About Draper James
Founded by the one-and-only Reese Witherspoon, Draper James is an amalgamation of her Southern roots mixed with her love of fashion. This clothing boutique harbors a touch of antique elegance paired with summertime cottage core. You can find several aesthetically pleasing fits on their website, ranging from sleepwear to dresses.Since Draper James has a starlet-studded background, it should come as no surprise that they boast over 851k followers on Instagram. Naturally, their designs are also mentioned in several media outlets, including Daily Mail, Glossy, and WWD.
Despite the hype, is this brand worthy of a ‘hot pursuit,’ or are they another unstimulating ‘rendition’ of Southern belle style? Keep reading as this Draper James review takes an in-depth look at the company, its collection, customer ratings, promotions, and more, to help you decide if it’s worth checking out.
Overview of Draper James
As far as celebrity backstories go, I can say for certain that Reese Witherspoon takes the cake on charm and sentimentalism. In the spring of 2015, Draper James was created to honor her Southern heritage and her grandparents. You can thank Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon for imparting some of their grace, knowledge, and etiquette to Reese.
Reese’s upbringing, as she remembers it, was a colorful collage of white Cadillacs, driving gloves, pearl necklaces, backyard gardens, and hot-baked biscuits. It’s the kind of vintage elegance you’d associate the 1940s with.In an effort to recapture the nostalgia and romance of her childhood, she established Draper James in Nashville, Tennessee. Today, the company is well known for its wide collection of vintage blues and old-school silhouettes. Their stores are now located in several cities, including New Orleans, Beaufort, and Birmingham.Draper James is far from a celebrity cash grab; this is definitely apparent if you read up on their company mission: “Our goal is to bring contemporary, yet timeless Southern style to your wardrobe and your home, no matter where you live. We hope you will stop in to see us often—our door is always open.”
Before we get into this Draper James review, let’s go over some initial highlights:
Highlights
- A broad assortment of stylish fits to choose from
- Offers a sale outlet on its website
- Provides Afterpay as an alternative payment option
- Customers can earn credits by paying with Catch
- Involved with Girls. Inc, a non-profit organization
- Free shipping for orders $100 and more
Starlet-studded brands usually play to their celebrity’s strengths. For Kim K’s Skims, it’s the promise of attaining a bootylicious figure. For JLo Beauty, it’s all about achieving that ‘Jenny from the Block’ glow.
Draper James is no different, as it’s considered a love letter to Reese Witherspoon’s Southern belle roots. From vintage blues to gingham printed gowns, you can get a taste of Nashville 40’s elegance by wearing Reese’s stylish fits.
The Draper James closet consists of dresses, loungewear, shirts, sweaters, and jackets. The cottage-y aesthetic is also found in the brand’s home decor and accessories selection. For the time being, this Draper James review will only highlight a couple of their top-selling picks for customers to consider. Let’s get started!
Draper James Clothing Review
There’s something intrinsically romantic about Draper James’ core aesthetic. From summertime dresses to nautical striped shirts, don’t be surprised if you dream of late May peach-picking and scenic picnics at Folly Beach. If that sounds good to you, the brand offers a wide selection of gowns, shirts, jackets, and sweaters for customers to choose from.
Below, this Draper James review has rounded up some of our favs that are definitely worth a second glance.
Draper James Crewneck T-Shirt in Nautical Stripe Review
The Crewneck T-Shirt in Nautical Stripe offers the glamor of summertime sailing, but without going full ‘ahoy matey.’ This vintage-inspired tee features a pastel print of opposing whites and pinks.
It’s the perfect top for light, July afternoons since it comes with a breathable crew neckline and short sleeves. For added detail, you’ll find a series of gold-toned shoulder plackets on either side.
Made out of 100% cotton, it’s definitely better than resorting to sweaty polyester during 30-degree heat waves. We highly suggest pairing the $68 Crewneck T-Shirt in Nautical Stripe with a pair of paper bag denim shorts and a matching headscarf for a classic, vintage look.
Draper James Kelsea Sweatshirt in Awning Stripe Review
Speaking of sailor-chic, the Kelsea Sweatshirt in Awning Stripe provides the romance of yacht-sailing thanks to its ocean blue print. It’s the kind of top you’d wear during the cooler months of summer, since it’s made out of 100% cotton. Loose in silhouette and conservative in design, the Kelsea is practically begging to be worn as part of a loungewear set.
