DOEN Reviews: Everything You Need to Know About This Popular California Clothing Brand
I’ve been shopping at DOEN for YEARS now, so I thought it was time to do a comprehensive review! My first purchase was in 2019, and I’ve been picking up pieces ever since! This post is a long one, so grab a cuppa and get comfy! I’m going over EVERYTHING you need to know about Doen, including ordering, sales, where to buy, and more! I’ve also included DOEN reviews of their Gap collaboration collection!
DOEN Reviews: Everything You Need to Know
About Doen
DOEN was founded in 2016 by sisters Margaret and Katherine Kleveland in Los Angeles, California. Five other women joined them as founding partners and collaborators to create the DOEN Collective. DOEN pieces are a mix of feminine and vintage styles, all with that laidback California vibe.
Where To buy Doen
You can shop DOEN on their website. But did you know DOEN pieces are also sold at Net-A-Porter and Saks Fifth Avenue? Both retailers offer a small selection of DOEN pieces. Sometimes you’ll even find new prints or colorways that haven’t been released AND pieces that are sold out on DOEN’s website!
Other benefits of shopping at these retailers include cheaper (or free) shipping and the opportunity to get more discounts. Make sure to check out Net-A-Porter’s DOEN SALE page for discounted pieces. For some reason, these pieces don’t appear when you search for “DOEN” in general.
Does Doen Have Sales?
DOEN occasionally has sales (about 4 times a year). During these sales, select styles will be on sale – so it’s never a blanket sale on the entire website. People take these sales SERIOUSLY. Pieces will sell out in minutes (and items aren’t held in your cart while you are browsing).
How to Shop Doen Sales
What I recommend doing is looking through their site the day before and making a list of pieces you would buy if they go on sale. Then, on the day of the sale, search for those items specifically so you don’t waste time scrolling through the sale. Then check out immediately! Sometimes the items on my list do go on sale, and sometimes they don’t. If they don’t, then I don’t have to be tempted to buy anything! This helps you avoid making spur-of-the-moment purchases on the day of, just because an item is on sale. With the Warehouse sales, it’s a little bit harder because they add past styles that aren’t currently on the website.
Just to let you know, sale items are final sale. That is frustrating, but if you buy something that doesn’t fit, there are good options for reselling it. DOEN items usually have a high resale value, so you should be able to get your money back. DOEN also has Hand Me DOEN events, where you can send in DOEN pieces you no longer want, and DOEN will list them on their site. You get 50% of the sale price as a gift card.
When Does Doen Go On Sale?
These are approximate times of DOEN sales based off of last year!
Snow Day Sale – January (up to 50% off select styles).
Mother’s Day Sale – May (up to 50% off select styles).
Online Warehouse Sale – July (up to 70% off past season styles).
Giving Thanks Sale – Around Black Friday (up to 65% off selection of Fall Favorites and past styles).
Hand Me DOEN Events – Preloved DOEN pieces from the community on sale. About 4X a year.
What to Buy from DOEN
My first purchase from DOEN was a dress, and that’s what drew me to the brand in the first place. The styles were just so pretty, and I couldn’t resist the feminine details and vintage vibes. I think DOEN dresses are the shining stars of their collections and are usually the first pieces I look into buying. But if you have no idea where to start, you can check out DOEN’s Favorite Characters. These are core pieces that are staples of DOEN lovers’ closets.
DOEN Dress Reviews
My current measurements: 34-29-39, 30D, 135lbs, 5’8″
Sofia Dress
I really love the simplicity of the Sofia Dress. It’s got little puff sleeves, a shovel neckline, a fitted bodice, and a bias cut skirt. I’m wearing the dress in Cassia Check. The material is a soft, mid-weight cotton voile. My only issue with this dress is the very low neckline. There is a tie, but it’s only decorative, so you can’t adjust it. I didn’t end up buying it, but I thought it looked great on me!
I’m wearing size small, which is my usual size, and I think it runs true to size. This style is more fitted in the body than some of my other DOEN Dresses (like the Ischia Dress below). But I don’t think I’d want to size up to a medium because the bust area would be too loose.
