Lululemon's Convertible Maxi Dress Sparks Widespread Online Debate

With a minimalist design, lacking embellishments, patterns, or straps, this maxi dress has nonetheless become a polarizing topic online, captivating a niche corner of the internet.

Lululemon’s new 2-in-1 maxi dress offers two styling options: worn as a long strapless dress or converted into a skirt by folding down the bodice. This unique feature has made it the subject of viral TikTok videos garnering millions of views, where users debate its aesthetic appeal and whether its $148 price tag is justified.

Niccie Jamitkowski, 21, whose reaction video to the dress has attracted 2.5 million views, described the price as "crazy for any dress," especially given its sporty, casual fabric.

Among the 2,000 comments on Jamitkowski’s video, opinions are sharply divided between those who defend the dress and those who criticize it.

She noted, "Half of the comments say things like ‘I think it’s very pretty, don’t tell people what to wear,’ while the other half agree it looks unattractive and question why Lululemon would release a long maxi dress."

Chris Zimmerman, Lululemon’s Vice President of Global Women’s Marketing, shared via email that the dress was created with "comfort, performance, and versatility" in mind.

He added, "As the dress has reached a wider audience, the conversation has grown, and we enjoy seeing how people make it their own."

While convertible clothing is not a new concept, many social media users highlighted that this dress stands out by aligning with current fashion trends, including low waistlines and length.

Laura Cote Guerrero, 25, remarked that the dress’s viral success stems from combining contemporary trends with a brand that already commands a loyal following.

Her satirical TikTok video, which has nearly two million views and over 1,500 comments, jokes that purchasing the dress might be "a little embarrassing," especially considering its price.

Despite some viral criticism, the dress has attracted a substantial fanbase. Available in three colors, most sizes are currently sold out.

Anastatia Bhageloo, 27, purchased the dress out of curiosity after seeing it on social media and later created her own video review.

"I think it fits me well," she said in a phone interview. "It’s very comfortable. It feels like pajamas, regardless of the fabric used."

Brianna Young, 22, bought the dress earlier this month after spotting it in a store and posted a video expressing how much she liked it. At the time, she hadn’t seen any social media content about the dress, making its current viral status "a bit crazy," she said.

Cote Guerrero, who found herself on the more critical side of TikTok reactions after her video, said that part of the platform’s appeal is that "anyone can say whatever they want."

"In the end, it’s all just for fun," she added. "And if I see a girl in New York wearing that dress, I’ll cheer her on and tell her she looks great."