Summer is approaching, swiftly it feels with our recent bursts of sunshine, but I know the English weather so I’m certain that it can be relied upon to rain on our parade, quite literally, to keep that spring feeling alive for a few weeks more. My favourite apple tree hasn’t blossomed yet, after all, so until it does I am determined to consider it spring. It is, if you didn’t know, my favourite season, as well as the perfect excuse to frolic in every dainty floral frock in one’s wardrobe. Today I add another, with this gorgeous Beautiful Roses print Liliana by Lady V London.

Dress: Beautiful Roses Liliana C/O Lady V London
Hat: Old
Bangles: Doll Me Up and Splendette
Bag: Lola Von Rose
Shoes: New Look

The thing I love most about this floral print in particular is that it’s set on a black background. Florals are so often pastel or brightly coloured all the way through, but the black backdrop of this print elevates it to levels of elegance and dark glamour that many florals fail to achieve. Add in the sexy glimpse of collarbone displayed by the off-the-shoulder sleeves and it’s a whole different garden party in this number.

Those off-the-shoulder sleeves feature generous elastication that will hold them in place without any pinching, while the cross-over style bust is crafted to form a gentle, waved shape that frames the collarbone while maintaining modesty in the bust. The back of the dress is cut into a V that highlights the shoulders but won’t threaten to expose the back band of your bra, closing with a concealed centre zip. The skirt is flared but not gathered or full circle, so ladies who like less fabric around their hips will be satisfied with the graceful flow of this cut before it falls with a lovely swish below the knees.

I opted for this dress in a size 18 and it’s very true to the size chart. The fabric is 97% cotton with 3% elastine so there’s a comfortable amount of stretch, as well as being suitable for machine washing. The waist flat measures 35 inches with stretch to 38 inches, while the bust flat measures 42 inches with stretch to 46 inches. The armhole of the sleeves is 17 inches in circumference, giving even my large upper arms ease of movement. The skirt is much fuller at the hem than around the hips in this flared cut, so a slim-to-medium volume petticoat will work best to give a lovely shape without that stretched look across the hips that comes as the result of trying to force too much volume under a skirt.

The Beautiful Roses Liliana dress comes in UK sizes 8-28, and is available in 5 other prints. Lady V pieces are made in London and all their items are available to ship internationally.