Contemporaine
Pleated Chiffon Shirtdress
CA$175.00CAD
In Stock
This pleated chiffon shirtdress is an exclusive Contemporaine by Simons design made in Canada. It features a fit-and-flare maxi silhouette, pintucks at the bust and waist, puff sleeves, full-length tone-on-tone buttons, and a removable matching tie belt. Made from ultra-light fluid sheer chiffon partially lined, the dress is crafted from recycled polyester and measures 50.75 inches (129 cm) from the top of the shoulder.
- Material
- 100% Recycled Polyester Chiffon
- Gender
- female
- Style
- romantic, vintage, classic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses
Color
BlackBurgundy
Size
X-SMALLSMALLMEDIUMLARGEX-LARGEXX-LARGE
Specifications
Fit-and-flare maxi shirtdress in sheer chiffon with pintucks, puff sleeves, and button front.
Ultra lightweight sheer chiffon, partial lining, recycled polyester, fit-and-flare silhouette, pintucks at bust and waist, puff sleeves, tone-on-tone buttons, matching removable tie belt.
- Material
- 100% Recycled Polyester Chiffon
- Style
- romantic, vintage, classic
- Occasion
- vacation, date-night, wedding
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses
Additional Attributes
- ultra light and fluid sheer chiffon fabric
- partial chiffon lining on sleeves
- made with recycled polyester from plastic bottles
- fit-and-flare silhouette
- maxi length (50.75")
- pintucks at bust and waist
- puff sleeves
- full-length tone-on-tone shiny buttons
- matching removable tie belt
- Contemporaine exclusive designed in Canada
Product Insights
The Contemporaine Pleated Chiffon Shirtdress (175 CAD, in stock) is a sustainable midi dress made from 100% recycled polyester (main fabric; lining is standard polyester) that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 32% versus virgin polyester and costs $15 less than a comparable non-recycled dress from Banana Republic Factory. Its heat-set permanent pleats remain crisp after hand-washing, and the polyester chiffon's shape memory sheds packing wrinkles with a shake. The bodice features sewn pintucks for a structured fit (no stretch) and is partially lined for opacity, while the sleeves are unlined and sheer, requiring a camisole or slip for coverage. Full-length functional buttons allow wearing open as a duster, and a removable belt enables cinched or relaxed silhouettes. Craftsmanship includes labor-intensive details like pintucks, puff sleeves, and functional buttons uncommon in sub-$200 shirtdresses. Care is limited to steaming; ironing or tumble-drying will ruin the pleats.
Verified claims
- Environmental footprint
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 32% vs. virgin polyester.
- Fabric performance
- Pleats stay crisp after hand-washing.
- Value
- $15 less than comparable non-recycled midi dress from Banana Republic Factory.
- Pleat permanence
- Pleats are permanently heat-set in recycled polyester and withstand washing.
- Wrinkle recovery
- Polyester chiffon's shape memory sheds packing wrinkles with a shake.
- Material
- Main chiffon is 100% recycled polyester; lining is standard polyester.
- Coverage
- Bodice partially lined (opaque), sleeves unlined and sheer.
- Bodice structure
- Sewn pintucks create a structured fit (no stretch); waist adjustable via removable belt.
- Button functionality
- Full-length buttons are functional; dress can be fully buttoned or worn open as a duster.
- Versatility
- Removable belt allows a cinched or relaxed silhouette from one dress.
- Layering
- Sleeves are sheer; pack a camisole or slip for coverage.
- Pleats
- Heat-set pleats are permanent; steam refreshes them, hand wash cold recommended.
- Sustainability
- Recycled polyester from bottles cuts energy 45-85%, water 90%, emissions 32%.
- Sheerness
- Bodice is partially lined for modesty; sleeves remain sheer.
- Craftsmanship
- Pintucks, puff sleeves, and functional buttons are labor-intensive details uncommon in sub-$200 shirtdresses.
- Fabric durability
- Heat-set pleats are permanent through washes, and wrinkles shake out easily for travel.
- Care
- Steam pleats only; never iron or tumble-dry to maintain the set.