Fit with drop sleeves and blue ribbing, this Draper James review recommends layering the $74 Kelsea Sweatshirt in Awning Stripe with white drawstring joggers, fuzzy slippers, and a cozy weighted blanket for a cool, lazy day ensemble.
Draper James Linen Tie Waist Pants Review
The weather calls for 28 degree humidity with zero wind. Your go-to leggings seem too stuffy, and shorts aren’t an option since you skipped leg day.
For those looking for a breathable full coverage alternative, the Linen Tie Waist Pants act as the perfect compromise during unforgivable heat. Breezy in silhouette, you don’t have to worry about sweat spots and chafing when wearing this bad boy out.
It also features an elasticated waistband and a self-tie as added decoration. If you’re looking for styling tips, I’m sure that the Linen Tie Waist Pants would pair nicely with a boat neck, shoulderless tank, and some strappy sandals. It’s currently offered at $75 compared to its original price tag of $98.
Draper James Dresses Review
The Draper James dresses collection conjures up images of lemonade stands, summertime garden parties, and sharing charcuterie boards with friends. From smock gowns to turtleneck neck beauties, this Draper James review will spotlight some of the brand’s hottest picks on their website.
Draper James Turtleneck Knit Dress in Ribbon Flower Review
The Turtleneck Knit Dress in Ribbon Flower is the epitome of autumn elegance. Conservative in design, this midi-gown showcases a stunning pattern of red and white peonies speckled from head to toe.
It comes with smocked sleeve cuffs, a slim-fit cut around the bodice, and a beautiful flowing skirt. Due to its modest silhouette, the Turtleneck Dress is an excellent number to wear during dinner parties or art gallery exhibitions.
Made out of a blend of spandex and viscose, the $98 Turtleneck Knit Dress in Ribbon Flower thankfully provides some give if you overate during dinner. Styling-wise, a pair of black heels and gold-toned jewelry will do wonders in highlighting the beauty of this gown.
Draper James Shania Smocked Dress in Blackwatch Plaid Review
I can 100% imagine Beth Harmon rocking the Shania Smocked Dress in Blackwatch Plaid in an episode of The Queen’s Gambit. Designed to be feminine and flirty, this summer-inspired number provides a hint of vintage class through its green and black print. For extra pizazz, it also features a tiered bottom, a square neckline, and ruffled sleeves.
If you want to go full 1960s, the Shania Smocked Dress in Blackwatch Plaid will blend perfectly with a silk headscarf, closed-toe kitten heels, and hoops. At this time, customers can get this vintage beauty for only $69 instead of the original $95 markup.
Draper James Tiered Tank Dress in Shimmer Dot Review
Draper James Tiered Tank Dress in Shimmer Dot Review
Draper James Tiered Tank Dress in Shimmer Dot
Looking for something more glitzy for that backyard barbeque? If so, the Tiered Tank Dress in Shimmer Dot provides the right amount of glitter without going overboard.
Styled with a smock bodice, ruffle sleeves, and a tiered bottom, this stunning show-stopper requires the magic of fairy lights to show its true beauty. In terms of pattern, it’s speckled with hundreds of rainbow dots.
Since the $150 Tiered Tank Dress in Shimmer Dot is quite bold in design, we suggest playing it safe by wearing black strappy heels and minimal jewelry for accessories. Oh, and might we suggest a waist belt to help cinch in your figure?
Who Is Draper James For?
Draper James is a clothing brand that provides a refreshing take of vintage Southern belle. Don’t worry, you won’t find any hoop skirts or corsets here. Instead, their homage to old-school classics is shown through an assortment of nautical stripes, gingham plaid prints, and antique pastel blues.
They definitely cater to summertime fashion, but you can also find some fall-appropriate fits—such as the Turtleneck Knit Dress in Ribbon Flower.
Draper James Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
With a celebrity-owned brand like Draper James, you’d expect hundreds of glowing reviews to reside on the internet. Unfortunately, we could only find a couple of testimonials posted on the company’s official site, as well as those shared on external sources.
To start things off, let’s take a look at the ratings provided for the company’s best-selling designs:
The Crewneck T-Shirt in Nautical Stripe: 8 reviews with 4.3/5 stars
The Kelsea Sweatshirt in Awning Stripe: 16 reviews with 4.3/5 stars
The Turtleneck Knit Dress in Ribbon Flower: 12 reviews with 5/5 stars
The Tiered Tank Dress in Shimmer Dot: 4 reviews with 5/5 stars
So far, it appears that Draper James scores full points in quality and design. They’re definitely confidence-boosters, as their dresses and shirts proved flattering to wear. Take it from one happy customer who wrote a glowing review for the Turtleneck Knit Dress in Ribbon Flower.
