Dear Frances Review: Sustainable Luxury Footwear Worth the Splurge
If you‘re a fashion-conscious woman who values exceptional quality, timeless style, and sustainable manufacturing, let me introduce you to your new shoe obsession: Dear Frances. This British footwear brand has been steadily gaining buzz over the past few years for their beautiful, handcrafted Italian-made shoes that are as covetable as they are consciously produced.
Spotted on the feet of celebs like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid and all over your IG feed, Dear Frances has amassed a cult following of 174K+ for good reason. Their shoes strike the perfect balance of modern yet classic, trendy yet wearable. But it‘s the brand‘s commitment to slow fashion and ethical production that truly sets them apart in the luxury market.
Intrigued? Stick with me as I walk you through everything you need to know in this comprehensive Dear Frances review. I‘ll dish on the brand‘s bestselling boots, flats, and heels, share must-see customer reviews and photos, and even hook you up with an exclusive discount code. Trust me, your feet (and your conscience) will thank you.
The Dear Frances Story
Founded in 2014 by designer Jane Frances, Dear Frances was born out of a desire to create luxury shoes for modern women while pioneering a more socially conscious business model. The brand is on a mission to disrupt the fast fashion cycle, focusing instead on timeless designs and superior craftsmanship that will stand the test of time.
Every pair of Dear Frances shoes is handmade in Italy by expert artisans using the highest quality materials, like soft Italian leather, suede, and woven textiles. The brand also prioritizes sustainability by using eco-friendly components, minimizing waste, and partnering with green energy suppliers in their supply chain.
In a world of constant trends and disposable fashion, Dear Frances is the refreshing antidote. These are forever shoes—ones you‘ll reach for season after season and wear for years to come. But the best part? Dear Frances makes luxury footwear you can actually feel good about buying.
Dear Frances Bestsellers
While Dear Frances has no shortage of lust-worthy styles, there are a few standouts that have reached icon status among the fashion set. Let‘s take a closer look at some of the brand‘s can‘t-miss bestsellers and why customers love them.
The Spirit Boot
The Spirit Boot is arguably Dear Frances‘ most recognizable shoe, and it‘s easy to see why. This modern take on the classic ankle boot features a sculptural block heel, sleek pointed toe, and chic metal zipper detailing. It comes in both smooth leather and croc-effect embossed leather in a range of swoon-worthy neutrals like camel, olive green, and black.
Customers rave that the Spirit Boots are insanely comfortable thanks to the sturdy, walkable heel and cushioned insole. Several reviewers also noted that they run true to size. Dress them up with a silk slip dress or down with vintage denim and a tee—these babies are truly versatile.
"I was hesitant to splurge on these boots but I‘m so glad I did! They are comfortable enough to walk in all day but the pointed toe and heel make them look so polished and elevated. I love that they go with everything from jeans to dresses. Worth every penny!" – Lisa S.
The Sway Boot
If you‘re looking for a goes-with-anything boot, the Sway is your gal. This simple, sophisticated ankle boot boasts a smooth leather upper, almond-shaped toe, and a chic 2-inch kitten heel. Choose from wear-with-everything neutrals like chocolate brown, white, and black leather.
Reviewers praise the Sway for its sleek, elongating silhouette and surprising comfort, even after all-day wear. Pro tip: several customers recommend sizing up if you‘re between sizes or plan to wear them with thicker socks.
"These boots are perfection! The leather is buttery soft and the low heel makes them so easy to walk in. I get compliments everywhere I go. They are pricey but the cost per wear makes them so worth it. I‘m considering buying a second color!" – Amy R.
The Cube Boot
With its of-the-moment square toe and chunky block heel, the Cube Boot is Dear Frances‘ modern spin on a ‘90s silhouette. Rendered in supple nappa leather or textured crocodile print, this boot comes in chic neutrals as well as a cool sage green that‘s a favorite among fashion editors.
According to reviews, the Cube runs slightly narrow, so it‘s best to size up if you have wider feet. Customers love styling it with everything from long dresses to cropped denim for an effortlessly cool look.
