As a veteran fashionista with over a decade of experience styling chic women, I‘ve developed an eye for quality and an instinct for what works. Recently I‘ve fallen for Lilly Pulitzer‘s cheerful resort aesthetic, prompting an in-depth brand review to determine whether the elevated costs measure up to the enduring styles.
An Introduction to Preppy, Palm-Filled Lilly Pulitzer
Lilly Pulitzer exploded onto the scene in the late 1950s with a collection of colorful, juice-stain masking resort shifts. Since those early days of Palm Beach prep, the brand has exploded into a full-fledged lifestyle empire encompassing dresses, separates, swimwear, accessories, home goods, baby clothes and more.
So who wears Lilly now? The brand enjoys devoted followings among Southern sorority belles, country club patrons, and resort-goers of all ages. Fans can‘t get enough of Lilly‘s happy palm tree and pineapple prints, candy-colored palettes, and luxe materials.
In this extensive review, we‘ll survey some of Lilly Pulitzer‘s most popular product lines while answering a critical question: does the quality justify the costs or merely the caché?
An Overview of Bestselling Lilly Pulitzer Product Categories
From flirty cocktail dresses to silk pajama sets, Lilly Pulitzer infuses femininity and whimsy into every category. Especially popular lines include dresses, shorts, pants, swim coverups, shoes, pajamas, and accessories ranging from backpacks to sunglass cases.
Let‘s explore some top sellers by product segment:
Scene-stealing Lilly Pulitzer Dresses
Lilly Pulitzer frocks shine as both resortwear and special occasion attire thanks to luxe fabrics like silks, eye-catching prints, and details like lace, ruffles and bows. The most popular silhouettes include shifts, shirtdresses, maxi dresses, and cocktail styles ranging from prim to bombshell.
Two top-rated Lilly Pulitzer dresses include:
Karolina Dress
This figure-skimming LBD features a flowy crepe bodice, alluring side cutouts, floral lace accents and poet sleeves. When paired with metallic heels and bold lipstick, it guarantees all eyes on you.
Amelie Maxi Dress
This ankle-skimming maxi channels tropical vibes with a vibrant blue and white floral print. With its easy drape and adjustable straps, this breezy frock makes an effortlessly elegant cover-up over your favorite swimsuit or ensemble for a beachfront wedding.
Lilly Pulitzer Shorts: Quintessential Resortwear
Lilly Pulitzer shorts check every box for luxury resort-wear, from the gauzy linen Shore Shorts ideal for sunset strolls along the water to the sleek 5” microfiber Sail Shorts, equally at home on the golf course or yacht club veranda.
Two top-rated styles include:
4” PJ Knit Ruffle Short
These rayon-spandex pajama shorts shine with their slim pull-on fit, functional drawstring, and flirty ruffled hem. The vibrant floral patterns sweeten the deal.
7” Suit Short
For polished poolside style, you can‘t go wrong with the 7” Suit Short. These structured shorts feature front slant pockets, faux button accents, and come in colors like Hawaiian pink, marina green and bright white.
Lilly Pulitzer Pajamas For Year-Round Lounging
Lilly Pulitzer PJs feature luxe modal, soft jersey knits, and rayon blends ideal for keeping cool in warm weather. Signature details include contrast piping, monogram opportunities, and exclusive Lilly prints. Sets include everything from shorts to nightgowns and rompers.
Two knockout pairs include:
Pajama Set
This pajama set comes with a breezy short sleeve top and flowy wide leg pants. The vibrant pattern options, from pink floral to green tropical, guarantee sweet dreams.
Nightshirt
For those who prefer nightgowns, Lilly‘s Whimsy Nightshirt is a winner. This fluid modal jersey nightie grazes the mid-thigh with its relaxed fit, notch neckline, and suspicions-slit sleeves.
Lilly Pulitzer Backpacks
Lilly Pulitzer backpacks fuse function and flair with handy features like designated laptop sleeves, interior pockets, cushioned straps and water-resistant fabrics decorated in signature Lilly prints. There are full-size backpacks for campus as well as more compact mini backpacks and belt bags. One shining star is:
Sateen Large Backpack
This full-sized cotton sateen backpack dazzles with its pink and orange bouquet print. The handy exterior zip pocket provides quick access to essentials, while the main compartment fits laptops, books and more. Contrast faux leather trim finishes this roomy carryall.
