Needle and Thread Dresses Review: Are They Worth the Hype?

Hey gorgeous, if you‘re obsessed with finding the dreamiest dress for your next special occasion, you‘ve probably heard of Needle and Thread. This London-based brand has been blowing up your Instagram feed with their vintage-inspired, uber-romantic gowns and frocks that are basically begging to be twirled in.

As your resident fashion-loving bestie, I‘ve been an admirer of Needle and Thread for years now. I recently decided to take the plunge and order a few dresses from their latest collection to review for you. I also did a deep dive into the brand‘s background, customer feedback, and how they stack up to other popular occasionwear brands.

So grab a glass of bubbly and let‘s chat all things Needle and Thread – the good, the bad, and the jaw-droppingly beautiful. By the end of this review, you‘ll know if their dresses are truly worth the hype (and the price tag). Let‘s get into it!

The Lowdown on Needle and Thread

Before we get to the pretty dresses, let‘s talk about the brand behind them. Needle and Thread was founded in 2013 by Hannah Coffin, a graduate of the London College of Fashion. Her goal was to create high-quality, vintage-inspired occasionwear at a more accessible price point than traditional designer brands.

One of the things I love most about Needle and Thread is their commitment to sustainability and ethical production. Many of their dresses are made from eco-friendly, recycled materials like tulle and sequins. They also partner with artisans in India to create hand-embellished details using traditional techniques.

Aesthetically, Needle and Thread is all about romance. Their collections take inspiration from vintage textiles, English gardens, and romantic literature. Think: delicate lace, pretty floral prints, shimmering embellishments, and floaty layers of tulle. Basically, a cottagecore fantasy come to life.

Needle and Thread has gained a massive following in the past few years, with over 700k followers on Instagram alone. Their dresses have been worn by celebrities like Keira Knightley, Chrissy Teigen, and members of the royal family. Not too shabby!

Needle and Thread Dress Reviews

Alright, now let‘s get to the good stuff – the dresses themselves! I ordered a few different styles from Needle and Thread‘s current collection to review for you. For reference, I typically wear a US size 4 or small in dresses and I‘m 5‘6" tall.

Needle and Thread Elisabetta Lace Ankle Dress Review

I am completely and utterly obsessed with the Elisabetta Lace Ankle Dress. Seriously, I gasped when I pulled it out of the box because it‘s even more stunning in person.

This midi dress features an illusion tulle bodice covered in the most beautiful floral embroidery and iridescent sequins. The sleeves are sheer with lace cuffs that button at the wrist (such a pretty detail!). The skirt is made of a peachy tulle with a slightly ruffled hemline that falls just above the ankle. It‘s fully lined so you don‘t have to worry about it being see-through.

I‘m wearing this dress in a UK size 8 (US 4) and it fits like a dream. The bodice is fitted but not tight, and the skirt has a lot of volume which is great for twirling. I love the midi length too – it‘s very elegant and elongating.

The only minor downside is that the embellishments on the bodice are a bit delicate, so you have to be careful about snagging them on jewelry or other rough surfaces. But overall, the quality is amazing and it looks like a much more expensive dress. I can‘t wait to wear this to an upcoming summer wedding!

Needle and Thread Rococo Rose Ankle Dress Review

Next up is the Rococo Rose Ankle Dress, which gives off major fairy princess vibes in the best way possible. It has a sheer tulle overlay covered in the prettiest pink and green floral embroidery. The bodice is fitted with a sweetheart neckline, and the skirt is nice and flowy.

I love the romantic puff sleeves and the ruffled tiers on the skirt – they add such a dreamy, ethereal quality to the dress. I‘m wearing a UK size 8 (US 4) in this style as well, and it fits true to size. The only thing I‘d note is that the waistline sits a bit higher than my natural waist, so keep that in mind if you have a longer torso.

The best part about this dress is how easy it is to wear. Despite the delicate embroidery and tulle, it doesn‘t feel overly fussy or high-maintenance. You can dress it up with heels and sparkly jewelry for a wedding, or dress it down with flats and a denim jacket for a more casual event.

Needle and Thread Mirabelle Lace Gown Review

If you‘re looking for a showstopping gown, the Mirabelle Lace Gown will take your breath away. I ordered this beauty in the "Wisteria" color, which is a lovely pale lavender shade that‘s perfect for spring and summer events.

The bodice is made of a delicate floral lace with shimmering bead and sequin embellishments. It has a plunging V-neckline and sheer lace sleeves that add a touch of old Hollywood glamour. The skirt is made of layers of lightweight tulle that create a stunning A-line silhouette.

I‘m wearing this gown in a UK size 10 (US 6) because I wanted a bit more room in the bust area. It fits beautifully through the bodice and waist, and the skirt is nice and flowy without being overwhelming. The only thing to note is that the train is quite long, so you‘ll definitely need to get it hemmed if you‘re on the shorter side.

I love how this gown manages to feel both timeless and modern at the same time. The lace and tulle give it a classic, romantic vibe, while the plunging neckline and sheer sleeves add a trendy, fashion-forward twist. It would be stunning for a black-tie wedding, gala, or any other formal event.

