As you know, I don’t like to buy too much – stop laughing! – and believe you only need one good example of everything. One black jacket, one navy sweater, one Breton. Only once that good example you have falls to bits are you permitted to go out and seek another example. (An exception to this rule is jeans, but that’s another story.)
It stops you from having a) nothing to wear because all you have in your wardrobe is Breton tops and b) that compulsive shopping quirk where you buy the same thing over and over again because you are seeking validation but are directionless.
To that end I have had for years a hand-me-down long printed Zara dress and as far as I was concerned that was my long printed dress option. Except it has never really fit me properly as it’s a little too big and gapes at waist so I’ve ended up shying away from it in any long-printed-dress situation, which means that even though I technically have a long printed dress, I effectively don’t.
And I have decided that they are useful and have got over my thing of thinking “there’s no point in getting a long printed dress now because they’re about to go out of fashion” because they are really seriously not going anywhere for a long time. So a few weeks ago I bought the “Della” dress from Gerard Darel via John Lewis on sale – it is still there, but it is now only left in a few sizes.
If you don’t have a long printed dress – or if like me you technically have one but effectively don’t, get one. Wear with a suit jacket or biker jacket and plain white sneakers, or your ugly trainers or any kind of boot.
I feel like a high, round neck is a little more modern than a v-neck, but do as you please. I also feel like print is more forgiving and hides that cheese-and-rose tum left over from summer. Of course, everyone is wearing long leopard-print dresses but I am shy of leopard print anyway and then there’s that thing that wherever you go someone else will also be wearing the long leopard-print dress. I went into town yesterday and there was so much leopard print it was like being at the zoo – and there’s a fine line between looking modern and looking like a suckah for a trend.
I’m sorry about all these pictures aligning left by the way – I centre them before posting but they insist on scooting over to the left, it’s dementing and my web designer is on holiday so I cannot ask her how to fix it.
This Kitri dress also comes in red – if you fancy it snap it up sharpish as the whole thing with Kitri is they don’t make very many of any one dress.
Other Stories Ruffle print midi dress
Other Stories printed midi dress
Size one down on this one – I tried it on and it was too big so sent it back, but I am still vaguely thinking about it.
I love this look, how do you wear without looking like a headmistress, dressed in Laura Ashley in 1982?!
leather jacket, biker boots. OR trainers, denim jacket…
I adore long dresses! As I am losing the baby weight, I do not look good in jeans or trousers yet so a long dress is immensely flattering and I am wearing nothing else for now. The ubiquitous Monsoon gingham dress is also a delight and Topshop and Warehouse also do them.well. Roll necks underneath seem to work too so I can’t see myself wearing anything else for a while yet…
Thanks for this. How do you feel about polyester dresses? I resent paying £££££ for a plastic dress- do I need to get the fuck over myself?
no, I hear you. they can be cold in the winter too. that monsoon one is cotton and soft and cosy x
The Hush one is seriously good and very flattering/forgiving of a big lunch- I have it in the bottle green and gold version which is super and thinking about the black one too. Have worn with both ugly trainers and bare legs and black tights, biker boots and leather jacket (WTF is with this weather, can it just be autumn now please) and confirm it works just as well with both.
Kay you sound vair stylish
But don’t you have to be quite tall and willowy to look half way decent in these dresses? I’m 5’3″ and although normal weight have weirdly short stumpy legs and a long body. Sitting down I look normal, stand me up and I’m a hobbit. Esther saw your blouse on Insta which was lovely but surely too large for you? The sleeves didn’t reach to your armpits, are you underestimating how tiny you are now?
Jules yes, if you are petite and in proportion you can wear what you like, if you are – as you describe – slightly out of proportion then no this look is not for you. as many looks are not for all of us for various different reasons. I want the blouse loose and billowy! I am moving the buttons though because the sleeves fall down over my hands
In theory I love these but they are no good for the bigger busted as if the dress fits the bust the rest will be basically like maternity wear.
The hush one should be ok as you can tie it in? The neck is better than a round neck for big boobs too
I love this look with trainers, but, as you have asked before Esther…what do we do about our ankles? Genuinely. It’s a bit chilly at the moment.
IS IT? tights?
Outside of London, yes, at times. Tights and trainers though? I wore my long printed dress the other day and ended up putting leggings underneath at the last minute, as I wasn’t keen on the general draughtiness. I don’t think it was a good look, however. X
If anyone is after a smock style, I tried this on in John Lewis yesterday. It is gorgeous but tragically too short for me (icky knees). Sharing in the hope it suits someone else as it is lovely – soft warm viscose, proper full length long sleeves, pockets. Arrgh I want it!
https://www.johnlewis.com/and-or-marrakesh-floral-dress-teal-black/p3651037
that’s a tasty one
Eshakti have some lovely dresses and offer made to measure customisation for not very much more… I’m tempted… Anyone tried them?