Hey there, dress lover! If you‘re obsessed with all things vintage-inspired fashion like I am, you‘ve probably heard of ModCloth. This online retailer has made a splash with its huge variety of retro-chic dresses in inclusive sizes. But with so many tempting frocks to choose from, you might be wondering – are ModCloth dresses really worth it?
As a certified dress devotee and long-time ModCloth shopper, I‘m here to give you my honest, unfiltered opinions. I‘ve spent countless hours swirling away in my favorite ModCloth styles, poring over customer reviews, and comparing the brand to other vintage repro lines. So grab a coffee and settle in as I share everything you need to know about ModCloth dresses!
What Makes ModCloth Dresses Special
First things first – what sets ModCloth apart from all the other dress destinations out there? Here are a few key things I love about ModCloth frocks:
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Unique vintage-inspired styles: ModCloth is THE place to find dresses that look straight out of a 1950s fashion magazine or retro romcom. The brand really leans into feminine, timeless silhouettes like fit-and-flares, shirt dresses, and tea-length frocks with thoughtful details.
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Quirky prints and colors: If you like your dresses with a side of whimsy, you‘ll fall for ModCloth‘s playful prints. They‘ve always got a great mix of ditsy florals, polka dots, novelty prints, and rich colors that stand out.
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Inclusive sizing: ModCloth is one of the only retro-style brands that offers a full size range from XXS-4X. And they use diverse models so you can see the dresses on different body types. Yay for inclusivity!
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Affordable prices: While ModCloth isn‘t as cheap as some fast fashion brands, most of their dresses cost between $50-$150. I think that‘s pretty fair for the quality and unique designs.
ModCloth Dresses by Category
Now let‘s break down the main types of ModCloth dresses and what they have to offer:
Casual Dresses
ModCloth really shines in the casual dress category with tons of cute, comfy frocks you can wear for laid-back occasions. Some of the most popular styles include:
- Fit-and-flare shirt dresses
- Breezy sundresses
- Retro-inspired wrap dresses
- Smock-waist midis and maxis
I personally can‘t resist a good shirt dress, and ModCloth has tons in fun novelty prints. I also love their knit fit-and-flares for cooler weather – they‘re stretchy and easy to layer.
Cocktail & Wedding Guest Dresses
Got a special event coming up? ModCloth‘s party dress selection is full of glam options with just the right amount of retro flair. You‘ll find:
- Full-skirted 50s-style cocktail dresses
- Sleek and sultry wiggle dresses
- Embellished fit-and-flares
- Romantic lace dresses
I‘ve worn ModCloth dresses to weddings, holiday parties, and even a vintage-themed gala. They always make me feel put-together and get plenty of compliments.
Plus Size Dresses
If you wear plus sizes, you know the struggle of finding cute, quality dresses that fit well. ModCloth has quickly become one of my go-to‘s for plus size frocks because:
- They offer their full dress selection in sizes up to 4X
- Patterns are adjusted and graded to flatter curves
- Models actually look like plus size women
- Styles have comfort features like stretch, smocking, and slits
Some of my favorite plus dresses I‘ve purchased are the Lace Garden Occasion Dress (the V-back is stunning) and the Pocketed Shirt Dress (ideal for work to play).
Wedding Dresses
Believe it or not, ModCloth also has a small selection of wedding dresses and bridesmaid frocks. They tend to be less traditional and more boho or retro-inspired. You‘ll find styles like:
- Lace fit-and-flare wedding gowns
- Tea-length lace wedding dresses
- Beaded & embroidered bridesmaid dresses
- Tulle and chiffon gowns
If you‘re a bride on a budget or looking for a unique dress with old-school charm, definitely browse ModCloth‘s wedding shop. The prices max out around $300 which is a steal compared to traditional bridal boutiques.
Detailed ModCloth Dress Reviews
Okay, now that you have an overview, let‘s dive into the nitty-gritty details! Here are my in-depth reviews of some popular ModCloth dresses:
Traveling Cupcake Truck Dress Review
The Traveling Cupcake Truck Dress is quintessential ModCloth with its cheeky print and retro silhouette. It features a light blue background with colorful cupcake trucks and a halter-style bodice with a sweetheart neckline. The full skirt has handy pockets and falls just below the knee.
I ordered this dress for a friend‘s birthday picnic and it was perfect for the occasion. The 100% cotton fabric is lightweight and comfy, ideal for warm days. The print is even more vibrant in person and the sweetheart neckline is super flattering. It does wrinkle fairly easily, so be prepared to steam or iron.
I‘m 5‘6" and the size M fit me well, hitting a couple inches below my knee. The halter straps are adjustable so you can get the right fit on top. There‘s also smocking in the back bodice for a flexible fit.
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Price: $99.99
Sizes: XS-4X
My Rating: 4.5/5
Chart-Topping Swing Dress Review
If you‘re looking for a versatile LBD with a vintage twist, check out the Chart-Topping Swing Dress. This simple swing dress is made from a soft, stretchy ponte knit that drapes beautifully. It has a scoop neckline, short sleeves, and a knee-length A-line skirt.
What I love most about this dress is how easy it is to dress up or down. You can wear it with sneakers and a denim jacket for a casual look, or add heels and statement jewelry for a night out. The fabric is medium-weight and opaque, so no worries about sheerness. It‘s also super comfy thanks to the stretch.
I went with my usual size L which fit true to the size chart. It‘s machine washable and comes out looking great. I can tell this will be one of those dresses I reach for again and again.
