Welcome wool-enthusiasts and wool-curious friends! If you’re reading this blog post, the chances are, you’re probably looking into Wool& clothing and possibly thinking about the 100 Day Dress Challenge. Lucky you, you’ve stumbled across this blog, written by the girl recently-turned-40-year-old who is so obsessed with this company, I’ve tried most of their dresses and kept a whole lot of them. This post is to share some of my favorite styles, my honest-as-always pros and cons for each, plus some styling ideas that I think you will LOVE. So let’s start chatting about wool!
If you’d like to check these products out in detail, I appreciate you using my affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I would also like to say “Thank you” to Wool& for gifting me several items for my review, including the gorgeous Audrey maxi dress and Amalya in this post.
Click here to check out the whole selection from Wool& (Wooland) Merino Wool dresses. There are also pants, shirts, PJs, and cardigans! So much to love.
If you are trying to decide which dress is for you, you aren’t alone. It’s definitely a hard call since you can’t try them all on in the store. (Unless you are lucky enough to live near their HQ). And if you are planning on completing the 100 day challenge, you will want a dress that fits great, is versatile, and makes you feel like yourself, right? These are investment pieces so they aren’t cheap….. and sizing can be a bit tricky, but remember, you are building a sustainable wardrobe and finding a dress that will last you a long time. So taking a little extra time to choose it, isn’t so crazy in my book.
I will tell you that I am getting more wear out of my Wool& dresses than I have any other dresses in years, and that’s saying a lot because I have always been a fan of dresses, even as a child. I keep hearing that women who don’t typically wear dresses, are converting to them when they find Wool&, so it’s really quite the phenomena!
Now, when you see how many Wool& dresses I own, you will wonder what happened to my minimalism journey. Yes, I’ve gone a little crazy because the benefits of wool are so amazing (and because I want to be able to share the product with you). Just to name a few, wool clothing is: odor-resistant, temperature-regulating, quick-drying, and durable. It’s really amazing what an upgrade it has been for my mostly-synthetic wardrobe.
But I promise I am still totally committed to minimalism, and part of that journey is making more sustainable wardrobe choices that will serve my closet for much longer. I have also let a lot of my old wardrobe go on Poshmark. (Make money by setting up your own account using my code: MAMAMELAINE. It will give you $10 for free).
Are you ready for a super photo-heavy post? Here we go:
My Stats
Because I know people can benefit from size, measurement, weight stats, I’m sharing my details even though I don’t love my current weight. I’m currently 5’6″, and about 175 lbs. In my skinny-state, I’m a rectangle shape, but when I am over-weight, I’m more in the pear category, carrying my weight in my stomach and thighs.
The Rowena
The Rowena is the Original 100 Day dress. It’s a beautiful, classic swing dress and still one of the most popular Wool& designs. At one point I tried a Small and the arms were a bit too tight for me. I decided I wanted a loose and swingy silhouette and went with a size Large. I love the way this dress fits me even though it’s on the big side. I’m sure I would fit a medium very well. Bonus: it has pockets and is currently available in regular or long lengths, plus the choice of 18 different colors!
- Pros: I love the clean lines and simple design of the Rowena (or Ro, as Wool& fans call it). It’s so comfortable and looks amazing with leggings and boots. This dress is a blank slate for winter layers!
- Cons: This isn’t really a con but I tend to avoid long sleeves because I get hot. Since wool is temperature regulating, though, it’s still great for me. In this photo, I’ve pushed up the sleeves, which is the norm for me!
- Favorite Look: Rowena+Leggings + boots. In this photo, I’m wearing it with my Sash Bag, suede boots from forever ago (similar here), and a thrifted leaf necklace(similar here).
- Fabric: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon 160gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
The Sierra
This is another of the top sellers for Wool& for good reason. The Sierra is an A-line dress with visible patch pockets and a crew neck. This dress is SO comfortable with a French terry, plush feel, plus it just begs to be layered all year round. Available in regular length and long in lots of color choices. The thicker fabric on this dress make it extra durable. I wear a small in Sierra. I like the look of a Sierra in small long as well.
- Pros: Super comfy, durable fabric, sturdy usable pockets…there’s a lot to love. I feel like this is one of the best dresses for travel since many people like to layer over OR under it.
- Cons: Takes a little longer to hang dry than some of the other dresses, doesn’t drape as beautifully as Camellia.
