I’m a pretty equal opportunity colour-wearer. It’s only really pink that I consciously avoid wearing as a block colour, but despite that there are several colours that don’t make it into my wardrobe often, with coral and brown among them. Seeing me in this dress, therefore, has probably come as a bit of a surprise, for you and I both.

Dress: Eliana-Coral dress gifted by Miss Candyfloss
Cardigan: Short sleeved cropped cardigan by MAK (Affiliate code yemak-amymay for 40% off)
Hat: Straw hat previously gifted by Unique Vintage (A/L)
Bracelets: Old
Shoes: Gold Palmas wedges by Hotter* (A/L)

When I swipe through the Miss Candyfloss Lookbook at the start of each season there’s always dozens of items I love, some of them ardently despite being a style I can’t envision myself wearing. Occasionally something will catch my eye that isn’t typical of my style at all, and yet still I’ll feel drawn to it. This dress is just such a piece. I think it was the coral that really spoke to me, as a colour I barely own but do enjoy for it’s vibrancy and it’s duality--is it pink, is it orange? Two colours I would actually say I don’t like, generally, but somehow mixing them together takes the edge off both for me. Plus, all of those shades of yellow, a colour I loudly have a love affair with in all of its tones? Heck yes.

The shape of is this dress is truly charming. The shawl collar neckline leading into the shoulder bow is different yet abundantly feminine, while the fitted waist is enhanced by the echo of the coral matching fabric grommet belt. The full skirt drapes beautifully but can easily take a medium-full petticoat for added volume in your shape and lift in your twirls. There are also pockets in the skirt, a new staple in Miss Candyfloss pieces which will never cease to be thrilling.

The fabric feels very 1970s to me. That’s an era I honestly have little to no interest in, fashionably speaking, but something about this print reminds me of my dad, and maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to it. It’s certainly unlike anything else hanging in my closet, and I love trying something new every once in a while as a great way to challenge one’s style and expand one’s horizons. Despite the many colours in this print and the distant call from the 70s that I can hear ringing through it, I love that it’s easy to quieten down the print just by leaning into neutrals. A white cardigan highlights the white that’s already in the print, bringing that brightness nearer the forefront of the colour palette. That means matching your accessories to any of the other colours in the print won’t feel overwhelming, so your outfit will have a freshness to it that’s unexpected with this combination of strong colours. Or, like I have done, you can add in metals with your accessories, or even wood. Basically, this dress makes for a styling playground! Lean into the black background, go wild with yellows–do what you want!

It’s made from a lightweight fabric that has no stretch but moves beautifully and feels sturdy, unlike cheaper lightweight fabrics which can feel like one wrong move might lead to an unsightly pull or overstretching. It felt airy and comfortable to wear despite the glaring sunshine and not-very-British heat we had on the day I shot these pictures, so it’s a dress I know I can keep reaching for if this crazy weather we’ve been having these past couple months continues.

I asked for this piece in my usual Miss C 2XL. The waist flat measures 36.75 inches with no stretch, while the bust flat measures 46 inches, though my 47 inch bust fit just fine. The armholes are 23 inches in circumference and the skirt is 30 inches long.  It closes with a size zip. It’s made in Europe, like all Miss Candyfloss pieces.

The Eliana-Coral dress comes in sizes XS-5XL. Miss Candyfloss ship worldwide, and have stockists all over the globe.

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Miss Candyfloss in exchange for an honest review. The use of my MAK affiliate code will generate me a small commission from your order. Items marked with (A/L) are Affiliate Links.  All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals. 

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken in the safety of my garden, thus abiding by the strict social distancing rules currently in place to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. Please stay home, and when necessary to leave the house for work or necessities remember to keep at least 6 ft away from any persons you may encounter.