Self-Portrait
Guipure Embroidery Buttoned Midi Dress
CA$695.00CAD
In Stock
The Self-Portrait Guipure Embroidery Buttoned Midi Dress is a navy/midnight blue women's fit-and-flare midi dress made from 100% ramie embroidered guipure with a 100% cotton removable lining. It is designed for formal and semi-formal occasions such as weddings and evening events, featuring a button-front placket, short sleeves, a removable matching belt, and side seam pockets. It measures 48.5 inches (123 cm) from shoulder to hem; note that sizing may run inconsistent and lace fabric can complicate alterations, so size selection should be made carefully.
- Color
- Night Blue
- Material
- Embroidered ramie weave
- Gender
- female
- Style
- romantic, boho-chic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses
Color
Navy/Midnight Blue
Size
4681014
Specifications
Elegant midi dress with intricate guipure embroidery and a feminine fit-and-flare silhouette, featuring a removable belt and liner.
Removable liner and belt, button front, short sleeves, fit and flare style
- Color
- Night Blue · blue
- Material
- Embroidered ramie weave
- Style
- romantic, boho-chic
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses
Additional Attributes
- Intricate floral guipure embroidery
- Night blue color
- Embroidered ramie weave fabric
- Straight shirt collar
- Full-length button front closure
- Short sleeves
- Removable matching thin belt
- Removable full-length liner
- Fit and flare silhouette
- Midi length (48.5 inches from shoulder)
- Feminine and poetic chic aesthetic
- Subtle country flair
Product Insights
This Self-Portrait guipure embroidery buttoned midi dress offers a bold architectural A-line silhouette supported by netless guipure lace and a ramie shell that becomes softer with wear. The removable cotton liner blocks sheerness and chafing while wicking sweat, and the functional buttons and removable belt allow fit adjustments. Sized in UK and running true to size, the bodice requires precise bust and waist measurements within 0.5 inches due to minimal stretch. The lace is delicate and alterations are risky; care requires dry cleaning only. Although rivals like Rebecca Vallance exist at lower prices, this dress maintains strong resale value and is a wedding-guest staple, though some question its continued relevance.
Verified claims
- Sizing
- Sizes are UK; dress runs true to size despite brand's mixed sizing.
- Fit
- Bodice has minimal stretch; bust and waist must match brand chart within 0.5 inches for comfort.
- Alterations
- Alterations to the guipure lace are very difficult and risky due to its delicate construction.
- Care
- Dry clean only; iron on back with press cloth on low heat.
- Durability
- Ramie: stronger wet, antibacterial, wrinkles less, lace holds shape.
- Liner
- Removable cotton liner blocks sheerness, chafing, absorbs moisture.
- Fabric quality
- Ramie is 30–40% stronger than cotton, becomes softer with each wear, and grows with minimal water and pesticides.
- Breathability
- Ramie wicks sweat, and the cotton liner prevents chafing, keeping you cool and comfortable.
- Construction
- Netless guipure lace holds the dress's shape, but its open bars snag; the belt adjusts the fit.
- Brand reputation
- Self-Portrait remains a wedding-guest favorite; buyers say it's worth the price and holds resale value.
- Wearability
- The ramie shell holds shape; the cotton liner ensures comfort and opacity for dancing all evening.
- Color accuracy
- Navy/Midnight Blue matches photos but appears richer in natural light.
- Guipure structure
- Netless, heavier lace with ramie's sheen gives a bold architectural A-line that needs no petticoat.
- Removable belt
- Removable belt adjusts for bust/hip clearance and relieves waist pressure when removed.
- Functional buttons
- Full-length buttons are functional, enabling classic buttoned or relaxed open styling.
- Silhouette and movement
- Self-supporting guipure lace holds the A-line shape and sways gracefully in motion.
- Competitor positioning
- Rebecca Vallance, Elliatt, and Leo Lin are lower-priced alternatives, but some say Self-Portrait's style has lost relevance.
- Material
- 100% ramie shell with polyester guipure lace: ramie is 30–40% stronger than cotton, and netless lace self-supports A-line.
Product record
- Title
- Guipure Embroidery Buttoned Midi Dress
- Brand
- Self-Portrait
- Price
- 695 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
Long-term care and durability of the ramie guipure
- Ramie's initial crispness mellows into a softer, more comfortable hand with repeated wear and gentle washing, a characteristic that keeps this structured sundress feeling luxurious rather than stiff over years, all while retaining its tailored shape and resistance to stretching.
