When it’s dreary and wet outside, as it has been for quite some time now where I live, I often find that I start to reach for the more decadent feeling pieces in my wardrobe–the velvets, the jewel tones, the contrast prints. The rich burgundy of this Elegant Floral print combined with the striking black stenciled floral motif definitely feels wet-weather appropriate, well suited for leaning into the moody feel of darkening evenings and sodden nights.

Dress: Elegant Floral Florence Dress gifted by Lady V London
Cardigan: Cropped cardigan by MAK Sweater [Affiliate code yemak-amymay for 40% off]
Bangles: Old season Golden Night by Splendette
Shoes: Primark
Bag: Vintage

This dress is a great example of an item that can dressed up for semi-formal functions, like a celebratory dinner out or even a winter wedding, but functions perfectly well as a daily-wear dress with the right layers. You can have fun adding cardigans, faux fur, gloves, tights, boots and all manner of jewellery to create a variety of looks with increasing levels of either glamour or cozyness, and that’s without even touching upon fabulous capes and coats. The burgundy of the background has a lovely rich yet muted feel to it, much less obviously red than it photographed, so leaning into earthy colours like the full range of greens would look especially lovely with it. (See the close-up photo of the bodice for a more accurate shot of the colour.)

It’s a modest, structured style, with a shawl collar and sharp cap sleeves. The front buttons are fully functional and the flared skirt is that perfect in-between volume for those who don’t like an abundance of fabric in their skirts but also aren’t fans of a pencil fit. It will accommodate a slim-medium petticoat nicely for some lift off the legs but would look strained over any petticoats that are more substantial. It comes with a matching fabric belt and it’s machine washable. As with all Lady V pieces, it’s made in London!

I usually wear a size 18 in Lady V but I advised their team that functioning buttons usually require that I size up so they sent me a size 20, which makes for a comfortable and roomy fit. The waist flat measures 38 inches with stretch to 40 while the bust flat measures 46 inches with stretch to almost 48 inches. The armholes are 19 inches flat with no stretch and the skirt is 26.5 inches long. It has a hidden side zip.

The Elegant Floral Florence dress comes in UK sizes 8-22, as do the other Florence dresses available in 7 other prints. If you love this print but would prefer a different dress style, there are 5 other dress cuts to choose from in the Elegant Floral print.

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[Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Lady V London in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed by me in all my reviews are my own and wholly truthful, with no input from any companies or any other individuals.]