There’s several different ways a dress can win me over: by it’s colour scheme, it’s print, or it’s overall shape. This Illustrated Rose print Liliana dress but Lady Voluptuous got me on all three.

When the Liliana dress was first released a few months back I immediately wanted to try it. I’m a sucker for off the shoulder dresses because I think they’re flattering on every body shape and size, so this Bardot sleeved full skirted number easily ticked that box. The way the sky blue of the print’s background interacts with the pinks, purples and greens of the floral pattern left me in no doubt this was a summery, bright look that I would be happy to wear.

Dress: Illustrated Rose Liliana dress C/O Lady V London
Shoes: Old Fiore
Bangles: Thrifted assorted

The Liliana dress has a flared full swing skirt that sits closer to the hips than a full circle skirt or a gathered skirt, so for ladies who feel the volume of those shapes adds weight to their hip area the skirt on this dress may work well for you. As the skirt sits closer at the hips a slim or medium petticoat will fit under the dress without causing the fabric at the hips to strain. The off the shoulder sleeves have generous elastic across the top to ensure they don’t cut into your upper arms causing any discomfort or unsightly bulging. The bodice features a cross over style bust which is fixed at the top with a stitch, preventing any gaping; the cut of the neckline itself is curved and actually higher than I expected, so it’s a modest dress that is well suited for ladies with large busts. 

The fabric has give so it’s a very comfortable wear, as well as being less difficult to size than a non-stretch piece. I’m wearing the size 16 and find it fits slightly larger than the size chart lists. The chart gives 34 inches as the waist flat measurement while mine flat measures 35 inches, with stretch to 38 inches. The bust flat measures 40 but has stretch up to 45 with ease, with the design of the bust being cut so that there is further room for very full, ample bosoms. (For reference, check out Fuller Figure Fuller Bust rocking her Liliana.) The skirt measures 29.5 inches long, so petite ladies might need to get it taken up. The armhole in the sleeves measure 16 inches and stretches to 17 inches, while the elasticated top of the sleeves have 4 inches of stretch from their flat state, so the sleeves are sized well for us ladies with large upper arms. Hurrah!

I just love the print of this dress, as it’s one of those great prints that strikes the balance of being bright and fun without being obnoxiously bold–not something I worry about, lover of colour that I am, but this print would work even for ladies who are a little shyer with brights. I also think it’s a colour combination that will look lovely on every skin tone, so it’s a winning print all round. If you agree and you’re a fan of the print but this dress style isn’t for you then there are 4 other dress styles sporting this Illustrated Rose print that might work for you.

The Liliana dress comes in UK sizes 8 to 26/28 for £60 in 7 different prints. Lady V London ship internationally and have stockists across the globe.