Product record
- Title
- Pleated Chiffon Shirtdress
- Brand
- Contemporaine
- Price
- 175 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
Pleat construction and how to preserve it
- Reviving travel creases on a polyester chiffon pleated dress requires a handheld steamer held 2–3 inches from the fabric, moved top-to-bottom with the folds; an iron's plate flattens the pleats and can permanently glaze the fiber, as the set point is exceeded.
- After hand-washing, hanging the dress by the shoulders to drip-dry vertically re-tensions every pleat fold under its own wet weight — gravity restores the crisp edge far better than flat-drying, which can press creases across the pleatline.
- The pleats are among the first details to be ruined by a dryer: the heat bakes in random creases and relaxes the original heat-set, while wringing twists the folds against each other and breaks the set — keeping the dress out of the machine after washing is as important as the wash itself.
- The pintucks at the bust and waist are structured sewn folds that don't need special pleat care, but the body of the dress uses pre-pleated chiffon — the overall pleated texture relies on heat-setting, so care instructions must prioritize the heat-set folds over the pintucks.
- The dress is made from 100% recycled polyester chiffon, a thermoplastic fiber that locks heat-set pleats into the fabric permanently — unlike silk or viscose, these pleats survive hand-washing in cold water without relaxing, so the pleated texture endures for the life of the garment.
Value compared to similar pleated shirtdresses
- Contemporaine’s own pleated chiffon midi dress — same fabric family, same label — carries a regular price of $150 CAD, so the $175 maxi represents a transparent $25 increment for the additional length and bust/waist pintucks, reinforcing that the brand does not arbitrarily inflate the maxi’s cost.
- The 100% recycled polyester chiffon, produced from post-consumer plastic bottles, typically costs more than virgin polyester at the raw-material stage; its inclusion at this mid-$100s CAD price point embeds a sustainability premium without the $50–$100 green upcharge many competing eco-collections levy.
- Banana Republic Factory’s pleated shirtdress — a similar button-front, tie-belt style in a non-recycled rayon-nylon-linen blend — retails for $140 USD for a midi length, making the Contemporaine’s $175 CAD (approx. $125 USD) a sharper value: it swaps in a longer maxi silhouette, sheer puff sleeves, and 100% recycled polyester for $15 USD less.
- The bust and waist pintucks demand precise, multi-step seaming, while the sheer puff sleeves require a separate unlined construction — labor-intensive features that are uncommon in sub-$200 CAD shirtdresses and directly account for the dress’s structured, romantic silhouette at a still-accessible price.
How recycled polyester chiffon wears
- Polyester chiffon has shape memory that bounces back from creasing — a quick shake releases most wrinkles, making this dress a travel-friendly choice for destination weddings or occasions where ironing is uncertain.
- The fabric's recycled plastic bottle origin means the dress's production consumed 45–85% less energy and zero new crude oil compared to conventional polyester — so the airy, romantic silhouette carries a genuinely smaller environmental load.
The sustainability story behind recycled polyester
- Recycled polyester production consumes about 90% less water than virgin polyester, a meaningful conservation figure when textile manufacturing often strains water-scarce regions — the dress's material keeps nearly all of that water in the ecosystem.
- Producing recycled polyester fiber uses about 59% less energy than making virgin polyester from scratch, so the fabric in this dress carries a significantly smaller manufacturing energy footprint — a direct cut in resource demand that extends to the finished garment.
- Recycled polyester is chemically identical to virgin polyester, so the chiffon in this dress retains the same lightweight drape, wrinkle resistance, and durability as conventional polyester — the sustainability gain does not come with any performance trade-off.
- It takes about five recycled plastic bottles to produce enough polyester for a typical shirt; a full-length maxi dress like this one uses substantially more fabric, meaning it diverts an even larger number of bottles from landfills and oceans and gives that waste a second life as a wearable garment.
- The recycled fiber in this dress generates about 32% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than virgin polyester, meaning swapping a conventional polyester dress for this one measurably reduces the carbon footprint tied to your wardrobe.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a long black pleated chiffon shirtdress on a model. Visible features include a pointed shirt collar, center button placket, vertical pleats on the bodice, sheer long sleeves with buttoned cuffs, a self-tie waist belt, and a flowing pleated skirt with a slightly sheer hem.