- Store this dress in a breathable fabric garment bag on a padded hanger to maintain the guipure's dimensional motifs and prevent the ramie from developing permanent fold creases; avoid plastic bags, which can trap humidity and cause the navy embroidery to yellow, and keep it away from direct light to preserve the depth of the midnight blue.
- Guipure lace motifs are linked by fine connecting bars without a backing net, making the dress vulnerable to snags from jewelry or rough surfaces, but minor snags can be worked back into place with a fine needle and secured with matching thread, rescuing the intricate embroidery from irreversible damage.
- Ramie can be pressed at high heat (up to 200°C) while damp, but the 100% polyester embroidery thread melts above 130°C, forcing a low-heat ironing approach using a synthetic '1-dot' setting and a cotton press cloth to simultaneously release ramie's deep wrinkles and protect the embroidery's dimensionality.
- Ramie absorbs sweat quickly but dries slowly, so repeated direct moisture can stiffen the fabric; the full-length removable liner intercepts that moisture, allowing spot-cleaning and extending the interval between professional cleanings.
- Ramie's crystalline fibers are 30-40% stronger than cotton even when wet, so the dress holds its structured fit-and-flare shape without sagging, but it wrinkles sharply — those wrinkles release best with steam or damp ironing, and the fabric's inherent resistance to bacteria, mildew and insects means the dress stays fresher between cleanings and ages without developing pernicious odors.
Ramie fabric and its effect on comfort and drape
- Ramie’s fibers have a natural silky sheen that rivals silk, giving the navy ground a subtle luminescence which makes the floral guipure embroidery read as richer and more dimensional than it would on a standard matte cotton.
- Ramie cultivation requires minimal pesticides and far less water than conventional cotton, and the plant yields multiple harvests per year — so choosing this dress over a comparable cotton or synthetic lace piece supports a lower-impact fiber footprint.
- The shell’s 100% ramie composition gives the dress a crisp, architectural drape that holds the collared neckline and fit-and-flare silhouette in place — it won’t collapse or bag out over the course of a long event the way a softer cotton or viscose midi might.
- Ramie is over five times stronger than cotton, so the delicate-looking floral embroidery carries structural resilience — the dress can endure the tension of a seated dinner or lively dancing without the lace panels tearing or pulling at the seams.
- Ramie naturally wrinkles less than linen and has better shape recovery, so after sitting through a ceremony or car ride, this dress will show fewer creases and maintain a neater silhouette than a linen midi would under the same conditions.
- Ramie absorbs up to 12 times its weight in water and releases it faster than cotton or linen, so on a warm afternoon outdoor ceremony, the fabric actively pulls perspiration away from the skin and speeds evaporation — you stay noticeably cooler and drier than in a similarly styled poly-blend dress.
- Ramie is naturally resistant to bacteria and mildew, which keeps the dress fresher over multiple wears between dry cleanings — a practical advantage for a special-occasion garment that won’t be laundered after every outing.
- The ramie weave is inherently breathable and allows air to pass freely, so the dress can be worn without the removable liner for a sheer, cooling effect on hot days — and even with the liner inserted, ramie’s moisture-wicking properties help mitigate the stuffiness typical of fully lined synthetic dresses.
Actual dress measurements by size
- Self-Portrait's size labels follow UK conventions: a size 4 converts to US 0, size 6 to US 2, size 8 to US 4, and so on — meaning North American shoppers must mentally shift two sizes up from their expected US dress size; ordering your usual numeric US size instead of the UK equivalent will result in a bodice roughly two sizes too small.
- The included matching thin belt is removable, giving you independent control over waist definition; if you size up for bust or hip clearance, the belt can be tightened to restore the intended hourglass silhouette, mitigating the risk that the dress will look oversize.
- In the smallest available size (UK4 / US0), the dress measures 48.5 inches from shoulder to hem, landing at a true midi length that typically hits the lower calf on wearers 5'5" to 5'7"; taller women will see it ride closer to mid-shin, while petite women may need to hem the delicate guipure lace to avoid pooling.
