around the neckline or is it just the photo making it look that way? I zoomed in on the Dillard’s site.

  13. Could anyone reccomend a good replacement belr or a black jacket with round collar? I am so bad with accesorries and outfits in general .

  14. I second RI Girl’s request. In particular, could you suggest belts that work work with either structured dresses like the one in the post or with sweater dresses? I bought my first sweater dress a few weeks ago (with the intention to wear it on the weekend in the fall since I am primarily a suit-girl at the office), but am not sure what type of belt would be best. I only own a basic black belt and a navy belt to go with suits and beyond that, am clueless.

  15. I am with those who think this looks very teen/goth/cheap. Let me also add unflattering. It looks like a dress for a 5 year-old, scaled to adult size.

  16. I think the dress looks good. I have a similar dress that’s a bit cheaper, I think it was from Banana Rep, but in grey plaid (not purple) with a lining just like this one.
    The cut is almost identical to this one. I think the combination of the belt and the pleats on the waist hide my pear-shaped figure well, emphasize my top and waist and are roomy about the hips so that is very flattering to me. It’s one of my fave dresses because of the fit, and the fact that its not sleeveless or skimpy at all. Very comfortable.

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