“The fabric is perfect for winter, as well as the design itself,” one customer shared. “I got lots of compliments! It goes great with some black tights and Oxfords. It also seems true to size.”
“This dress perfectly combines a put together look with comfort,” one reviewer detailed for the Tiered Tank Dress in Shimmer Dot. “I love that the straps are adjustable and that it has pockets. The rainbow is subtle enough, but just right to make it fancy for a night out.”
This Draper James review uncovered a few reviews posted on external sources, such as Yelp, Womply, and the Better Business Bureau. The consensus continues to be positive, but it’s best to let the ratings do all the talking:
Yelp for the brand’s Nashville location: 94 reviews with 3.5/5 stars
Womply for the brand’s Nashville location: 328 reviews with 4.1/5 stars
The Better Business Bureau: 19 complaints with 10 cases closed.
“We were greeted at the door with small cups of sweet tea and enjoyed conversation with the staff throughout our shopping experience,” one Yelp user shared. “I tried on a few items and settled on an adorable dress. I was so pleased that the sizing went up to 3x in the store.”
For more in-depth critiques, this Draper James review thought it best to rely on independent blogs such as Sunshine Style. According to the author, the boutique proved exceptional in terms of material quality and style.
“Out of all the clothes I have bought this year, I have to hands down say the Draper James dress I ordered is the highest quality item I have purchased in a while. From the fit and style to the material and pretty packaging,” writes Sunshine Style.
Other bloggers, such as With Wonder and Whimsy, also left a commendable review of Draper James clothing. According to the author, the brand’s plus-sized section is something worth marveling over.
“Their styles run true to size, and their extended (plus) size offerings are truly cut for fuller figures…the (Sweater Dress in Jacquard Tulip) is such a chic and charming dress. It really exemplifies the Draper James brand: feminine, flirty, and still so ladylike,” via a statement made by With Wonder and Whimsy.
There seem to be mixed reviews concerning the brand’s level of customer service. Some buyers reported positive experiences when visiting their stores in person. Others noted issues in requesting refunds, shipping, and order cancellations. But, you can take care knowing that there are very few negative testimonials posted online.
Is Draper James Worth It?
Despite its celebrity backing, Draper James manages to stand up on its own thanks to the brand’s unique aesthetic. Southern belle fashion is far from new, but I can definitely say that it’s a style well ignored.
The boutique manages to marry vintage classics with upscale contemporary in a refreshingly new way, and you can see it in designs such as the Crewneck T-Shirt in Nautical Stripe and the Shania Smocked Dress in Blackwatch Plaid.
Draper James falls in the mid-affordable section. They aren’t entirely expensive, but you should expect to pay more than $50 for a tee. All in all, if you’re a fan of breezy, beautiful, and timeless fashion aesthetics, this Draper James review highly recommends that you check them out.
Draper James Promotions & Discounts
This Draper James review found out that they have a clearance section in which select designs are offered at a discounted price. You can also sign up for their newsletter to receive $10 off your first order of $100. In regards to the brand’s refer-a-friend program, customers can get $15 for every successful referral.
Where to Buy Draper James
Looking to buy some Draper James clothing? Customers can visit draperjames.com to see what they have to offer. Aside from visiting their in-store locations, you can also find them on Amazon and Nordstrom.
FAQ
Who owns Draper James?
Draper James is currently owned by founder Reese Witherspoon.
Does Draper James ship internationally?
Unfortunately, this Draper James review found out that they only ship within the United States. Fingers crossed that they’ll open up more locations in the future.
What is Draper James’ Shipping Policy?
This Draper James review is happy to report that they offer free shipping on orders that total $100 or more. Anything below this amount will incur a fee of $9. They also provide other delivery options, such as 2-Day and Next Day, for customers to choose from.
To help monitor the status of your purchase, the brand will issue a tracking number alongside a confirmation email.
What is Draper James’ Return Policy?
Draper James provides a 20-day window for customers to send back their unused products. Sadly, they do not offer a free shipping label for buyers to use, as a fee of $7 will be deducted from their refund amount. With that being said, returns made to one of their in-store locations or at a Happy Returns Bar location are entirely complimentary.
Final sale items, cosmetics, hair accessories, and personalized products are considered exempt from their policy. To initiate this process, customers must access the return provided by draperjames.com.
