Give me a sleeved, check dress when it’s cold outside and I will feel happy and cosy in my heart, even if my actual limbs still require tights and boots. I think one of the things that intimidates newcomers to vintage fashion is the idea that one must get unbearably cold in winter if one wears dresses year round, but I’ve always found that knowing how to style an outfit for practicality as well as appearances is a skill that serves one well no matter your aesthetic preferences. And speaking of practicality, how about looking at a sleeved, checked dress from a brand who think it’s pretty practical to make clothing from sustainable and recycled fabrics so they limit their contribution to climate change? Yeah, I think that sounds pretty good too! Let’s get at it. 

Dress: Helena dress gifted by Timeless London
Tights: Spice Melange by Snag Tights
Belt and Gloves: Old
Brooch: Darkness brooch by Splendette
Boots: Old Cecily boots by JustFab
Bag: Tan Tara bag by Lulu Hun*

The Helena dress has a V-neckline and full length sleeves, so immediately it knows what I like. It’s made from a very dark navy woven through with a muted yellow to form a timeless (no pun intended) high contrast check–a contrast check, another thing I am very down for. As previously mentioned, Timeless London use sustainably produced or recycled fabrics and packaging materials for 100% of their items, yet another tick in this dress’s favour. The fabric feels soft to the touch, a little bit like flannel, so that cosy feeling in my heart is echoed in my fingers. 

This dress doesn’t have a collar and the buttons aren’t functional, so it’s not a shirtdress, but it offers the same versatility of wear as a shirtdress, able to be dressed smartly or casually, without the threat of ever appearing trendy nor outdated. I love how damn good it looks fully styled for winter, working cohesively with all the layers and accessories you may wish to add to fight off the cold, without getting outshined by them. In practical terms, I’d happily add a long coat to this outfit to complete its winterisation and that would keep me toasty warm here in the English winters in a way that wearing jeans and a hoody just never would. Layers are the key to making any aesthetic work for colder seasons, and remembering that you can add secret under layers as necessary in the way of thermals and vests can help you rock your preferred style year round even when everyone else insists you must surely be freezing. 

I asked for this Helena dress in the 3XL and it’s very true to the size chart. The bust measures 44 inches flat with 3-4 inches of stretch. The waist is 40 inches flat with stretch to 42 and the skirt is 26 inches long, boasting pockets in the side seams.
Said skirt is flared, not gathered or a full circle, so it would only have room for a slim petticoat at most (I’ve worn it here without one.) This dress comes with a matching grommet fabric belt, not pictured here as I’m a sucker for pairing my belt with my other accessories, and closes with a hidden back zip. It is machine washable.

The Helena dress comes in sizes XS-4XL, and discount code AMYMAY20 will get you 20% off orders. 

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Timeless London in exchange for an honest review. Items marked with an asterix* are items I bought myself from companies that have previously gifted me other items for 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, practising responsible social distancing to help limit the spread of Covid-19.