Honest Marie Oliver Review of Dresses, Cardigans, and Sweaters
Are you wondering if Marie Oliver dresses and sweaters are worth their hefty price tag? My honest Marie Oliver review tells you everything about their dresses, sweaters, and cardigans, including their sizing, fit, quality, and value. This post will help you make smart buying decisions, whether you want their signature, Marie Oliver dresses or plan to buy their knitwear.
Note: They are currently hosting their Black Friday sale. Code GRATEFUL24 will be automatically applied at checkout to eligible products. The way it works is you get 20% off $300+, 25% off $600+, 30% off $800+. All of the items mentioned in this review are eligible for the Black Friday sale.
*Disclosure: some of these links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you click a link and make a purchase, Have Clothes, Will Travel gets a very small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!
Marie Oliver Brand Philosophy and Design Esthetic
Before we dive into the review, I want to give a quick background on Marie Oliver…
Sarah Doggett Evenson founded this North Carolina-based label in 2015, creating a perfect blend of creativity and business sense.
Brand History and Values
This small independent venture grew into a powerhouse in the fashion world. Sarah combined her middle name “Marie” with her husband Peter’s middle name “Oliver” to create this memorable brand name. Marie Oliver pieces now grace over 300 independent retail shops across the United States. You’ll find them in prestigious stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue!
Signature Design Elements
Marie Oliver’s design philosophy centers on what they call “the energizing tension of opposites.” Their signature elements include:
- Artisanal prints with vibrant color palettes
- Soft silhouettes paired with structured details
- Southern ease mixed with an aspirational edge
- Versatile pieces that transition from casual to formal
The brand stands out with its user-focused design approach. They start by understanding their customer’s lifestyle – where she goes, what she wears, and how she wants to feel. Books, travels, and photographs inspire their collections that bring joy to personal style…and frankly, I LOVE it!
They are currently hosting their Black Friday sale, which is a GREAT time to purchase! Code GRATEFUL24 will be automatically applied at checkout to eligible products. The way it works is you get 20% off $300+, 25% off $600+, 30% off $800+
Is Marie Oliver’s Sizing True-to-Size?
Online shopping can be hit or miss, especially with new brands. In my experience, Marie Oliver’s sizing has proven exceptionally consistent throughout their collections. Let me share what I’ve learned about their sizing and fit after trying several of their pieces.
Detailed sizing chart breakdown
Marie Oliver dresses come in sizes XXS to XL, and their extended size collection goes up to size 22.
Tips for choosing your perfect size
These tips will help you find your perfect Marie Oliver fit:
- Each product page has style-specific fit details
- The fabric type affects how pieces fit (structured pieces fit differently than flowing ones)
- Product descriptions include detailed measurements
- Note that looser styles often work for multiple size ranges
Bottom line: Marie Oliver’s sizing is consistent in my experience. I am a typical US size 6. In Marie Oliver dresses, my usual size 6 fits perfectly. According to their size chart, a size 6 fits into their size small for their sweaters. This has also been accurate for me. My sweater and cardigan are both sizes small and fit very well.
Review of My Marie Oliver Dress
The Hannon dress is a menswear-inspired shirt dress with fun feminine puffed sleeves and a belt. It comes in a few prints, but the rich espresso color of the Constellation print is my favorite, as it is easy to style for a variety of different uses.
The Hannon dress has also kept its shape beautifully, even with regular wear. I love that it doesn’t seem to wrinkle, either. I have yet to have to steam this dress! (It’s fantastic for travel.)
It also looks as good as new despite frequent wear and travel. You can see their attention to detail in everything from quality linings to sturdy zippers and buttons.
Pros and Cons of My Marie Oliver Dress
Pros:
- V-neck designs with just the right depth
- Softly puffed sleeves that add a feminine touch
- Tie-belt options to define my waist
- It has pockets!
- Tiered skirts that flow beautifully
- Very comfortable to wear all day and night
- Doesn’t wrinkle!
- High-quality dress
- Very versatile
Cons
- The price is far more than I normally spend on dresses. Although, cost per wear, it’s proving to be a good investment piece. (More on that later.)
