H&M pleated dress (and free shipping code)

H&M dress (wearing sz 2, use code 1991 for free shipping until August 10th)
**Update: a few ladies noted that the neckline of the dress online looks different/lower than the one I got in-store. Everything else looks the same so just wanted to point that out!** Zara pumps (old, similar starts in sz 5 ) bow shoe clips, Theory trench (old, similar)
I was drawn into H&M recently by this pretty combination of mustard, navy, and cream. These colors are great for end of summer, plus will be easy to pair with tights going into cooler weather.

The style of this dress is nothing new - I think I reviewed it a year ago in red, before it was brought back repeatedly in solid navy, bright yellow, and more. Combined with this new print, however, I thought it was a good buy for work (wore it twice already with a cream blazer or this navy cropped cardigan) plus is fun enough to wear outside the office.

Fit: H&M doesn't make petite sizing so most of their designs are intended for someone taller than me (at 5 feet tall). This dress has the typical issue of the torso being a little long, armholes slightly low, and the waist falling an inch or two below my natural waist. Usually this is an easy alteration of shortening the shoulder straps, but the neckline is high here so that would end up chokingly tight. A tailor would need to re-cut the neckline lower when doing that alteration (which I plan on asking mine about), or one could just wear a belt high like shown here, to visually cheat and raise the waistline. I think this dress is doable as-is belted and with heels on someone my height, but the proportions would look ideal on someone a little taller. The width was a good fit throughout.

Measurements of a sz 2 (shown): 15" across the armpits, 12.25" across waist, 35.5" total length. If you've never shopped at H&M before, please note the sizing is European and runs about 2 or 3 sizes smaller than American numerical sizing. Material is 93% polyester / 7% spandex with decent weight, and is unlined with a concealed back zipper. Back view:

While at H&M, I also saw two racks of this crinkle full skirt in a taupe-lilac as well as basic black. Online there is also a beautiful jewel-toned teal perfect for next season. I love the dramatic silhouette of a fitted waist and a very full-shaped skirt, which is great for parties and special occasions. I brought the taupe color home to try on and will snap photos soon.

The length is midi-length and hits me squarely in the calves, which means hemming will be needed for shorter ladies. The waist however was a perfect fit at about 12" across on a sz 2. The material is an embossed spotted texture with good weight, with a concealed back zipper and pockets.

If you're looking for anything else to get with the free shipping code 1991 (no minimum that I know of!), I'd recommend this tie-neck dotted blouse (reviewed here) or these cute bow hooks (several colors) that I picked up for my kitchen towels. Please note that the last time I checked, H&M does not accept online returns in stores so they would have to be mailed back.