Lilly Pulitzer Planners & Stationery
It will surprise exactly no one that Lilly Pulitzer planners, notebooks and stationery sets are as vibrant as the clothing. Prints include motifs like colorful cocktails, beachy horizons and lush jungle foliage.
Planners come formatted by month, week or day. Customization options include monograms and bright bookmark ribbons to track progress in style.
One vibrant selection in the notebook lineup:
Medium Journal
Lilly‘s medium paperback notebook features an eye-catching cover starring two pineapples enjoying drinks complete with paper umbrellas. Inside, the dot grid pages provide plenty of space for creatively logging memories.
Now that we‘ve surveyed the product range, how does Lilly Pulitzer compare to similar brands when it comes to price and quality?
Lilly Pulitzer vs. Vera Bradley: Which Brand Shines Brightest?
Lilly Pulitzer and Vera Bradley both dazzle shoppers with punchy patterns and spirited motifs. But they differentiate across product selection, pricing tiers and target markets.
Lilly Pulitzer
- Wide selection of apparel alongside accessories and homewares
- Elevated fabrics like silk and cashmere with luxe details
- Catering to resortwear aesthetic – country clubs and vacations
- Higher price points, $100+ for most dresses
Vera Bradley
- Spotlight on accessories like quilted bags, luggage and jewelry
- Mostly casual cotton styles at lower price points
- Vibrant patterns resonating with younger crowds
- Most items under $100-$150
While Lilly Pulitzer offers greater sophistication and refinement, Vera Bradley maintains a perkier, spunkier mood. Lilly Pulitzer also shines brighter when it comes to clothing construction and fabric quality – hence the investment-level pricing.
Ultimately both labels enable self-expression through spirited motifs. But Lilly Pulitzer suggests Palm Beach polish, while Vera Bradley evokes carefree days at the state fair. Each brings fun to wardrobes, but in different ways.
Why Fashionistas Love Lilly Pulitzer‘s Resortwear Chic
Between the cheerful motifs, upscale fabrics and destination-ready styling, Lilly Pulitzer makes devotees swoon. But what exactly draws die-hard fans back season after season?
Joyful Prints & Colors
Lilly Pulitzer‘s unique prints feature motifs like blooming flowers, beachy sunsets, pineapples, lobsters and colorful cocktails. The brand also embraces juicy citrus tones like lemon and lime alongside softer pastels. Metallic accents add sophistication.
High Quality Fabrics
From breathable linen sundresses to cashmere travel wraps, Lilly Pulitzer selects fabrics both soft and durable enough for life‘s adventures. Pieces hold up wash after wash while remaining irresistibly cozy.
Consistency
Fans praise the reliable fit, sizing, quality and styles. Once discovering favorite silhouettes like the classic Lilly shift, ordering more is low risk.
Standout for Events & Getaways
While Lilly Pulitzer commands attention at summer brunches and garden showers, the resort-inspired styling also brings cheer to grey winter days. Visions of tropical vacations dance in heads whenever Lilly pieces make an appearance.
Preppy Polished Aesthetic
Lilly Pulitzer suggests Palm Beach polish rather than department store casual. Shoppers praise the sophistication stemming from elevated fabrics and finishing details like lace, ruffles and jewelry pairings.
With so many positives, are there any potential downsides associated with this beloved resortwear label?
Potential Pitfalls: Lilly Pulitzer‘s Room For Improvement
Given the premium price point, Lilly Pulitzer leaves some shoppers wanting more. Areas with room for improvement include:
Price
There‘s no skirting the issue – Lilly Pulitzer sits at the higher end of the pricing spectrum. While special occasion splurges make sense, building entire wardrobes strains budgets. More casual dressers may prefer fast fashion alternatives.
Limited Size Ranges
The most common complaint involves sizing limitations, especially on inclusive ranges. While extended sizes now reach 3X, taller or shorter shoppers still struggle finding pieces that fit.
Inconsistent Customer Service
While many fans compliment Lilly Pulitzer‘s customer service, some express frustrations over slower responses, unclear return policies, and exchanges. Marked improvements in recent years, but still not 100% smooth sailing.
However, for loyal Pulitzer devotees, the rare headaches pale in comparison to the label‘s high points.