Marie Oliver Sweater Review
Marie Oliver’s sweater collection perfectly blends classic silhouettes with unexpected details. My Felicia Sweater showcases a unique keyhole opening and bow detail at the back. I really love the Tumeric color for fall (this is my go-to Thanksgiving Day sweater). It comes in a couple of other colors, though!
While the website shows it styled with skirts, I personally love it paired with jeans and flats for a comfy and cozy look.
Here is a quick rundown of the Pros and Cons of this sweater…
Felicia Sweater Pros and Cons
Pros:
- It’s beautiful! I love the color and the details.
- Very comfortable. The material is very soft and breathable to wear all day long.
- High-quality. This is a sweater that hasn’t been pilling after wear and washing and will last for years to come.
Cons
- It’s unlined, so I have to wear a cami under it.
- I don’t love that it’s a blend of wool, cashmere, and synthetic materials. I have been trying to stay away from synthetic blends in my sweaters.
Calister Cardigan Fit and Functionality
The Calister Cardigan has become my favorite piece because of its versatility and thoughtful design elements. The oversized, relaxed fit works perfectly for layering and is so cozy.
Pros and Cons of the Calister Cardigan:
Pros
- I love the oversized fit. It’s just right to be stylish yet cozy and comfortable.
- The longer sleeves are great for chilly weather.
- Easy to layer with another shirt underneath or nothing at all if it’s warmer out.
- The sequin details on this cardigan are so fun!
- I like the fact that this cardigan is mostly cotton.
Cons
- Again, this is one of the pricier items in my closet.
- It’s dry clean only (and I’m lazy about going to the dry cleaners). This is definitely not something I would want to try to wash myself, though, with the sequin details.
How to Care for Marie Oliver Clothing
These Marie Oliver clothing care tips have helped me a lot:
- Machine washable pieces: Gentle cycle and gentle detergent work best with hang drying
- Structured dresses: Dry cleaning gives the best results
- Blended fabrics: Steam works better than ironing
- For Embellished Pieces: The sequined and beaded items, like certain versions of the Calister Cardigan, need dry cleaning only. This extra care proves worthwhile as it preserves both the knit and decorative elements.
Price Analysis and Investment Worth
I analyze both immediate costs and long-term value before investing in quality pieces. My experience with Marie Oliver’s collections lets me share what I learned about their pricing and value.
Cost per wear breakdown
Marie Oliver sits in the premium category, with prices ranging from $150 to $500 per item. Their signature Marie Oliver dresses average around $348, while statement pieces like the Elizabeth Dress can reach $548. These prices make sense if you look at wear frequency. My Hannon Dress ($477) has been worn at least 20 times in the last year, which brings the cost-per-wear down to about $24.
These are items that I plan to wear for years to come and not simply discard after a few wears. This can be a bit of a shift in mindset with the fast fashion world we’re currently living in.
Sale Shopping Strategies and Return Policy
Here’s how you can get the best value shopping Marie Oliver:
- Buy during their semi-annual sales (up to 70% off)
- Look for available discount codes (average savings of $62)
- Join their newsletter for early sale access, they also sometimes provide a 15% off coupon code
- Browse their “Archive” section for past-season deals
They are currently hosting their Black Friday sale, which is a GREAT time to purchase! Code GRATEFUL24 will be automatically applied at checkout to eligible products. The way it works is you get 20% off $300+, 25% off $600+, 30% off $800+
Just be aware of their return policy:
- You get a full refund on full-priced items if returned within 21 days.
- Items bought with promotional codes over 30% off are only eligible for store credit.
- A one-time price adjustment within 14 days of purchase on full-priced items helps if items go on sale after you buy them.
Final Thoughts
The price tags on Marie Oliver pieces might raise eyebrows at first. However, these garments have proven their value through countless wears. My dresses and knitwear from Marie Oliver managed to keep their shape, color, and quality despite regular use.
These premium pieces become more available through smart shopping. You can find great deals through regular sales, newsletter discounts, and the Archive section. The brand’s reliable sizing and quality construction make it practical to build your collection over time. Each new addition feels rewarding and purposeful.
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