Quality, Fit, and Sizing

Overall, I‘ve been super impressed with the quality of Needle and Thread dresses. They use really nice, high-end fabrics like silk, tulle, and lace that feel amazing against the skin. The embellishments are all done by hand, which gives them a luxe, expensive look.

In terms of fit, I‘ve found that Needle and Thread dresses tend to run true to size based on their size chart. They offer UK sizes 4-18, which translates to US sizes 0-14. They also have a great selection of petite sizes for ladies 5‘3" and under, which is awesome if you‘re on the shorter side.

One thing to keep in mind is that some of their dresses (particularly the heavily embellished styles) can run a bit narrow in the bust area. If you‘re larger than a C cup, I‘d recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit.

Needle and Thread also offers a super helpful "fit guide" on each product page, where they provide detailed measurements and styling tips for each dress. They‘ll tell you things like the length, lining, zipper placement, and best undergarments to wear with each style. Such a game-changer!

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Don‘t just take my word for it – Needle and Thread has thousands of glowing customer reviews on their website and beyond. On Trustpilot, they have an impressive 4.6 out of 5 star rating based on over 3,000 reviews.

Many customers praise the brand for their stunning designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and excellent customer service. One bride raved about her Needle and Thread wedding dress, saying it was "even more beautiful in person" and that she received "so many compliments" on her big day.

Several reviewers also mentioned how comfortable and easy to wear Needle and Thread dresses are, despite their delicate appearance. One customer said her dress "felt like wearing a cloud" and that she "danced all night without any issues."

Of course, no brand is perfect and there are a few negative reviews out there. The most common complaint seems to be around shipping delays and long wait times, particularly during busy periods like wedding season. Some customers also had issues with dresses arriving damaged or with missing embellishments.

However, it seems like Needle and Thread is super responsive to these issues and works hard to make things right for their customers. Many reviewers mentioned receiving prompt refunds, replacements, or repairs when they reached out to customer service about a problem.

How Needle and Thread Compares to Other Brands

If you‘re considering a Needle and Thread dress, you might be wondering how they stack up to other popular occasionwear brands. Here‘s a quick comparison:

• Price: Needle and Thread dresses typically range from around $300 to $800, which is definitely an investment but still less expensive than many designer gowns. For comparison, BHLDN dresses tend to be in the $200 to $3,000 range, while Marchesa Notte starts at around $600 and can go up to $1,500+.

• Quality: In my experience, the quality of Needle and Thread dresses is on par with or better than many higher-end brands. They use really nice fabrics and construction techniques, and their embellishments are all done by hand.

• Sizing: Needle and Thread offers a wider range of sizes than many occasionwear brands, with petite and plus options available. For comparison, Reformation only carries up to a size 12, while Tadashi Shoji goes up to a size 24.

• Aesthetic: If you love romantic, vintage-inspired designs with lots of lace, embroidery, and sparkle, Needle and Thread is definitely the brand for you. For a more minimalist or boho look, you might prefer brands like Self-Portrait or Zimmermann.

Ultimately, the right brand for you will depend on your personal style, budget, and sizing needs. But if you‘re looking for a special occasion dress that‘s equal parts pretty and practical, I think Needle and Thread is definitely worth checking out.

Styling Tips for Needle and Thread Dresses

Okay, so you‘ve fallen in love with a Needle and Thread dress – now what? Here are a few of my favorite styling tips to help you make the most of your new purchase:

• Keep jewelry simple and delicate to avoid overwhelming the intricate details of the dress. A pair of sparkly earrings or a thin chain necklace is all you need.

• Experiment with different shoe options depending on the occasion. Strappy heels or embellished flats work great for weddings and cocktail parties, while ankle boots or sneakers can dress things down for more casual events.

• Don‘t be afraid to mix and match separates with your Needle and Thread dress. A denim jacket or leather moto can give a frilly frock some edge, while a cozy cardigan can make it work for cooler weather.

• Play with hair and makeup to change up the vibe of your dress. Soft waves and a red lip can give off Old Hollywood glamour, while a messy updo and natural makeup can feel more bohemian and relaxed.

• Consider getting your dress tailored for the perfect fit. Needle and Thread offers free alterations on full-price dresses over $300, which is an amazing perk. A little nip and tuck can make all the difference in how a dress looks and feels on your body.

Final Thoughts: Are Needle and Thread Dresses Worth It?

After trying on several Needle and Thread dresses myself and reading hundreds of customer reviews, my verdict is a resounding yes – their dresses are absolutely worth the investment.

Not only are they stunningly beautiful and well-made, but they‘re also super versatile and comfortable to wear. You can dress them up or down for any occasion, and they‘ll make you feel like the best version of yourself every time you put them on.

Of course, Needle and Thread dresses are definitely a splurge compared to fast fashion brands. But when you consider the quality of the materials, the intricate handmade details, and the timeless designs, I think they‘re a smart investment for your wardrobe.

Plus, Needle and Thread is a brand you can feel good about supporting. They‘re committed to ethical and sustainable production practices, and they go above and beyond to make their customers happy.

So if you‘ve been eyeing a Needle and Thread dress for your next special occasion (or just because!), I say go for it. Treat yourself to a piece that will make you feel like a total goddess – you deserve it!