- Favorite Look: Most often, you will find me wearing Sierra alone with a pair of Birkenstocks, but it’s also adorable with a jean jacket. Here, I’m wearing it with a kimono, Birkenstocks, and a necklace that belonged to my grandmother (similar here).
- Fabric: 75% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon, 3% Spandex
235gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
The Brooklyn
This faux wrap dress was one I originally avoided. I felt quite sure that it wouldn’t work for me with my pear-shaped body and smaller chest. I was so wrong and I actually adore my Brooklyn dress now that I’ve tried it. (I should confess, I own it in two colors). It’s an elegant, feminine look and it even has a reversible design. I wear a small in Brooklyn. I have also tried a medium and it’s a little too loose. This popular dress is now available in long as well.
- Pros: I love the looser top. comfy elastic waist, and reversible style. The dolman-ish sleeves are so flattering and perfect for those of us who aren’t feeling fab about our upper arms. This dress would be the perfect breastfeeding dress, also. For me, it’s a date night dress!
- Cons: The faux wrap is a bit loose for me, and sometimes shows a little too much. Could be solved by a couple of stitches but I haven’t bothered pulling out the needle and thread. A tank top underneath also solves the problem. Some people really miss that there aren’t pockets in this dress, but I don’t mind at all.
- Favorite Look: Black Brooklyn with a statement necklace and ballet flats. In this photo I’m wearing my Marine Blue Brooklyn with olive green Allbirds flats and an olive cardigan (similar here) from Stitch Fix.
- Fabric: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon
180gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
The Camellia
The Camellia is a more flowy, lighter-weight tank dress and is super soft. For my intense summers, I prefer the Camellia’s weight to Sierra but it’s just personal preference. For more details on this dress, check out my original post. A lot of people ask the differences in Sierra and Camellia. The Sierra has patch pockets, a wider skirt, and a more substantial fabric. Although I love Camellia’s flowy style, that does make the fabric a little more delicate and therefore it’s a smidge less sturdy than Sierra. I feel I have to be a bit more careful with Camellia. Like many of the other styles, Camellia is a generous size, and I wear a small long. For the swing styles, it’s easiest to decide your size based on your shoulders and bust.
- Pros: Lightweight, flowy, and pockets! Easy to layer, works well for all seasons (at least in my warm climate).
- Cons: The fabric is a little more delicate. (The fabric breakdown shows the differences in thickness between all the dresses).
- Favorite Look: I love my black camellia layered with a light, summer kimono and birkenstocks. In this photo I’m wearing with Birkenstocks and a salt and pepper hat from a local boutique (similar style here).
- Fabric: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon
160gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
The Maggie
I suspected I would love the Maggie because it’s cut very much like the Stella Tee (and I was correct). This swing dress is a perfect base for accessories and just a nice all around basic to have in your wardrobe. The cut is a little slimmer than some of the other styles and it has pockets plus the scoop neck is very flattering. As I’ve gained a good bit of weight (thanks, Zoloft) I am gravitating more to sleeved styles rather than sleeveless ones. The Maggie is a generous size; I currently own a Small Long and I love it but the medium also works for me. One thing to note about Wool& dresses is that you should check the size chart to decide on lengths. I don’t consider myself tall, but I often prefer the long lengths.
- Pros: This dress has pockets and is a blank slate for layers and accessories. A slimmer cut than the swing dresses , so less fabric and very lightweight.
- Cons: Some women don’t like that the pockets may add a smidge of bulk to the hipline. My dress has actually had the pockets removed!
- Favorite Look: I just love this dress by itself. It’s like your favorite tshirt, perfect alone for any occasion. In my photo I am pairing it with a vintage leaf necklace (similar here), a thrifted cinnamon cardigan (similar here) and a hat from a local boutique.
- Fabric: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon
160gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
The Renata
The Renata is my latest, favorite Wool& dress! I have always loved bell sleeves and these are the perfect length and size to stay out of the way but still add a little extra drama to the silhouette. The fit and flare cut is really flattering , rides easily over my problem areas, and the waist and sleeves add some structure. Plus, pockets! I can’t wait to wear this dress to dinner or parties coming up this fall. I think it would be the perfect holiday dress as well and I’m really excited that they just released it in Marionberry which is a gorgeous purple.
