Story

The Gemma is one of those chameleon-like dresses that look appropriate in just about any situation. A classic A-line skirt and smart-looking French darts give the dress a chic, professional vibe, while the two sets of pockets (yes, this dress has FOUR pockets!) and a high waist add a dash of whimsy. Dress it up with a blazer and heels and you're on your way to work. Dress it down with a chunky sweater and short boots and you're ready for the weekend. Or (my personal favorite), layer it over a turtleneck or a button-up like our Hawthorn Top for a playful, unexpected look. The Gemma can do just about anything.

Design Details

• Main fabric: 100% organic cotton
• Lining fabric: 100% organic cotton
• Designed, cut, and sewn in Arkansas, USA
• Fit-and-flare silhouette with an A-line skirt
• French darts on bodice
• V-neck on front and back
• Fully lined
• Back zip
• Four total pockets: two slash pockets, two patch pockets
• Waistline hits slightly higher than natural waist
• Measures 34" long from shoulder
• Hand wash cold, line dry, warm iron as needed (learn more about garment care here)

Materials

This dress is made out of 100% organic cotton twill milled in India. If you've ever worn jeans or pants before, you should be familiar with the comfort, simplicity, and characteristic diagonal weave of twill. The twill we source is GOTS-certified organic and is a midweight fabric (7 oz.) — heavy enough to keep you warm and covered, but not so heavy as to make you feel like you're being weighed down by your clothes.

For the Aegean color pictured here, I hand-dyed the twill using fiber-reactive dyes to get the perfect shade of teal blue. It is a surprisingly versatile color, pairing particularly well with ivory, black, and mustard.

The dress is lined with 100% organic cotton double gauze, produced in India, that I have hand-dyed a shade of dark grey using fiber-reactive dyes. It is unbelievably soft and breathable.

In addition to the fabric, this style uses 100% cotton thread, organic cotton bias tape, a YKK zipper, and organic cotton labels.

Fit

Take a look at our Size Guide to find your size.

The Gemma is fitted in the bust and waist, so use both your bust and waist measurements when determining your size. If you fall in between sizes, I recommend sizing up.

Alyssa is wearing a size Small and is 5'8" with a 35" bust, 26" waist, and 37" hip.