There are many ways the pandemic has changed my outlook on life and refreshed my sense of gratitude. One of the smaller, more insignificant ways it’s had an impact is the way in which it’s allowed me to reconnect with my natural curls and given me room to appreciate more casual ways of dressing. My love for 1950s silhouettes has not diminished even remotely, but it’s nice to allow oneself room in one’s head to have quiet, easy dress days rather than self-applying pressure that every chance to slay must be seized. Nah–now, and in future, I will cherish more casual days when I crave them, and dresses like this abstract wrap dress from Chi Chi London prove that being a little more casual does not mean being any less stylish.

Dress: Abstract Print Midi Wrap Day Dress gifted by Chi Chi London
Shoes: Soft gold Palmas wedges by Hotter
Bangles: Sage bangles by Splendette
Bag: Audrey bag by Collectif*

I love the ease of wear that one gets from a wrap dress. The gathers that form across the bust when tied, the flattering V-neck. the cinched look of the waist, then the flowing grace of the skirt, all of it looks so elegant yet effortless. And really, it is. Printed wrap dresses are also my favourite way to wear a dress cut that is more form fitting than a swing style, because prints feel more fun but also more camouflaging than a solid colour dress. Worried about your perfectly normal and squishily adorable little bumps and lumps that society tells us we need to be worried about? Wham, whack a print fabric on it and everyone, yourself included, is too distracted by the pattern to start picking apart shadows or swells.

This print in particular is a riot of colour, in the best possible way; bright and multi-coloured, yet not loud or out of control. The abstract block colours of the floral pattern make it feel more modern and less sweet than a standard realistic floral print, so you can lean as contemporary in your styling as you’d like, while also still having the option to get vintage with it. Wrap dresses are pretty timeless in general as they were originally designed in the 1930s, so you can seek your styling inspiration from any era. This one from Chi Chi London in particular has the interesting little twist of having an asymmetric hem, falling longer at the front centre and arching higher on the sides. The flutter sleeves flatter every body type, as well as adding to the flowy, effortless feel of the design.

I asked for this dress in the size 18 and it lines up perfectly with Chi Chi’s size chart. Wrap dresses are obviously a bit more awkward to offer clear-cut flat measurements on, but I’ve done my best to give you the specifics. The bust fits 44 to 48 inches. The waist can measure 34 inches on the tightest possible tie, with room up to 38 inches tied more loosely without losing any coverage at the bust or in the wrap over style of the skirt. (The back half of the dress measures 19 inches flat from side seam to side seam.) The skirt is 32 inches long at the longest point of its asymmetrical hem in front, and 24 inches long on the sides at its shortest point.

The Abstract Print Midi Wrap Day Dress  comes in UK sizes 6-26. Chi Chi London ship worldwide.

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Chi Chi London in exchange for an honest review. 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 alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area with no other individuals present or passing, thus abiding by the strict social distancing rules currently in place to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.