Ischia Dress
The Ischia Dress is one of my DOEN Favorites! As you can see, I wore it on vacation in Greece, and it was perfect! The Ischia Dress features double puff sleeves, a scoop neckline with an adjustable tie, and a smocked bodice with an adjustable waist tie. My print is made from a light cotton voile (so it is a little bit sheer).
I love these style dresses because they are adjustable and can fit a wider range of styles. I’ve been able to wear this dress comfortably even when I’ve gained or lost a few pounds. I’m wearing size small, and I think it runs TTS (again, very adjustable). FYI – I found the neckline to be very low, which is why I’ve tightened the neck tie almost as tight as it can go.
Kaira Dress
The Kaira Dress (available here and here) is another popular DOEN dress and a mix of the Ischia and Bijou styles. It has a scoop neck with an adjustable tie, a smocked bodice with a waist tie, and puff sleeves like the Ischia. The sleeves are more like the Bijou, with tighter elasticized smocking. I’m wearing size small; again, this style is very adjustable.
Bijou Dress
The DOEN Bijou Dress is probably the dress that first got me interested in DOEN. It was so popular for a while that I had difficulty finding one in stock. The difference between the Bijou dress and the Ischia and Kaira is the square neckline, which is NOT adjustable. I prefer a square neckline and think it’s the most flattering on me. But if you are looking for more adjustability, you might want to go with the Ischia or Kaira.
I’m wearing size small and found it runs slightly smaller than the Ischia or the Kaira. The Bijou Dress is unlined, like most of Doen’s dresses, and I found the white floral print above to be very sheer. I found myself having to wear a slip underneath. The smocking on my arms also felt tighter. So, just make sure to double-check the fabric and sheerness level if you are concerned about that. I recently picked up the Bijou Dress in the NOIR RÊVE DES JARDINS print (above right), also in a size small, and I like this one much better. The fabric is their regular cotton material, so it’s not sheer.
Benoit Dress
The Benoit Dress is a really gorgeous style I tried on while in LA. P.S. Taylor Swift wore the Benoit Dress in the dark floral recently! I thought this dress was really flattering, and the print was gorgeous. It has a fitted bodice with super-thin spaghetti straps and a side zipper.
However, the size small was a bit tight around my waist, and the medium was a little too big. In my opinion, the dress runs a little small compared to my other size small DOEN Dress. The fabric is 100% ramie, which feels similar to linen and has no stretch. I found ramie to be a bit scratchier than linen. Overall, the size/fabric just weren’t working for me. The neckline is gorgeous, but it does feel a bit low/small, so if you have a large bust, you might feel like you are busting out of the top. When I tried on this dress, my measurements were 33-29-39, 30D, 130lbs.
Rhodia or Romina Dress
The dress I’m wearing above, left, is the Romina Dress, which I think is now called the Rhodia dress. I recently bought the Rhodia Dress in NOIR PRAIRIE DE MONTAGNE, and as far as I can tell, it’s exactly the same. Either way, it’s a dress that I’ve had my eye on for a while, and when a sale came along, I had to get it! It’s a fairly simple dress, but the puff sleeves, underbust seams, and tie-back add more interest. My favorite part is the back tie! (which I didn’t get a picture of). This dress has been released in different patterns throughout the year, so I’m sure it will be back! I’m wearing a size small, and it’s a perfect fit!
ALLENE Dress
I usually go for the very feminine styles from DOEN, but decided to mix it up with the Allene Dress! I feel like this dress has a more refined, classic style. I think I picked up this dress at the end of summer one year, and I think this print, specifically, is the perfect summer-to-fall dress. It’s a silk twill fabric, which is also different from the 100% cotton pieces I usually go for. It is 100% silk, but the twill pattern makes it feel slightly sturdier. I’m wearing size small, and I think it runs true to size.