Is Splurging on Lilly Pulitzer Worth It?
Given the beloved prints, exceptional construction and enduring styles, Lilly Pulitzer passes the value test for resortwear aficionados. While costs run higher than fast fashion, the pieces deliver luxury in line with their price tags.
Especially savvy times to shop Lilly Pulitzer include:
- Tropical Vacations: On cruises, beaches and resorts, Lilly Pulitzer Defines the destination dress code
- Country Clubs & Yacht Scenes: Where better to debut resort chic?
- Monogram Pieces: Add names or initials for personalized, forever keepsake gifts
- Milestone Events: Showers, reunions and parties all shine brighter with Lilly!
For similar styles on tighter budgets, explore Lilly‘s diffusion lines like collections for Target. Fast fashion brands like Anthropologie also offer more casual alternatives.
Ultimately Lilly Pulitzer sells more than apparel – it provides a state of mind. Shoppers delight in both wearing and gifting the brand‘s optimistic, palm-filled vision.
Seizing Lilly Pulitzer Sales, Discounts & Promos
As an elevated luxury brand, Lilly Pulitzer rarely advertises universal flat discounts. However, loyal shoppers can still seize deals by:
- Taking advantage of tiered markdowns like $25 off $100
- Shopping seasonal sales focused on specific categories
- Signing up for email lists and rewards programs granting exclusive access to sales
- Scoping out secondhand resale sites like Poshmark for steep discounts
Sitewide sales generally occur twice annually – once over the summer around the 4th of July and again leading up to the winter holidays. Additional seasonal sales spotlight categories like shoes or sweaters as colder weather approaches.
By leveraging rewards programs, shoppers also gain free shipping perks and early access to new markdowns before the general public.
Top Retailers Supplying the Lilly Pulitzer Fix
Lilly Pulitzer sells its peppy resortwear through the following channels:
- LillyPulitzer.com: The brand‘s official ecommerce site and hub for the latest collections
- Brick-and-Mortar Boutiques: Find curated assortments at 50+ Lilly Pulitzer retail locations across the United States
- Department Stores: Lilly Pulitzer concession shops within Dillard‘s, Bloomingdale‘s, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue retail stores
- Rental Services: Rent select Lilly Pulitzer styles for special events through Rent The Runway
- Resale Sites: Shop discounted secondhand Lilly items on Poshmark, Mercari or Thredup
No matter your budget or location, various retailers help feed the Lilly obsession.
Lilly Pulitzer Brand Review: Answering Pressing FAQs
Before cementing your relationship with the resortwear brand of your dreams, here is some need to know intel:
Who owns Lilly Pulitzer?
Lilly Pulitzer operates under Oxford Industries, an American apparel company that also owns Tommy Bahama and Southern Tide.
Does Lilly Pulitzer ship internationally?
Unfortunately Lilly Pulitzer only ships within the domestic United States at this time.
What are Lilly Pulitzer‘s shipping and return policies?
Lilly Pulitzer offers free standard shipping via USPS. Expedited shipping through FedEx starts at $5 depending on speed.
The brand accepts returns of unused items within 90 days of purchase. Return shipping is free up to 30 days from receipt. After that, returns cost $7 to cover return processing and restocking.
What is the Lilly Pulitzer aesthetic?
Expect preppy, classically feminine resortwear celebrating sunny motifs and candy-colored palettes. Lilly evokes the atmosphere of Palm Beach country clubs, yacht scenes, and tropical getaways.
Reaching Lilly Pulitzer Customer Service
Have feedback or questions about the Lilly Pulitzer shopping experience? Contact their customer care team via:
- Email form
- Phone: 888-725-4559
- Live online chat
Chat and email support are available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm EST. The team also provides Saturday assistance from 9am to 4pm EST.
The Final Takeaway: Lilly Pulitzer Resortwear Worth Splurging On
At the end of the day, investing in Lilly Pulitzer travelwear and frocks comes down to lifestyle fit. For ladies regularly jetsetting to palm tree destinations or belonging to exclusive country clubs, the flair and construction justify higher price points. Devotees delight in both wearing and gifting the brand‘s eternal resort aesthetic.
However, more casual dressers content with fast fashion prints may struggle to cost justify Lilly‘s elevated costs. For the loungewear alone – Lilly still warrants consideration!