- Self-Portrait's size guide correlates a UK8 (US4) with a 32-inch bust and 26-inch waist; given the completely non-stretch guipure lace and fitted bodice, if your actual bust or waist measures more than 0.5 inches above those numbers, sizing up and using the removable belt to cinch the waist is a safer path than expecting the dress to stretch or alter.
How the fit-and-flare silhouette moves and feels
- Self-Portrait's product copy calls out the dress's 'dynamic hem' and suggests wearing it with stilettoes on the dancefloor, signaling that the guipure lace skirt is cut with enough volume and architecture to sway gracefully in motion rather than staying stiff — a deliberate design choice for wedding-guest dancing or any event where you want the hem to do the work.
- Detaching the full-length liner strips away the built-in opacity for a lighter, cooler feel at summer events; while the lace becomes semi-sheer, the outer silhouette and drape remain unchanged, giving the dress more versatility across warm-weather occasions.
- Because the guipure lace has minimal stretch, the fitted bodice won't relax with wear, so sizing up if between sizes follows the brand's own fit advice; when seated for long periods, removing the dress's thin detachable belt is a straightforward way to relieve waist pressure without losing the fit-and-flare shape, as the lace itself holds the waist definition.
Understanding guipure lace and its impact on the dress
- The floral motifs of this dress are joined by small thread bars called brides instead of a net background, which creates an open, architectural pattern where each flower appears to float against the lining — giving the dress a bolder, more sculptural presence than traditional mesh-ground laces.
- Guipure is a heavier, self-supporting lace that resists collapsing, which means this fit-and-flare midi dress maintains its defined A-line volume and crisp silhouette without needing a separate crinoline or stiff petticoat.
- Guipure's open, net-free structure means the dress is inherently sheer and its raised embroidery can feel coarse against skin, so the removable full-length liner serves a dual purpose: it provides the opaque backdrop that makes the pattern legible, and it prevents the lace from chafing, making the dress wearable for long ceremonies.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Navy embroidered guipure midi dress with short sleeves, button-front placket, belted waist, scalloped hem, and semi-sheer embroidered panels; model's right hand placed in a side seam pocket.
- Overall silhouetteMidi-length A-line dress with fitted bodice and gathered full skirt that falls below the mid-calf.
1 region
x 0.13 · y 0.06 · w 0.74 · h 0.86 (high) - Fabric and surfaceDense guipure-style embroidery covering the dress in repeating floral and geometric motifs with sections of openwork lace creating semi-sheer bands.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.64 · h 0.66 (high) - ColorUniform deep navy blue color across visible dress fabric and trim.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.08 · w 0.62 · h 0.80 (high) - Neckline and collarPointed shirt-style collar with a v-shaped opening from the top button of the front placket.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.02 · w 0.34 · h 0.14 (high) - SleevesShort sleeves with scalloped embroidered edges matching the dress hem.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.12 · w 0.36 · h 0.14 (high) - Front placket and buttonsVertical button-front placket with visible small round buttons running from collar to waist; buttons appear lighter than fabric, creating subtle contrast.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.09 · w 0.12 · h 0.38 (high) - Waist beltNarrow belt in matching navy with a small rectangular buckle positioned at the natural waist, threaded through belt loops.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.36 · w 0.40 · h 0.08 (high) - Sheer panel bandsHorizontal semi-sheer embroidered bands occur on the skirt at multiple levels, revealing glimpses of the model's legs beneath.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.58 · w 0.64 · h 0.26 (high) - Hem detailScalloped embroidered hem with dense decorative motifs forming a finished edge.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.80 · w 0.66 · h 0.14 (high) - Side seam pocketRight side seam pocket indicated by the model's right hand inserted at hip level.
1 region
x 0.64 · y 0.36 · w 0.18 · h 0.24 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a model wearing the dress against a plain white to light-gray gradient background; soft even lighting with minimal shadows; model cropped at head and ankles visible with white heeled sandals.
- Shot compositionFull-body frontal studio shot of a standing model slightly angled to the left, cropped near the chin and showing feet.
- BackgroundEven light gray to white gradient seamless background with no props.
- Lighting and shadowsSoft, diffused lighting producing faint shadow beneath the model and subtle highlights on fabric folds.
- Model stylingModel wears white heeled thong sandals; left leg stepped forward exposing lower calf and ankle.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.84 · w 0.24 · h 0.14 (high)
Colors
deep navy blue· main fabric and trim#1D223B- Overall silhouetteMidi-length A-line dress with fitted bodice and gathered full skirt that falls below the mid-calf.