- Pros: A dressier option, Renata gives a little more structure with a nice a-line classic design. The pockets are beautifully hidden within the seam and don’t add bulk, but are totally handy. I love the bell sleeves. They aren’t crazy dramatic or too bulky to fit under a jacket or coat. They also aren’t long enough to get in the way.
- Cons: I can’t really think of any with this dress! Because it’s dressier, I would love to see it in a slightly heavier fabric (more like the Kalle to give it a little structure) but I honestly have zero complaints. I love the look, feel, design and everything about Renata!
- Favorite Look: In this photo, I’m wearing it with Vionic Sandals and a statement necklace from Baublebar (similar here). It would have looked better with heels but I’m really a flats girl!
- Fabric: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon
160gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
The Summer Midi
At first, I wasn’t sure this was the style for me, but I wanted a slightly longer skirt so I gave it a try. It turned out I love the Summer Midi and for me it’s the perfect versatile summer dress. I love the length, love the vneck, and for the first time in my life, I love the sash. I think because I am long waisted, I don’t like the way some belts hit, but because there are no loops, I can wear this sash exactly where I want. And it stays, feels comfy, and doesn’t get loose or slide down! For me this is the perfect LBD for any occasion. This dress is also reversible, and can be worn without the belt for another look making it a really versatile piece. I wear a medium in the Summer Midi.
- Pros: Versatility for sure! With the reversible design, the removable sash, and the midi length, this dress can work for almost any occasion. I’ve seen it layered in so many ways, also. It brings a ton of options to the table.
- Cons: I don’t love the pockets on this dress as much as the inseam pockets from some of the others. They are designed to work both ways for the reversible function, so it makes sense that they are designed like this, but I would just as soon have no pockets.
- Favorite Look: I’ve mostly just worn this dress alone with the sash for church. It looks very sophisticated! In this pic, I’m wearing it backwards with the higher neckline in front, black Fitflop flats, and a Kendra Scott Rayne necklace. I feel like I could do anything and go anywhere in this outfit.
- Fabric: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon
160gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
Amalya Button-Front Dres
The Amalya is a little bit retro and perfectly office appropriate. As you can see in the link, the dress can also be worn open like a cardigan. It’s a little longer than some of the others at knee length and I adore the dolman sleeves. Like most of the Wool& designs, the features are subtle so they enhance without being distracting or dramatic. The blousing affect from the fitted waist and looser sleeves is very flattering and gives me the illusion of an hourglass figure. (I very much do not have one). I am absolutely dying to try this dress with a belt. For this style, I sized up to a large. The medium fit, but it was a little snug in the muffin-top area.
- Pros: I’m loving the looser, longer sleeves, the waistline and the fun button details of this dress. The inseam pockets are pocket perfection. I feel like June Cleaver, in the best possible way.
- Cons: Ok, I’m going to be a little nit-picky here and say that I wasn’t thrilled with the workmanship on the buttons of this dress. They just look a little messy and not as nice as I expected for the price. However, that’s not going to affect my enjoyment of this dress one bit and if they need re-stitching I’m perfectly capable. I love it so much.
- Favorite Look: I think this dress is going to be quite a chameleon in my wardrobe. I wore it this weekend downtown with my olive geen Allbirds and a pair of sunglasses and I honestly felt very chic. We were shopping lots of homemade vendors and vintage shops and I felt like I really fit the vibe for a change!
- Fabric: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon
160gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
Audrey Maxi Dress
Audrey is the first maxi dress from Wool& and it is perfect. I love the cut, length, and soft feel, plus I am obsessed with this color, Black Heather. It’s basically everything I love about black with a little less visible lint. My husband says this dress is his favorite. Pockets, side slit, flattering cut. I’m wearing Audrey in a small!
- Pros: My pros and cons are almost the same which may sound weird. I love that this dress isn’t floor length. Many maxi dresses are way too long to comfortably wear. At 5’6″ this is perfect. Petite ladies may need to have this dress altered since it is generous in sizing.
- Cons: I know some customers want a long version of this dress. I hope they offer one soon, because tall women like maxi dreses, too.
- Favorite Look: I enjoyed wearing this dress with a lightweight cardigan from Lularoe but I also love it as a standalone outfit.
- Fabric: 49% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 33% Tencel™ Lyocell, 18% Nylon 200gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
Fiona Fit & Flare
The Fiona Fit & Flare is a great basic for your wardrobe and I’m sorry that is no longer available in this slate blue, which is a beautiful blue-grey. I feel like 3/4 length sleeves are so flattering and this waistline is comfortable and cute. This dress is a great Fall option, perfect for layering.