Doen Shirts + Tops Reviews
Jane Blouse
The Jane Blouse is one of their staple pieces that you can find year-round. I have two styles – the printed one is 100% organic cotton, and the green one is a more sheer 100% cotton voile. I just checked the website for the Jane Blouse, and it is in stock in black and white, BUT it’s a cotton viscose blend. DOEN does release different patterns and colors throughout the year, so you’ll just have to check the item details for the specific one you are looking at. I sized DOWN to an XS for both of these blouses. As you can see, even the XS is very voluminous! It is a very comfortable, laid-back blouse.
June TOP
The June Top is the short-sleeved version of the Jane Blouse! I took a size small, and I think it fits well. It feels less voluminous than the Jane Top, which makes it easier to wear. I don’t have measurements, so don’t quote me on that—it just didn’t feel as big to me. This print is 100% cotton, but you’ll need to check each color/print for fabric composition. The Gingham print is still available here!
Henri Top
The Henri Top is another signature top from DOEN. It has gorgeous details like ruffles, pin tucks, and puff sleeves! There are also buttons down the front that are covered up by the ruffles. I went into the store hoping to buy one, and I ended up with the blue floral! I did really like the white one, but I have sooo many white tops. I’m wearing size small. I would say you can take your usual size if you want the billowy, relaxed vibe.
Hardy Top
The Hardy Top is the long-sleeve version of the Henri Top! It’s got the same ruffle V-neck, buttons, and pin tucks. The biggest difference is the sleeve. The Hardy Top sleeves don’t feel as voluminous and puffed as the Henri Top. And even though the Hardy Top has long sleeves, it’s still made of cotton voile, which is light enough to wear in spring and early summer! I’m actually wearing size Medium, which is a size larger than what I took in the Henri. But I think the larger size works in this top because I need the extra length in the sleeve.
Traveler Top
The Traveler Top is another fan favorite. I loved the details on this top too. It’s got an adjustable neck ribbon, little ruffles, and cute buttons down the front. It is cropped, and the bottom seam is not stretchy, so if you are between sizes, I think you should take your larger size. I’m wearing size small, but it’s definitely tighter at the bottom, and I think I would have been fine with a size medium too.
I got this gingham version last year, so the current Traveler Tops on the website have slightly different details. Mine is 100% cotton, but you’ll have to check the fabric composition on the current tops.
You can see all these pieces in action on Instagram!
Doen Skirts Reviews
Almafi Skirt
The Amalfi skirt is not available right now (sad), but I wanted to mention it just in case it comes back. I think Skirts is one of the areas where DOEN is a bit lacking. I find that many of their skirts are impractical for everyday wear. They are either sheer, too short, or too formal. So when I saw this (not sheer) cotton midi skirt a few years back, I jumped on it!
I’ve usually been a consistent size small in DOEN dresses, but I take a size medium with their skirts. So, for me, they run small. However, according to the size chart, my measurements are closest to size medium.
Sebastiane Skirt
The Sebastiane Skirt is probably DOEN’s most popular skirt. It’s a cute, A-line midi skirt with tiered pintucks and eyelet embroidery at the bottom. The skirt has a high-waist, no-stretch design with a side zipper. There is no lining on this skirt, so it is a bit sheer. Again, I had to take a size medium in this skirt.
I do really like this style. I probably would have gotten it if I didn’t already have a white midi skirt. I’ve styled it with the June Top, and I think it looks cute!
GAP X DOEN Collaboration Review
I’m sure you’ve heard that DOEN has done a collaboration with GAP for the past 2 years. In these collections, you’ll find versions of some of DOEN’s popular styles along with a few unique styles. I’ve noticed a lot of eylet, denim, and cotton pieces. The price point is definitely lower than what you’ll find on DOEN’s website (usually around $100 less!), but there are differences in style.
Last year I only picked up a sweatshirt from the collection but I do really like it and wear it often. This year, I was able to get my hands on a dress and skirt! I really like the Gap X DOEN collab pieces (often I like them better than the DOEN versions!).
Linen Gingham Midi Dress VS DOEN Sofia Dress
The Gap X DOEN Linen Gingham Midi Dress is their version of the DOEN Sofia Dress. They both have a scoop neck with an adjustable tie, puff sleeves, and a bias-cut skirt. I’m wearing a size small in both styles, and I think they run true to size.