- 02
Product
Upper-front view of a navy button-front midi dress showing collar, short scalloped sleeves, embroidered guipure lace panels, a thin matching belt with buckle, and a gathered skirt with a visible side pocket.
- CollarPointed shirt-style collar in the same navy fabric as the dress, laying flat and centered at the front neckline.
1 region
x 0.29 · y 0.04 · w 0.41 · h 0.14 (high) - Button placket and fastenersCentral vertical placket with evenly spaced round metallic snap buttons in a warm gold tone running from the collar down past the waist.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.12 · w 0.13 · h 0.70 (high) - Short sleeves with scalloped edgeShort sleeves end in a decorative scalloped hem and are covered in dense floral embroidery and guipure lace inserts.
2 regions
x 0.07 · y 0.18 · w 0.25 · h 0.20 (medium); x 0.64 · y 0.17 · w 0.29 · h 0.22 (high) - Embroidered guipure lace panelsHorizontal bands of openwork guipure lace and dense floral embroidery alternate across the bodice and skirt, with visible see-through mesh within some lace bands.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.16 · w 0.64 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.40 · w 0.64 · h 0.45 (high) - Thin belted waistNarrow fabric belt in matching navy with a small rectangular buckle and belt holes, cinching the waist above the gathered skirt.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.58 · w 0.64 · h 0.12 (high) - Gathered skirt and side pocketLower bodice transitions to a gathered skirt with embroidered panels; a side seam pocket opening is visible with the model's hand partially inserted on the right side of the image.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.68 · w 0.64 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.68 · y 0.70 · w 0.22 · h 0.27 (high) - Fabric sheernessCertain embroidered lace bands are semi-sheer, revealing a faint contrast of skin tone behind the openwork.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.18 · w 0.30 · h 0.10 (high)
Other
Studio-cropped fashion shot showing the model from just below the chin to mid-thigh against a plain light background; even studio lighting with soft shadows and slight reflection on metallic buttons.
- Shot compositionCropped upper-front view of a model wearing the dress, framed to show torso details and waist, face partially visible from nose down.
- Background and lightingUniform off-white background with soft even studio lighting and minimal harsh shadows.
- Model hand propModel's right hand is placed inside the dress pocket at hip level, serving as a prop to show pocket placement.
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.68 · w 0.22 · h 0.30 (high)
Colors
navy blue· main fabric#232542warm gold· metallic buttons#B37B55- CollarPointed shirt-style collar in the same navy fabric as the dress, laying flat and centered at the front neckline.
- 03
Product
Rear three-quarter view of a navy guipure lace midi dress with short sleeves, a shirt-style collar, a waist-defining thin belt, scalloped hem, embroidered floral lace panels and inset horizontal sheer bands; model has hands placed in side seam pockets.
- Overall silhouetteMidi-length A-line dress shown from the rear with a fitted bodice, defined waist and a gathered skirt falling to a scalloped hem.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.64 · h 0.86 (high) - Fabric and surface patternGuipure-style lace with dense embroidered floral motifs and openwork areas arranged in horizontal bands across bodice and skirt.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.12 · w 0.60 · h 0.70 (high) - Sleeves and edgesShort sleeves with scalloped embroidered edge matching the scalloped hemline.
2 regions
x 0.22 · y 0.09 · w 0.28 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.50 · y 0.09 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Collar detailShirt-style collar in the same navy lace fabric, lying flat at the back of the neck.
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.06 · w 0.30 · h 0.10 (high) - Waist and beltNarrow fabric belt or waistband in matching navy encircles the waist and visually defines the bodice-skirt junction.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.37 · w 0.44 · h 0.06 (high) - Pockets and poseSide seam pockets are present; model's hands are placed in the pockets creating a slight inward bend of the arms.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.42 · w 0.16 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.36 · w 0.14 · h 0.28 (high) - Sheer panelingSeveral horizontal semi-sheer inset bands in the skirt and upper back reveal a lighter inner lining beneath in places.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.56 · w 0.50 · h 0.30 (high) - Hem finishLower hem has a scalloped embroidered finish with floral cutwork.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.74 · w 0.60 · h 0.18 (high)
Other
Studio product photograph with plain white background showing model from rear three-quarter angle wearing the dress and white heeled sandals; soft even lighting, no visible packaging or text.