Fabric: 76% Polyester, 21% Rayon, 3% Spandex
Price: $55
Sizes: XXS-4X
My Rating: 5/5
Starlet‘s Dream Maxi Dress Review
Calling all old Hollywood glamour lovers – the Starlet‘s Dream Maxi Dress is for you! This show-stopping gown is made from a flowy chiffon with an allover shimmery star print. It has a plunging V-neckline, sheer flutter sleeves, and a full maxi skirt with a high slit.
I wore this dress to a black tie wedding and felt like a total movie star. The chiffon fabric floats beautifully as you walk and the metallic stars catch the light. The V-neck and slit add a sultry touch while still keeping it classy. I love the sheer sleeves for a bit of arm coverage.
The dress is lined with a stretchy fabric that helps it skim over curves. I‘m a 38DD and the XL fit well without being too booby. The length was perfect with 3" heels on my 5‘6" frame.
Fabric: 100% Polyester
Price: $150
Sizes: XS-4X
My Rating: 4.7/5
ModCloth Dress Sizing & Fit Guide
One of the biggest questions I get about ModCloth is "How do their dresses fit?" The answer is – it depends on the style. Some run true to size, some large, some small. Here‘s a general breakdown:
- Knit & stretchy dresses tend to run true to size or slightly large. If between sizes, order down.
- Woven & non-stretch dresses are more likely to run small in bust/waist. If between, order up.
- Fit-and-flare styles work best for hourglass & pear shapes. Apple & rectangle may size up.
- Swing & shift dresses fit looser and straighter. Good for rectangles and apples.
- Wiggle & sheath dresses fit snugly through the bust and hips. Hourglasses size up if curvy.
Your best bet is to ALWAYS check the specific size chart and customer reviews for each dress. ModCloth lists garment measurements for each size which you can compare to your own. The reviews usually have helpful feedback on fit and photos from different body types.
If you‘re still unsure or between sizes, ModCloth offers free shipping on exchanges. So you can order a couple sizes to try on at home and send back what doesn‘t work. Returns are also free within 30 days for orders over $75.
ModCloth Dresses vs. Similar Retro Brands
So how does ModCloth stack up against other vintage-inspired dress brands? Here‘s my take:
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Unique Vintage & Lindy Bop both offer retro dresses with more historically-accurate details and prints. UV has a wider selection of formal/wedding guest dresses. Lindy Bop‘s prices are slightly lower. Neither has as inclusive of a size range as ModCloth.
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Collectif is a UK-based brand that does actual vintage reproductions from the 40s-60s. The quality and construction is amazing but the prices are much higher (most dresses are over $100). They have a very glam, pinup girl aesthetic.
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Smak Parlour is a small, women-owned brand that does retro-meets-modern dresses in bright colors and fun prints. Similar price point and size range to ModCloth, but with a more youthful, Instagram-friendly vibe.
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Anthropologie has some vintage-inspired dresses but with a more boho, worldly feel. The quality is great but prices are definitely higher than ModCloth. Sizing is much more limited (only XS-XL usually).
Ultimately, I think ModCloth hits a great sweet spot in terms of style, variety, quality, and price. They don‘t take themselves too seriously and the size inclusivity can‘t be beat. If you want true vintage reproductions and don‘t mind a splurge, go with Collectif or UV. For trendy, casual retro looks on a budget, try Lindy Bop or Smak Parlour.
Where to Shop & Save on ModCloth Dresses
If I‘ve convinced you to give ModCloth dresses a twirl, you‘re in luck – they make it super easy to shop! Just head to ModCloth.com and click on the "Dresses" category. From there you can filter by size, length, style, price, and more to find your perfect frock.
ModCloth has frequent sales with dresses up to 50% off – I always check the "Sale" section first. You can also get a 15% off ModCloth promo code when you sign up for emails. Students and teachers get 25% off as well. If you really want to save, shop the big seasonal sales like Black Friday or Christmas in July.
In terms of shipping, ModCloth offers free standard shipping over $75 and $8 flat rate under that. They ship within the US and to a few other countries. In my experience, orders arrive within about 3-7 business days.
Pro tip: sign up for the free ModCloth Rewards program to earn points on every order which you can redeem for discounts later. You also get a special birthday offer and early access to sales.
Conclusion: Should You Buy ModCloth Dresses?
Whew, that was a lot of info! Let‘s bring it all home – are ModCloth dresses worth your hard-earned cash?? In my humble opinion, HELL YES.
ModCloth offers something really unique in the dress market with inclusive sizing, quirky vintage style, and affordable price points. The dresses are high-quality, well-constructed, and make you feel like a retro bombshell. I consistently have great experiences with their customer service and shipping too.
Of course, no brand is perfect and ModCloth won‘t be everyone‘s cup of tea. The prints and colors can be a bit much if your style is more minimalist. And there are definitely some designer collabs/one-off pieces that I think are overpriced. You have to be strategic about when you shop and what you buy.
But overall, I‘m a big ModCloth stan and think their dresses are a great value. My closet is filled with them and I don‘t plan on stopping anytime soon! Especially when I can get those sweet, sweet discounts.
So my advice? Browse the ModCloth dress selection, read some reviews, and if a certain style makes your vintage-loving heart go pitter-patter – buy it! Twirl around in that fit-and-flare like nobody‘s watching. Embrace the power of a quirky print. And remember, if it doesn‘t work out, returns are always free.
I hope this super in-depth ModCloth dresses review has been helpful for you! Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to chat fashion. Now if you‘ll excuse me, I‘ve got a date with my polka dot sundress and some lemonade on the porch. 😉
