Elvi Lace Shift Dress*

I’m normally one for dresses that show off my hourglass figure, favouring body con or fit and flare styles. I have done the slightly oversized thing in the past – but always ruined the lines with a cinching belt to show off my waist. However, lately, I’ve been looking at cleaner lines with less structuring – items that remain true to my classic style but bypass the need for a vintage pin-up figure. This Elvi Lace Shift Dress* is just such a number.

This dark maroon dress has a boxy fit with a straight cut. The dress is made from a crocheted lace dress layered over a slip of the same colour. It has capped sleeves and sits an inch or two above my knee. The dress is closed by a gold zip at the back.

I originally received this dress in an 18 and it fitted fairly well except for the fact that its was very very short on me – I couldn’t bend even a fraction without flashing my knickers. Elvi were kind enough to get a 20 out to me and the length, as you can see it much better. It also means that the straight-cut style of the dress is more obvious than in a clingy 18.

I’m wearing the dress here in Winchester at the weekend, layered up with a M&S thermal under slip for added warmth and my Elvi mac – you will be forgiven for thinking that most of my wardrobe is Elvi because it’s true; Elvi is really hitting it on the nail with their collections at the moment and I want pretty much every item they bring out!

I’m wearing it with chunky ankle boots for comfort whilst traipsing around a muddy Christmas market, but I think it will look just as great with over the knee boots for a night out dancing – or with sleek heels and a blazer for work. It really is quite a versatile piece!

The dress is priced at just £55 which, for such a well made and versatile item, is really very reasonable. It’s one of those to see you through the winter and into summer. That’s the great thing about shift dresses – they never really go out of fashion!