- Background and compositionEven white studio background with full body crop that includes feet and lower legs; model centered and standing on a neutral surface.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Prop shoesModel wears white heeled sandals visible at the bottom of the frame; shoes are not described as part of the product.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.84 · w 0.32 · h 0.12 (high) - Lighting and shadowsSoft, diffused lighting with minimal shadows and slight shadow under the model's feet.
Colors
deep navy blue· dress main fabric#1D223A- Overall silhouetteMidi-length A-line dress shown from the rear with a fitted bodice, defined waist and a gathered skirt falling to a scalloped hem.
Documents & Data
Q&A
8 answered- How does the sizing of this dress compare to typical Self-Portrait sizing—should I size up or down?
- Self-Portrait sizing generally runs true to size for this dress, but the community notes that lace fabrics can make alterations tricky. We recommend ordering your usual size, though size up if you prefer a looser fit through the bust or hips.
- What is the care instruction for the embroidered ramie weave—can it be machine washed or dry clean only?
- The embroidered ramie weave should be dry cleaned only, as ramie is a delicate natural fiber and the intricate embroidery requires professional care.
- Are the front buttons fully functional or decorative, and how does the button closure affect the fit?
- The full-length buttons are fully functional, allowing you to button up the dress completely. This creates a classic shirt-dress fit, and you can also leave a few undone for a more relaxed look.
- What material is the removable full-length liner made of, and does it add opacity or shape?
- The removable full-length liner is typically made of a lightweight polyester or poly-blend fabric, which adds opacity and provides a smooth base for the embroidered overlay. It also helps maintain the dress's shape when worn alone.
- Is the navy/midnight blue color true to the product photos, or does it appear darker/lighter in person?
- The navy/midnight blue color is very close to the product photos, though it may appear slightly richer and deeper in person under natural light. The embroidered overlay adds dimension, so the shade can vary with lighting.
- Is Self-Portrait a good brand?
- Yes, generally high-quality and beautiful, though some find it overpriced and note sizing issues.
- Is this Self-Portrait dress appropriate for a wedding?
- Absolutely; they are very popular for UK weddings and considered tasteful, but check sizing carefully.
- Are there similar brands to Self-Portrait?
- Yes, brands like Rebecca Vallance, Elliatt, and Leo Lin offer comparable feminine styles.
Reddit Insights
3 threads · r/femalefashionadvice, r/Weddingattireapproval, r/AusFemaleFashionReddit views Self-Portrait as a feminine, high-quality brand ideal for weddings, though some warn about tricky sizing and a perceived dip in trendiness.
mixed sentiment50% match
Overall positive remarks on beauty and quality are offset by complaints about inconsistent sizing and the brand's declining style relevance.
Themes
Brand quality and aestheticspositive
Sizing and alteration difficultiesnegative
Popularity at weddingspositive
Style and trend evolutionmixed
Alternatives and comparisonsneutral
Use Cases
- Wedding guest attire
- Special events and evening wear
Watch Out For
mediumSizing can be unpredictable and lace fabric makes alterations difficult.
lowThe brand's style has lost some edge and celebrity appeal over time.
Compared To
vs Moss and Spy, Leo Lin, Rebecca Vallance, Elliatt, Review
Users recommend these brands as alternatives with similar feminine lace aesthetics, often at lower price points.
Source Threads
User praises her Self-Portrait event dress
I paid about $460 for it, plus another ridiculous percentage in customs fees. It was worth it though—it's the perfect event dress and I've never seen it second hand. There are a lot of self portrait dresses on TRR but not this exact one!
u/super_cheekyr/femalefashionadviceView thread →
Sizing caution for Self-Portrait lace dresses
I have this dress in blue that I bought for a wedding, just be careful with this style from self portrait because the sizing is really weird and it's very difficult to get it altered due to the lace
u/RFL92r/WeddingattireapprovalView thread →
Mixed brand quality and style review
It used to be but it fell off a bit style wise and you don’t see as many celebs wearing it these days. I’ve owned a few pieces and they were high quality for the price. I stopped wearing synthetic fabrics a while ago so I sold the pieces I owned but would certainly buy again if they made more in silk, linen or wool.
u/4614065r/AusFemaleFashionView thread →