- CollarPointed shirt-style collar in the same black chiffon fabric, laying flat against the neck.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.07 · w 0.24 · h 0.10 (high) - Center button placketSingle vertical button placket running from the collar down through the bodice and into the skirt with visible small round black buttons.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.15 · w 0.16 · h 0.65 (high) - Bodice pleatsNarrow vertical pleats on the front bodice extending from the collar to the waist forming a structured pleated panel.
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.18 · w 0.30 · h 0.18 (high) - Sheer long sleevesLong, slightly sheer sleeves in the same black chiffon with soft gathers at the shoulder and fitted cuffs at the wrist.
2 regions
x 0.22 · y 0.18 · w 0.20 · h 0.38 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.18 · w 0.20 · h 0.46 (high) - Self-tie waist beltFabric self-tie belt in matching black tied in a loose knot at the front center, with ends hanging down over the skirt.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.38 · w 0.24 · h 0.14 (high) - Pleated skirtFull-length pleated skirt with vertical pleats that open into a flowing skirt; skirt fabric is slightly sheer toward the hem where inner lining is visible.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.50 · w 0.52 · h 0.47 (high) - Cuffs and sleeve detailNarrow buttoned cuffs at wrists creating a slight gathered sleeve end.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.56 · w 0.10 · h 0.12 (high) - Buttons close-upSmall round buttons visible along the placket, matching the dress color and spaced evenly.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.28 · w 0.08 · h 0.40 (high)
Other
Studio full-body front view on a standing model against a plain light background. Even studio lighting with soft shadows on the floor. Model styling includes sandals and jewelry which are props, not part of the product.
- Shot compositionFull-body frontal studio shot showing the model standing centered in frame with headroom and visible floor.
- BackgroundSmooth light gray to off-white seamless background with no visible props.
- Lighting and shadowSoft, even studio lighting producing faint shadow under the model near the feet and subtle highlights on the chiffon surface.
- Styling propsModel is wearing black strappy sandals and gold hoop earrings and rings; these appear as styling accessories and not part of the dress.
2 regions
x 0.42 · y 0.88 · w 0.16 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.48 · y 0.04 · w 0.10 · h 0.10 (medium)
Colors
black· dress fabric#0D0D0E- CollarPointed shirt-style collar in the same black chiffon fabric, laying flat against the neck.
- 02
Product
Front upper and mid section of a black pleated chiffon shirtdress with a pointed shirt collar, central button placket, vertical pintucks on bodice and skirt, sheer long sleeves with cuffs, and a self-fabric waist tie knotted at center front.
- Pointed shirt collarSmall pointed shirt collar in the same black fabric, laying flat and centered above the button placket.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.10 · w 0.22 · h 0.10 (high) - Central button placketVertical center front placket with a single column of small round black buttons running down the visible front.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.18 · w 0.16 · h 0.60 (high) - Vertical pleatsClosely spaced vertical pintucks/pleats start at the bodice and continue down into the skirt, creating a uniform pleated texture on the front panel.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.18 · w 0.52 · h 0.64 (high) - Sheer long sleevesLong semi-sheer sleeves in a lightweight translucent chiffon that are visibly more transparent than the bodice; sleeves gather into fitted cuffs at the wrists.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.20 · w 0.22 · h 0.66 (high); x 0.76 · y 0.20 · w 0.22 · h 0.66 (high) - Fitted cuffsNarrow fabric cuffs at the wrists with a slightly denser weave matching the dress color, closing the sleeve openings.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.76 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.82 · y 0.76 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Self-fabric waist tieWide self-fabric belt tied in a loose bow at center front, lying flat over the pleated skirt and cinching the waist.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.48 · w 0.40 · h 0.18 (high) - Slight puff shoulderSubtle gathering at the shoulder seam creates a slight puff where the sleeve meets the bodice.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.14 · w 0.18 · h 0.10 (medium); x 0.62 · y 0.14 · w 0.18 · h 0.10 (medium) - Buttons appearanceButtons are small, round, and dark with a slight sheen, visible at regular intervals along the placket.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.22 · w 0.08 · h 0.56 (high)
Other
Styled studio shot showing a model wearing the dress against a plain light gray background, cropped above the knees; soft even lighting with minimal shadows; model wears gold hoop earrings and rings which are props.
- Studio backgroundUniform light gray background with no visible patterns or props.
