I feel as though I’m bombarding you with dresses at the moment, but the sales are still on and every time I buy something good it immediately sells out. And I thought that I was getting in there early with these Luna and Lola dresses from Whistles, but they’ve just gone into the sale as well!
I have four Lola dresses and I wear them all the time, for all occasions. Granted, my plain black one now looks a little faded because I’ve washed it so much (sorely tempted to grab another as a back-up) but the printed ones look amazingly chic in just about any kind of scenario.
I wore this Sahara print Lola dress* out to dinner last week with heels (these are from LK Bennett*, so sexy) and then I wore it the next day, slightly woolly-headed, with trainers to go exploring around Dartmoor. (Update: apologies, it’s actually the Geo-print Lola, which is on sale here* – the Sahara is equally lovely, but a slightly different print!)
I love the relaxed fit of the Lola, it’s just precisely what I want for a “throw-on” dress – the cut is so clever that the dress looks structured, not sack-like, and so it is smart enough for evening attire but is equally at home doing the Tesco shop or whatever life maintenance is on the agenda.
The front feels reasonably short (enough so that if you raise your arms you wonder how much of a show you’re putting on) but the back hem dips down, like an oversized shirt, so it never worries me.
I mean, there are bigger things to worry about, but you get what I mean… You can find the Sahara Print Lola dress here* – it’s currently £85 down from £119. The plain black one, which is one of the chicest little dresses I think I own, is £65 in the sale here*.
The Luna dress is a new style to me, but I wore this one in the Cordilla print* to go to Wimbledon with Elizabeth Arden the other week. I struggle to see what the difference is between the Luna and Lola, but that’s no bad thing; both seem to have the same relaxed collar, cocoon shape, excellent cut and – rejoice! – pockets. Perhaps the hem at the back is longer on the Lola?
Whatever, it’s just as easy to wear as the Lola and has been added to my collection of Important Clothes That Must Never Be Shrunk In The Wash. I could chuck this dress on with some heels and feel polished-up within about three minutes. Hair slicked back, bright lipstick, job done.
Let’s get down to the honest nitty-gritty on these dresses, too; the reason I like them is that they are mightily forgiving on the middle area (something to do with the cocoon shape!) but show off the lower legs and arms, which are reasonably easy to make presentable. Upper arms concealed, no particular depths of cleavage on show, yet the overall effect is sophisticated in a relaxed, confident way.
The Luna is on sale for £85, down from £118 – you can find it here*. I have to say that this bright print is perfect against sunkissed skin, so would make a brilliant holiday dress, or, if you’re in the UK, a brilliant stay-at-home-because-what’s-the-point-in-going-away-when-the-weather-is-like-this dress.
Thanks for the recommendation I’ve got these now, even though I’m short they look great
Ruth, do they crease easily? And do they require ironing…..?
I’ve never ironed one! x
That’s all I needed to hear
You can breastfeed in those dresses, can’t you? I’m a new mom and this is my number one concern now
No, you couldn’t in these, not really. The neckline is too high to pull down. xx
Hey. Just ordered a few of these dresses (Ruth’s fault) and yes, you can feed in them. There’s a button you can undo and pull to the side to pop one out
Just to clarify, I’m talking about the lols dresses x
Does that undo?! Well I never! My apologies re previous answer, I stand corrected! x
I was so pleasantly surprised as i’s expected them not to. Do we even need another reason to purchase these beauties?? x
Just wanted to say thank you for this post – been really nice seeing you wear outfits from a brand I’d never think to walk in to due to 2 kids under 2 and secondly wouldn’t have a clue what to try on! I like the idea spending a little more on dresses I’ll have for a good couple of years! Happy to see more fashion posts!
I have the Lola dress in black, and bright orange/ red. I found the same – so versatile and comfortable (especicially around the mid section post indulgences) definitely my summer go to for day to evening wear. Love it!
At nearly 43, I debate all the time about how long a dress should be, whether or not showing my knees does anybody any favors and if I should just say to hell with it, and wear what’s comfortable. I’m sure by 50, I’ll have all the answers. You look great, as usual.
Definitely perfect this dress!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
What size did you go for Ruth? I’m a 10/12 cause of bigger boobs xx
I have the small and find it relatively generous! x
I’ve bought the black lola now in a small on your recommendation! Thanks Ruth xxx
Hi Ruth – the Luna/Cordilla dress looks very pretty on you, being so slim & leggy. I fear that being a midlifer & bit broader of beam, on me it might look a bit like Pauline Collins’ housecoat in Shirley Valentine film
Hahaha, nicely put! I get the housecoat reference…
Looks really comfortable, yet very elegant paired with heels.
Anne – Linda, Libra, Loca
They have done variations of this dress for the last few years and between my mother, sister and I we basically own them all! So easy to wear and chuck on for almost every occasion. They really are the best, I totally agree! X
Sadly I keep buying these dresses but I should have learnt by now that they make me look like a sack of potatoes. I am 5’6” and a size 8 but they still look terrible on me…
Same here – I’m 5’4″ and a size 10 and just look like Mr Strong (the square one) in this style dress. I keep ordering them from Hush in some vague hope that I’ve changed shape!
They look good on you though!