Could I ask your advice? I need your honest feedback. Do you wear dresses?
If you automatically answered no, can you tell me why not? Is it because you don’t feel comfortable in dresses?
If you do like dresses, are you wearing them right now? If not, is it because you’re not going out anywhere? Is it because you’re working from home?
Here’s my dilemma. I have a new dress, the Anna Sheath. It’s a classic design with clean and simple lines. It’s reversible so you can wear the V-neck in front or back. I have samples of it in all 3 sizes – Size 1(S), 2(M), 3(L). I’ve gotten great feedback on the style and fit.
Anna Sheath in Midnight Black
But, my gut feeling is no one is buying dresses right now. You may love dresses but you have no where to wear them. And, maybe you’re still working from home so why would you put on a dress. Can you confirm or not confirm this hunch?
Or, maybe you’re already thinking ahead to fall/winter, which will be here before we know it, and you don’t wear dresses in the cooler weather. Even though the Anna Sheath is a good year round option because it’s in a medium weight bamboo french terry. You can easily put a short or long sleeved top or turtleneck underneath, or slip a cardigan or jacket overtop. Pair it with some tights and high boots and you’re all set. Note: The images are a little blurry because they’re screenshoots from my virtual fashion show but you get the idea.
Silky blue Anna sheath layered with a turtleneck
Anna sheath with the Vesna cardigan
Fiery fuchsia layered with a t-shirt
Maybe you typically head south for all or part of the winter and the Anna sheath would be the perfect travel companion, but your travel plans are on hold. There’s still so much uncertainly even as we move to Stage 3 of re-opening.
As a result, I don’t want to produce even a small quantity of the Anna sheath if no one is interested. And not even just interested, if no one is actually going to buy. My gut instinct is to save the design until spring 2021.
Instead I could produce my new 3/4 sleeve reversible top. It’s something you can wear whether you’re going out or not. Whether you’re working from home or not. Traveling or staying put.
3/4 Sleeve in Silky Blue V Front
Round neck in front
We’re all in survival mode right now, trying to make the best decisions possible to get to the next stage. So, could you help me out? If you were only going to purchase one new piece of clothing, would it be a year round reversible dress? Or a 3/4 sleeve reversible top?
Cast your vote now by typing “DRESS” or “TOP” in the comment section below. I’ll tally up the votes and let you know. Thanks so much for your valued input!
Until next week,
~ Colleen
I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer.
I create COKANNA Canadian made bamboo clothing for women that’s all about comfort and style.
Giving back to the community is important to me so I support Rethink Breast Cancer’s metastatic breast cancer support, education, and advocacy work.
Top
Noted. Thanks, Eleanor!
Top
Thanks, Danette! Going into the fall, I think a top is probably more practical. But, for the summer, the Carolyn dress is perfect. I hope you like the silky blue.
NO would be my answer. I’m definitely not a dress person but do like the casual neat dress that is versatile. But right now with our home confinement I would not get the wear out of it.
I love the 3/4 sleeve top. I definitely would wear that
Lynda, that’s what I thought. Thanks for your vote!
TOP
Thanks, Nancy! I’m thinking most people will get more wear out of a top than a dress right now.
Dress. I wear almost exclusively dresses when the weather
is warm. So comfortable, easy to get dressed and I always feel put together even with flip flops on my feet. Even at home, when not going anywhere, a dress is my go to. I save the leggings and yoga pants for cooler temps.
Thanks for your dress vote, Nancy! I love to hear when women wear dresses. I agree they’re so easy to put on and comfy to wear especially in the summer. And, I like that you wear them even at home.
I think the top would be more useful at the moment , even though the dress is lovely .
Dee, thanks for your vote! Definitely, a top is more useful. You can wear it with anything.
I’m a total dress person, but the A.S. dress is more formal than what I need and wear these days. So, top!
Thanks for your input, Christine! Yes, the A.S. dress is simple but more formal, although you can dress it up or down. The Carolyn reversible sundress might be more to your liking.
Top!
Lynn, thank you for your top vote!
I am not buying any clothes at the moment, but whilst I am a dress only girl in the summer, of the two choices I would err on the top because of the COVID climate of mainly staying at home.
Hi Julie, That’s what I was thinking too so thank you for your input. I think a lot of people are reflecting on what they already have and wisely not buying right now.
I frequently wear dresses, especially in the heat. So much more comfy. Especially in bamboo. But, at this moment in time, I believe your top would be the more saleable product. I believe people have given up 8n this summer and are planning for Fall.
Sandie, dresses are definitely more comfy in the summer heat. But, I think you’re right about planning for the fall.
Totally the dress…but size wise it’s not going to fit me 🙁
Hi Jenn, I hope you and your family are well. Yes, a vote for the dress. You would be surprised at how the dress fits. It might be worth a try. Or even the Carolyn reversible sundress.
No, I’m not a dress wearer but I did order the Carolyn dress because I love the style and look and the fushia pink. I may not wear it often, but it will be good to take travelling whenever that may happen next or on a special evening out. The 3/4 length sleeve top would be very useful for the winter and I may consider ordering that in the future.
Marilyn, thanks so much for purchasing the Carolyn dress. The fuchsia is going to look fabulous on you. I’ll keep you updated on the 3/4 sleeve top.
Top.
I’m thinking ahead for fall and winter. The 3/4 sleeve would be a perfect addition to my wardrobe.
Giselle, I think a lot of people will be thinking ahead to fall and winter despite the heatwave we’re currently having. The 3/4 sleeve will fit nicely into your wardrobe.
Top
Thanks for your vote for the top, Nancy!
I’m a dress person but with six weeks left of summer, it might be a better marketing strategy to focus on the top. Love the sky blue colour!
Hi Diane, Thanks for your feedback. I tend to agree. Even though the dress can be worn all year round, I think people are looking for comfy and casual right now.
I often wear dresses in the summer. I find them cooler than shorts and a top.
Thanks, Pat. Dresses are a great option in this hot & humid weather. I hope you love your Carolyn reversible sundress!
Top for me Colleen.
Joan, thanks so much for your vote!