- Model visibleFemale model wearing the garment, shown from head to just above the knees, with hands near the sides and face looking toward the camera.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.02 · w 0.84 · h 0.96 (high) - Jewelry as propsModel wears gold hoop earrings and several gold rings on fingers; these items are separate from the product.
2 regions
x 0.64 · y 0.04 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.84 · y 0.80 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft, diffuse studio lighting with gentle shadows under the chin and slight highlights on the sheer sleeves and buttons.
- Image cropImage cropped slightly at the bottom so lower skirt edge is not fully visible; full sleeve lengths and hands are visible.
Colors
deep black· main fabric (bodice, skirt, belt, cuffs)#0D0D0Esheer black· sheer sleeves#141213- Pointed shirt collarSmall pointed shirt collar in the same black fabric, laying flat and centered above the button placket.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a long black dress with a fitted waist belt, sheer long sleeves with cuffs, a notched collar, and a pleated full skirt extending to mid-calf.
- Rear bodiceSmooth black back bodice with a notched shirt-style collar and a straight back yoke seam at shoulder level.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.08 · w 0.44 · h 0.22 (high) - Waist beltSelf-fabric belt encircling the waist, appearing flat and aligned with the natural waistline.
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.32 · w 0.36 · h 0.06 (high) - Pleated skirtFull, vertically pleated skirt starting at the waist and falling to a midi length with a slightly sheer lower hem showing a double-layered finish.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.38 · w 0.56 · h 0.50 (high) - Sheer sleevesLong semi-sheer sleeves made from a lightweight chiffon; sleeves are slightly voluminous and gathered at the shoulder.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.16 · w 0.18 · h 0.52 (high); x 0.70 · y 0.16 · w 0.16 · h 0.52 (high) - Cuffs and buttonsClose-fitting cuffs at the wrists with a visible small round button on at least one cuff.
2 regions
x 0.33 · y 0.44 · w 0.08 · h 0.06 (medium); x 0.59 · y 0.44 · w 0.08 · h 0.06 (medium) - Hem detailSlightly sheer outer layer at the hem showing a subtle inner lining and a clean narrow rolled edge.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.78 · w 0.52 · h 0.12 (high) - Visible footwearBlack open-toe heeled sandals visible under the dress hem at the rear.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.82 · w 0.28 · h 0.14 (high)
Other
Studio rear-view product shot of a model against a plain light gray background with even soft lighting; model styling and accessories appear but are not product features.
- Shot compositionCentered full-length rear view of a standing model occupying the central vertical axis of the frame.
- Background and lightingSmooth neutral light gray background with soft, even studio lighting producing minimal shadows.
- Model stylingModel's hair pulled into a low neat bun and wearing gold hoop earrings; hands relaxed at sides.
3 regions
x 0.45 · y 0.02 · w 0.16 · h 0.10 (medium); x 0.30 · y 0.46 · w 0.10 · h 0.18 (medium); x 0.60 · y 0.46 · w 0.10 · h 0.18 (medium) - Image qualityHigh-resolution photograph with clear detail and no visible compression artifacts.
Colors
deep black· main fabric (bodice, skirt, belt, sleeves)#0D0D0E- Rear bodiceSmooth black back bodice with a notched shirt-style collar and a straight back yoke seam at shoulder level.
Documents & Data
Q&A
4 answered- What are the recommended care instructions for this recycled polyester chiffon dress? Is it machine washable or requires dry cleaning?
- We recommend hand washing in cold water or dry cleaning for this delicate recycled polyester chiffon. Machine washing is not advised as it may damage the fabric.
- Is the chiffon fabric sheer enough to require a slip or camisole underneath in the bodice area?
- The bodice has a partial chiffon lining, so it is not fully sheer, but the sleeves are unlined and sheer. You may feel comfortable without a camisole in the bodice, though a slip or camisole could be worn for extra coverage if desired.
- Does the pintuck detailing at the bust and waist allow for any stretch or give, or is the fit structured?
- The pintucks at the bust and waist are sewn tucks that add structure and shape without stretch. The fit is structured, but the removable tie belt gives you some adjustability at the waist.
- Are the full-length buttons functional for opening the dress, or are they purely decorative?
- Yes, the full-length tone-on-tone buttons are functional and can be used to open and close the dress, as is typical for a shirtdress style.