Now for the differences! The Gap version is 100% linen, and the DOEN version is 100% cotton. This isn’t a big deal to me. I actually like the 100% linen – it’s light and soft. The necklines are slightly different. You’ll notice that the DOEN version is lower and more of a “shovel” shape. I believe I’ve tightened the neckline as much as it will go, and it’s still a bit low for my taste. The Gap version is not as low to begin with and is more of a “scoop” shape. Again, I prefer the Gap neckline because it makes me feel less exposed. And probably the biggest difference is that the Gap version has a cotton lining! The DOEN version doesn’t have a lining (I would say most DOEN dresses don’t).
Overall, I prefer the Gap version better! Which is great news for me, since it’s $110 cheaper. I think this is one of the standout pieces from this Gap X DOEN collection.
GAP X DOEN Midi Skirt vs. Doen Sebastiane Skirt
I was really excited to see this Gingham Midi Skirt because I had just tried on the Sebastiane Skirt from DOEN and loved it. While there are some similarities, I think there are many differences. You can see from the photos that the DOEN version has several tiers at the bottom and a seam along the hip. The Gap version is much simpler with only one tier towards the bottom. The DOEN skirt waist is non-stretch and closed with a side zipper and a hook-and-eye closure. The Gap version is elasticized at the back, making it much more adjustable at the waist and eliminating the need for zippers. The Gap version also has pockets, unlike the DOEN version. And the Gap version is lined, whereas the DOEN version is not.
Again, I prefer the Gap version over the Sebastiane Skirt! I appreciate the elastic waist – it’s just more comfortable for me. I mentioned above that I have to take a size medium in the DOEN Sebastiane Skirt, but I could take my usual size small in the Gap version. Also, pockets are always a plus! I do think the Gap version is a little more voluminous around the hips, thanks to the lining, pockets, and the gathered material right under the waistband. The DOEN Sebastian is a little more streamlined.
Gap × DOEN Gingham Crop Tank Top Vs. DOEN Traveler Top
Gap X DOEN dropped this Gingham Cropped Tank that matches the midi skirt above. They are almost the same print too (Gap is navy gingham and Doen is black gingham). I just ordered the Gap tank, so I haven’t been able to try it on yet, but from the photos, it looks very similar to the Traveler Top I purchased last year.
I just got this top in, and it does look very similar. The biggest difference is the tie at the neckline. The Gap version is not adjustable. But honestly, it fits fine and doesn’t need to be adjusted, IMO. The other difference is that the Gap version is lined, and the Traveler Top is not. I think the lining is nice – it makes it feel more sturdy (if that makes sense). I’m wearing the size small in the Gap version, and it fits TTS.
Overall, I really like the Gap x DOEN pieces! The Gap collection is a good option if you are looking for that DOEN vibe at about $100 less. You might even like the Gap pieces better if you are a fan of linings!
Tips for Shopping the Gap X DOEN Collaboration
You do need to be prepared to shop the Gap X DOEN collections! From my experience this year, pieces sell out in MINUTES. I added an item to my cart right when the collection was live and checked out immediately, but it sold out as I added my info. That’s literally only minutes. Like, what?!
Sign up for the Gap Credit Card for Early Access
Signing up for the Gap credit card allows you to shop the DOEN collection a day early! I don’t recommend signing up for store credit cards, but if you really, really want an item, the only way to guarantee that you’ll get it is to shop early. Unfortunately, the only way to do that is to sign up for the card.
I didn’t sign up for the card, so I had to shop when it was open to the public. I was able to get the dress on launch day, but I had to wait for restocks on the other items due to customer returns. Once an item sells out, it’s not guaranteed to come back in stock.
Don’t Wait For Sales
Unfortunately, the DOEN collab is not eligible for sales or promotions when it first drops. They do eventually go on sale, but you have to wait a couple of months, and sizes are not guaranteed.
I hope this review was helpful! If you have any questions, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram!
