Let’s talk about Ivy City Co, the brand I never knew I needed until I slipped into one of their twirly, fairytale-esque dresses and felt like the main character in a period drama (minus the corsets and oppressive gender norms).
If you’re anything like me—a sucker for matching family outfits, feminine aesthetics, and supporting women-owned businesses—you’ve probably seen Ivy City Co pop up in your Instagram feed or Pinterest boards. Or maybe your friend showed up to brunch looking like she stepped out of an Anthropologie catalog and casually said, “Oh, it’s from Ivy City Co.”
Ivy City Co is more than just pretty dresses. It’s a whole vibe. And in this blog, I’m going to dive into the story behind the brand, their unique approach to fashion, my personal experience with their pieces, a few shopping tips, and what makes them stand out in the saturated world of online boutiques.
Let’s get into it.
The Story Behind Ivy City Co (AKA How It All Started)
Ivy City Co was founded by three moms—Trisha, Brigitte, and Madeline—with a shared passion for fashion, motherhood, and creativity. They wanted to create a brand that didn’t just offer beautiful clothes but also made every woman and little girl feel confident, special, and seen.
You know those dreamy dresses you wish existed in both your size and your daughter’s? That’s what Ivy City Co does. They specialize in intentional, high-quality, twirl-worthy dresses for women, kids, and even babies—with matching sets that don’t feel cheesy or overdone.
Each piece is thoughtfully designed, often by the founders themselves, and manufactured in limited batches. They’re big on small runs, ethical production, and timeless styles. Basically, this is slow fashion meets your favorite pastel Pinterest board.
First Impressions: My Ivy City Co Experience
Okay, confession time: I was influenced. Hardcore.
It started with an Instagram ad. (Cliché, I know.) A mom twirling in a ruffled dress while her toddler spun beside her in a matching one? Instant heart melt.
I clicked, I scrolled, I swooned… then I bought the “Olivia Dress”—a soft pink midi with puff sleeves and embroidered floral details. It looked like something a Jane Austen character would wear if she lived in modern-day Utah.
And the verdict?
Let me just say: I have never received more compliments in one day.
The dress was lined, soft, and didn’t feel costume-y at all. The fit was forgiving (praise be), the quality was impressive, and the vibe? Immaculate.
I wore it to a baby shower and then again to a garden brunch because, yes, I’m that person now. And when my niece showed up in the toddler version of the same dress? The crowd lost it. Ivy City Co nailed the aesthetic without feeling too matchy-matchy.
What Makes Ivy City Co Special?
There are a lot of online boutiques out there—some cute, some chaotic, some with shipping times that make you forget you even ordered anything. So what makes Ivy City Co stand out?
1. Matching Sets That Don’t Feel Corny
Think whimsical, elegant, not “family Christmas card from 2007.” They’ve nailed the art of coordination without sacrificing style. Perfect for family photos, events, or just a regular Tuesday when you want to feel adorable.
2. Inclusive Sizing
Ivy City Co offers a wide range of sizes—from XXS to 5X in many styles. They also offer petite and maternity-friendly options. I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to see a brand not treating larger sizes as an afterthought.
3. Ethical Production
They don’t mass-produce their dresses. Each piece is made with care, using ethical manufacturing practices. It’s slow fashion you can feel good about.
4. Whimsical, Yet Wearable Designs
From cottagecore vibes to bold florals, the styles manage to be unique and timeless. Think: puff sleeves, eyelet lace, embroidery, ruffles—but all balanced with modern silhouettes.
Tips for Shopping Ivy City Co Like a Pro
Now that I’ve dragged you down the rabbit hole, here are a few tips to make your Ivy City Co shopping experience even better.
1. Act Fast—Stuff Sells Out!
Because they do limited runs, popular styles go fast. If you see something you love, grab it. I learned this the hard way after putting the Piper Gingham Dress in my cart and coming back two hours later only to find it gone.
2. Check the Size Guide (Seriously)
Their pieces are beautifully made, but sizing can vary a bit from style to style. Always read reviews and check the measurements before you order.
3. Look for Pre-Loved Deals
There’s a growing community of Ivy City Co fans who sell gently used pieces on resale platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, and even dedicated Facebook groups. If you’re on a budget, this is gold.
4. Sign Up for Restock Alerts
If something’s out of stock (which happens a lot), you can sign up to be notified if and when it comes back. It doesn’t guarantee anything—but hey, it’s hope.
Where to Wear Ivy City Co
One of the best parts about this brand? Their dresses are versatile.
You can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. Here are a few ideas:
- Weddings & Baby Showers – Whether you’re a guest or the one being celebrated, you’ll look amazing.
- Family Photos – The matching sets are perfect without being cheesy.
- Brunches or Tea Parties – Because sometimes you just want to feel fancy.
- Everyday Wear – Some of the cotton styles are perfect for casual days when you still want to feel put together.
Ivy City Co’s Best-Sellers (A Few Favorites)
Want a place to start? These are some of the most beloved Ivy City Co styles, based on reviews and community buzz:
- The Abigail Dress – Delicate, floral, and flowy. A total fan favorite.
- The Magnolia – Elegant with a hint of Southern charm.
- The Jane Dress – A nod to vintage literature vibes with updated fit.
- The London Dress – A cozy corduroy dream for fall.
They release seasonal collections, too—so keep an eye out around spring and the holidays especially. The Christmas collection is magical.
The Ivy City Co Community: A Hidden Gem
What really surprised me was the tight-knit Ivy City Co community online. There are Facebook groups where people share outfit photos, size advice, restock alerts, and even coordinate group orders.
It’s not just a brand—it’s kind of a lifestyle. The whole “buy less, wear better” ethos really shows in how people style and restyle their dresses across seasons and events.
Also, they’re super responsive on Instagram. I’ve asked about sizing before and actually got a reply (bless).
Final Verdict: Is Ivy City Co Worth It?
In a word? Yes.
If you’re looking for unique, high-quality dresses that bring a little whimsy and joy into your wardrobe—and you love supporting female-founded, ethically-minded brands—Ivy City Co is 100% worth checking out.
It’s not fast fashion. The price point reflects the quality and small-batch production, so you’re investing in pieces that will last. And honestly, the confidence boost of slipping into one of their dresses? Priceless.
Whether you’re a mom looking for matching outfits, a dress lover craving something special, or just someone who wants to channel a little main-character energy—you’ll find something here.
TL;DR – Quick Ivy City Co Recap
- 🎀 Female-founded and ethically made
- 🎀 Specializes in matching mommy-and-me dresses
- 🎀 Sizes range from XXS to 5X, maternity-friendly too
- 🎀 Limited runs = grab your fave fast
- 🎀 Great for weddings, photos, brunches, and everyday twirls
- 🎀 A little bit of cottagecore, a little bit of glam
One Last Tip: Don’t Wait Too Long
Trust me—if something makes your heart flutter, don’t overthink it. Ivy City Co is one of those brands where the best pieces disappear quickly, and FOMO is real.
So whether you’re eyeing their signature floral frocks or a comfy-chic knit for fall, give yourself permission to feel beautiful and whimsical—and maybe even match with your mini-me while you’re at it.
And if you do grab a piece? Let me know how it made you feel. I’ll be the one cheering you on in the comments section, probably while wearing my third Ivy City Co dress of the week.
Thanks for reading! 💕
If you found this review helpful or fun, share it with someone who might fall in love with Ivy City Co too. Until next time, happy twirling.
