There are millions of feelings, places, eras that clothing can evoke, but never before have I owned a dress that looks like the feeling of dreaming. Until now.

Dress: Meadow Print Dress gifted by Love UR Look
Belt: Old New Look (Similar)
Cape: Faux Fur Lilian cape by Collectif

I’ve said it many times before that I can always tell when a piece is a Love UR Look design and this dress sustains the truth in that statement. As a company they’re committed to ethical and sustainable production, right down to using buttons from upcycled markets and surplus fabrics that would otherwise end up in landfills. But beyond that, the clothing they produce just doesn’t look like other vintage inspired clothing being produced today. If it’s not because of an unusual and vibrant fabric then it’s because they’ve added a design feature, like a geometric neckline, that you just don’t run across often. This shirt dress in many ways could be considered more of the ‘norm’ by modern repro standards, but even so I think it’s got something dreamy and different about it.

The print is, of course, just lovely. I don’t have much purple in my wardrobe, but the vibrancy of the violet mixed with the more subdued greys and pale blues make for a watercolour landscape of a meadow viewed almost through morning mist. The collar is not narrow and structured but instead an oversized shawl collar that curves gently along its breadth, adding to the slow, musing feeling of the dress overall. The half sleeves are wide and spacious throughout, so there’s no chance you’ll experience any pinching or compression no matter how large your upper arms are in proportion to the rest of you.

The dress is made from 100% cotton, including the lining, and can be machine washed. The skirt is pleated and can handle a medium-slim volume petticoat, but lays wonderfully without one. It has side pockets; yay! It also comes with a matching fabric belt. It closes with a hidden side zip and the centre buttons are functional. 

My past few pieces from Love UR Look have been 2XL but since this is a button up dress made from a non-stretch fabric I suspected I’d have to size up and I definitely did. I was sent both the 3XL and 4XL to try, and while the 3XL fit fine through the waist there was just no way to button it over my bust, which measures 46-47 inches. The 4XL buttoned well with no gaping or straining, and a comfortable roomy feel overall, which lines up true to their size chart. My piece flat measures 40 inches in the waist with a half inch of give, and flat measures 46 inches in the bust. The skirt is 26 inches long.

This dress is also available in the same meadow print but a different colourway, the Corn Meadow, a very autumnal yolk, grey and cream combination, which might even be more beautiful than this gorgeous purple version. If I have the spare funds on my next paycheck I’ll definitely be picking up that Corn Meadow version as well!

The purple Meadow and Corn Meadow Print dresses are both available in sizes S – 5XL.

_____________________________________________________

Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Love UR Look in exchange for writing an honest review. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals.