I don't tend to buy many items from 'trendy' brands as I always assume they won't suit me or have the right dimensions to be able to fit my proportions. I was therefore a little hesitant to work with AX Paris but after a quick browse of their website I knew I could not turn down this opportunity.
After some deliberation, I decided to go for the Monochrome Dress in white and black in size 14.
Image courtesy of AX Paris
AX Paris does a 'straight size' range in UK sizes 8 to 14, known simply as 'AX Paris', and also a plus size range in UK sizes 16 to 26, known as 'AX Paris Curve'. I wanted to try out the straight sized range to start with as I had no idea how the sizing would work for me and often I can comfortably get into a UK 10-14 in stretchy fabrics.
The Monochrome Dress is part of their straight size range so I placed my order and waited with baited breath.
When the dress arrived for me, it was a 'bad' time of the month, if you know what I mean, so my tummy was rather swollen. But, this is how the dress looked with no shapewear:
I was really pleased with how it looked, all things considered! The dress is made from a lovely soft, smooth fabric which comprises 92% polyester and 8% elastane. It's hand wash only but I'd want to wash this separately in any case to ensure the white stayed as bright as possible.
The dress has a cute peplum at the sides, which contrasts beautifully in deep black, and the black waistband breaks up the pure white perfectly. The back of the dress has an exposed zip and split of around 24cm. The best news is that the zip comes completely undone, meaning that the dress fully opens up to make putting it on really easy. Such a simple touch but greatly appreciated!
I found that this dress fitted very nicely on the waist but it was definitely snug on the bust and hips. I think if a 16 had been available I would have gone for that, but it's not and I'm happy to make do with the 14 instead. There is a tiny bit of bra show under the arms but I think this could be solved by adjusting the dress more carefully when I first put it on. I'm wearing my white Ewa Michalak PL Malwa with the dress and although it is a smidge see-through
I wanted to style the dress a little so added classic black patent killer heels. The obvious cover-up would have been a smart jacket but I wanted to see how the Monochrome Dress would look with denim instead so I added my Forever 21+ denim jacket...
Success! I think the jacket works brilliantly and gives the dress a completely different look. It shows off the versatility of the Monochrome Dress and shows that it can easily be worn for work, a night out or for shopping with friends, for example.
I haven't owned a white dress for a while as I am always worried I'll spoil it somehow but I know I'll be super careful with this beauty!
So, this is the second peplum dress I have tried in a while. What do you think? Do peplums suit hourglass figures?