"I am obsessed with my Cube boots! The leather is incredible quality and they are so comfortable to walk in, even in NYC. They look amazing with skinny jeans or peeking out under a long skirt. I want them in every color!" – Lauren P.
An Honest Take on Sustainability
One of the things I admire most about Dear Frances is their transparency around sustainability and ethical production. While no fashion brand is perfect, they are making a genuine effort to minimize their environmental impact and support their workers.
Dear Frances shoes are crafted in family-run factories in Italy that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and artisanal shoemaking traditions. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like chrome-free leather and recycled rubber whenever possible. They also have a repair program to help extend the life of their shoes.
But Dear Frances‘ social impact goes beyond sustainable sourcing. For every pair of shoes sold, the brand donates a portion of proceeds to Soles4Souls, a non-profit that provides shoes to people in need around the globe. Since 2014, Dear Frances has donated over 20,000 pairs of shoes to the organization.
In a fashion industry notorious for waste and worker exploitation, Dear Frances is a much-needed breath of fresh air. While spending $500+ on heels is certainly a luxury, it feels good to support a brand that leads with their values and gives back.
Customer Reviews & Real Talk
By now, you‘re probably curious what real Dear Frances customers have to say about the brand. While no shoe is perfect for everyone, the overwhelming majority of reviews for Dear Frances are glowingly positive.
On the brand‘s website, bestselling styles like the Spirit Boot and Sway Boot have perfect 5-star ratings. Customers frequently praise the exceptional quality, beautiful design, and surprising comfort of Dear Frances shoes. Many reviewers note that they are repeat customers and well worth the investment.
"I discovered Dear Frances a year ago and now I‘m hooked! I have 3 pairs of their boots and wear them constantly. The quality is amazing and they hold up so well. I love that they are comfortable enough to wear all day too." – Jen K.
"I was worried Dear Frances shoes wouldn‘t live up to the hype but I‘m so glad I tried them! I have wide feet and the Sway boot accommodates them comfortably. The leather is the softest I‘ve ever felt. They are pricey but I‘ve never gotten so many compliments on a pair of shoes!" – Melissa J.
Of course, no brand is without some criticism. A few reviewers felt they had issues with sizing inconsistencies or experienced discomfort after breaking in their shoes. However, Dear Frances offers attentive customer service to help resolve any rare issues.
Overall, the vast majority of customers agree that Dear Frances delivers on their promise of comfortable, high-quality, timeless footwear. Many shoppers feel good supporting the brand‘s commitment to sustainability and slow fashion as well.
Is Dear Frances Worth It?
After deep-diving into Dear Frances‘ history, values, bestselling designs, and customer reviews, I feel confident saying this brand is the real deal. Yes, their shoes come with a hefty price tag, but their exceptional quality, ethical production, and forever-chic designs justify the cost for many.
Simply put, Dear Frances shoes are built to last. Investing in a pair of their iconic boots or must-have mules means buying a wardrobe staple you‘ll wear for years or even decades. In a world of fast fashion and constant trends, there‘s something refreshing about owning a piece with that kind of staying power.
But beyond just creating beautiful shoes, Dear Frances is a brand that leads by example. They remind us that style and sustainability can coexist. That investing in quality over quantity is kinder to the planet and the people who make our clothes. That true luxury isn‘t about a flashy logo, but exceptional craftsmanship and conscious consumption.
Of course, spending $400-$600 on a pair of boots is not accessible for everyone, nor is it necessary in order to embrace slow fashion values. But for those with the means who are looking to invest in high-quality, responsibly-made shoes, I can‘t recommend Dear Frances highly enough.
And if you‘re ready to add some Dear Frances to your shoe collection, you‘re in luck. The brand is offering my readers an exclusive 15% off discount code on your first purchase! Just enter HANNAH15 at checkout to apply the savings.
Trust me, once you slip your feet into a pair of Dear Frances boots, you‘ll never look at shoes the same way again. Happy shopping, my fashion-conscious friends!
