Encircled Dressy Sweatshirt Review - 2 Year Update

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Encircled The Dressy Sweatshirt, $154

Bought: November 2018
Estimated Cost Per Wear: <$1
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The Dressy Sweatshirt is a really popular encircled product thats been around for years and and has an average rating of around 4.5/5 stars which is incredible! 

The Dressy Sweatshirt: $154  Canadians here + US/Global here

Why I bought it:  

1. I actually needed a sweatshirt
2. I wanted to try more from encircled after buying their reversible pencil skirt & wanderer sleeveless tee in June 2018 
3. Everyone loves the dressy sweatshirt & everyone I saw wearing it looked chic
4. It was on sale during encircled's Black Friday sale

Read more about: encircled • style • reviews • capsule wardrobe

Pros

1. Lightweight & Easy to pack 
2. Great for mild climates & travel
3. Ethically made
4. Sustainable materials

Cons

1. The neckline is too wide for my petite frame and personal style aesthetic. I really don't wear off-shoulder looks and I wear sweaters for layering and warmth, but since the neckline is so wide on me, I always feel drafty or the layer I'm wearing underneath shows through in a way I don't love that almost emphasizes the less-than-ideal fit of the sweatshirt.
2. From the moment I got it I felt like there were almost tiny micro pills on this sweatshirt. I wasn't sure if this was just characteristic of the wool blend or what. It has stayed fairly consistent over the last 2 years though, so that's good :) 
3. Doesn't match the color of the Navy Dressy Sweatpants I bought at the same time. I just assumed they were a perfect match but really they are two different fabric blends, so that would be hard to achieve. And it doesn't matter too much because I don't wear them together, it's too much volume for my frame and style preferences.

Read more about: encircled • style • reviews • capsule wardrobe

How I Wear The Dressy Sweatshirt
 I really haven't worn the dressy sweatshirt in a dressy capacity tbh. My favorite way to wear it is with fitted bottoms, like skinny jeans or leggings because the oversized silhouette of the dressy sweatshirt is balanced by the fitted bottoms. I also like to pack it for travel. It's great to throw on when you are chilly at the airport or on a plane and it adds some extra warmth without being bulky. It was also handy on a trip to Florida where I wore it in the evenings or when the AC was too cold in some businesses.

The Dressy Sweatshirt: $154  Canadians here + US/Global here

What Would Make The Dressy Sweatshirt Better (For Me)

1. A different neckline. This one is just too wide for me!
2. I wonder what the other fabric blend is like in terms of feeling more dressy and having a smoother look from the start?
3. If I could tailor the neckline it would be great!

What I learned from buying The Dressy Sweatshirt

1. The rule of volume.  I learned that I can and do enjoy some slightly looser items if they have a nice drape, if my overall volume is balanced. (billowy top with a fitted top or a flowy skirt with a fitted top)
2. Great for someone else isn't always great for you. Before purchasing, I had a feeling I wouldn't be wearing this off-shoulder and was nervous it would be too large for my taste, but seeing all the styling pics and reading all the rave reviews really made me want to give it a go!
3. Use sales responsibly. lol Being on sale was definitely a huge reason why I bought this when I did. It's easy to feel more justified if something is on sale, but at the end of the day it's better for you (and the small brand) to buy 1 regular priced item you really thought about, will use and love every time, vs a couple items that are like an 80% match because they were on sale and that discount made you ignore the 20% not-a-match twitch you were feeling. :) 

I value the lessons I am learning from my purchases since 2018. It's important to take time to reflect or else I'll miss the lesson that can help me make better choices going forward. I hope this has helped you in some way! :) 

The Dressy Sweatshirt: $154  Canadians here + US/Global here

Read more about: encircled • style • reviews • capsule wardrobe

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