"trust but verify" was my approach to this dress, and I wish I had just trusted, because it's an immediate return. I love the fabric, and I love the cut and the print--but there is just NO WAY of making the chest work. Because I like the pattern and fabric so much, I really tried to make it work. But the look is like resting a small bra over the top of my chest, and then having my actual breasts underneath the empire hem. It cannot be saved. Even as a knock-around dress or hang-out at-the-pool or pick-up-the-kids-form-camp dress, it just doesn't cut it. I kept it for a couple of days and tried it on again and again to try to convince myself, but there's just no saving it. The rest of the dress fits me well (I'm 5'6"), and I like the shape. The minuscule empire bra just does not work.

Ok, the price made me pause, but it is linen. The color is great and the strips are slimming. It is elegant but casual and great in warm weather. Thank you for wider straps so you can wear a bra underneath. I got a fig colored shrug for wearing air conditioning. I am older and it isn't too revealing. I am 5'6" and the length is spot on, it may not work for a shorter person. Size 10/12 in a dress and a size medium is perfect. This is high quality item, worth the price.

Comments about Linen Empire-Waist Maxi Dress

After reading the reviews that said the dress was small in the bust area, I ordered two sizes, S and MP (I'm almost always a size S in Banana Republic). The length of the MP was more to my liking, but unfortunately they were large in the bust (I'm a 34B) and it looked ridiculous on me. #sweepstakes

I'd tried this dress in a solid color, but it did nothing for me. Tried it in the brown & blue print & WOW. It's a keeper. Surprised the XS fit in the bust area; must've been mislabeled? Love, love, love.

I ordered both the black and olive in medium petite .. perfect shape , drape and height .. absolutely love the sweep , pockets and adjustable straps !!

I was so excited about this dress, the cut, the colours (Blue & Brown Floral), the fabric, the wider straps, the elastic at the back for comfort. But when I tried it on, the puckering in the chest area due to all the seams and the cup style did not work for my size 34D. I am always size small in BR, medium would have been way to loose and baggy around the chest. But the way this is sewn, it really doesn't allow for differeing cup sizes, anything over a B will not work for this dress. Sadly, I'm returning it as I simply can't make it work.

Love this dress! The colors are unique . The print is art. Fabric quality is heavy enough to have great movement but light enough for summer. I wore to a wedding in very hot climate and it kept me cool. I'm giving four stars bc the fit of bodice for someone with bigger bust (im 42 DD) just didnt fit correctly.'I made it work but I wish there was a b it more length to the bodice.'

I purchased the floral pattern in my medium size and it fits perfectly. It's so comfortable and adorable!

I ordered size small and I'm glad that I did. I usually wear XS, but after reading the comments, I decided to order size Small. The length is perfect and the color is beautiful. I'd highly recommend it.

Comments about Linen Empire-Waist Maxi Dress

I love the quality.