- Pros: 3/4 sleeves, a little extra length, and comfy waistband.
- Cons: Because this dress is a little more conservative I think it runs the risk of being a little frumpy.
- Favorite Look: I will be wearing this dress with scarves and leggings for a Fall look. In this photo, I’m wearing it with Fitflop flats and a Lululemon Vinyasa scarf.
- Fabric: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool, 22% Nylon
160gsm, 17.5 Micron Wool
Kalle Ponte Tank Dress
Even though I didn’t keep it, I absolutely adore the Kalle Ponte Tank Dress. It’s a structured, but still comfortable tank dress that would be perfect for a business wardrobe. If you have to travel for business, this dress could be the ideal solution. I think if I had worn some shapewear under this dress, it would have flattered me better. Between my weight gain and the fact that I don’t often go into the office, I decided I would pass along this dress. If I ever lose this extra weight, or end up back in the office, I’ll be back in line to buy Kalle.
The Cora
The Cora is a classic with a little bit of a retro spin. There has been a ton of excitement surrounding this dress because it comes in this awesome navy stripe and everyone loves the versatility of the included sash. This dress is also a little longer than most, which makes it perfect for taller ladies or a business casual environment. I tried the navy strip and it is incredibly cute. Ultimately, I did not hang onto this dress, but if I worked in an office, I think I would have kept it.
Tulip Tank Dress
The Tulip is a very body-con tank dress that looks so great on the right body type. If you want a comfortable dress that hugs the curves, the Tulip Tank Dress is a winner. I’m definitely not comfortable in this style but if you are looking for something very fitted and a little more vava-voom, you’ve got it here! This dress also comes in ocean teal blue which is absolutely beautiful. I’ve seen a lot of different body types pull this one off!
Ellie Midi Dress
I tried the Ellie Midi dress and think it’s amazing, especially as a nursing-friendly option. I didn’t find it as flattering as some of the other styles for my body type so I didn’t hang on to it. The tie style does give you some control over the fit, which is nice. I really love the Pine color. It would make the perfect holiday dress.
Dresses I Haven’t Tried (Yet)
Looking for more Wool love? Check out these other posts:
How to Save Money on Wool& Dresses
Wool& Camellia and Axis Cropped Leggings Review
Wool& Mara Honest Review
Building a Sustainable Wardrobe
Ready to being your love affair with wool? Let me know what your first purchase is going to be!
Like I said, in the Deep South, layering is a must and cardigans or jackets get a lot more wear in my wardrobe than true coats. All that to say, I owned no wool blend cardigans at all so Wool&’s Cypress is truly a wonderful addition to my wardrobe. I’m wearing it here with Wool& Charlie Jumpsuit which is also amazing.
I decided to try it with a basic jeans and patterned blouse outfit, along with some Dansko clogs. It was a great way to add a little warmth and elegance to a casual outfit!
Note: I didn’t include photos, but the Cypress also comes with a belt making it easy to use as a bathrobe or for different styles and looks. I think it’s a great idea and I know a lot of people say this cardigan is perfect for travel. It’s just another multi-use item that could fill a bunch of different holes in your wardrobe!
I think this cardigan would be perfect for office-wear, and I will 100% be wearing it into work when I have the opportunity. (I work remote and go into the office occasionally for meetings or events). It will work almost like a blazer for me.
The top is loose but not too-loose. It doesn’t reveal anything and it isn’t too low in the front. I love the v-neck cut!
This is a combo I probably realistically wouldn’t wear because it would involve too much drama in the bathroom with unbuttoning the shirt PLUS unbuttoning the jumpsuit. But it really looks cute! Speaking of bathroom issues, the back of Charlie fastens with one loop button. Once I undid it a few times, it became pretty easy and it won’t be a problem for me to wear, even with my frequent bathroom breaks.
While I was wearing it, I figured I would try the shirt unbuttoned as well. I think layers really look great with this jumpsuit giving it truly unlimited looks.
As usual, Wool& really surpassed my expectations and I’m more in love with the 
Even focusing on sustainable fashion, I still didn’t think that Wool fabric would find it’s place in my wardrobe! Honestly, it sounded like something that would never work for my Deep South climate and my initial thought was, “it’s scratchy, right?” At that point, I discovered 
