If you’ve never heard of Marie Oliver, then let this Marie Oliver dress review be your introduction to your new favorite brand.
I was introduced to Marie Oliver last month, and I’m already wondering what I did without this dress in my life — as well as wondering which dress I need next. This Greensboro, North Carolina-based brand makes beautifully designed pieces where every detail counts, and I got to experience that firsthand with the Hannon dress.
Marie Oliver Dress Review
The Marie Oliver Hannon dress is what they’re calling a contemporary shirt dress, though I’m not sure it reads shirt dress to me. It does button all the way up the front, but that’s where the comparison ends for me. While I think of a shirtdress as masculine-leaning (in a lovely way!), this is feminine, yet tailored. It has a v-neck that is perfectly deep (they describe it as shallow, but that may depend on your figure!), slightly puffed sleeves, and a silhouette that is there without being fitted. There’s a tie belt that adds just the right amount of waist-cinching.
I got the Hannon dress in the Anise colorway, which is a lovely abstract floral in autumnal shades of brown and rust against an ivory background, with barely there touches of purple. This particular color is perfect for a fall getaway, with a vibe that reads elegant country.
The fit is perfect. It’s comfortable yet doesn’t feel as if I’m wearing a mumu. The fabric is lined, so it’s ideal for fall weather. Every bit from the puffed sleeves to the roomy arms to the delicate wrists and the midi length is intentionally designed.
Marie Oliver Hannon Dress Review FAQ
How does Marie Oliver fit?
I opted for a size 4 in the Hannon dress. I perhaps could have done a 2, but I would rather it be roomier and comfortable — and it is. There’s a reason I’ve worn this no less than four times in the past three weeks, which is saying a lot since it’s definitely a dressier look.
What is the fabric?
The Hannon dress is made from 56% viscose and 44% linen. It has a dressy feel to the fabric, and the lining elevates it even more. While there is linen in the blend, it does not feel summery at all.
How does it wear?
Beautifully! Some dresses wrinkle when you sit for long periods of time, but I’ve had no issues with this dress. These photos were taken right after I’d rolled it out of my suitcase. It could probably have used a quick steam, but was also totally fine as is.
How should you wear the Marie Oliver Hannon dress?
I’ve worn the Marie Oliver Hannon dress with several different pairs of shoes. I wore it with Sarah Flint 60MM Perfect Block Sandals on a warmer day, I’ve worn it with cowboy boots multiple times — like I am here, and, today, I wore it with Sarah Flint Perfect Zip Booties in Saddle Vachetta. I love the neckline and softly puffed sleeves, so I’ve worn my hair up with it, letting a pair of earrings and a delicate necklace accessorize the look. Here, I’m carrying a vintage Bermuda bag, but I also love it with a leather purse.
Final verdict: At $478, the Marie Oliver Hannon Dress is a splurge, but one that will carry you through multiple seasons and events. It feels incredibly well made and, based on my cost per wear calculations so far, it could be well worth it.
I was generously gifted the Hannon dress, but all thoughts are my own!
