I MADE THE HOUSE LOVELY FOR EVERYONE ELSE. THEN I REALISED I'D FORGOTTEN TO CHOOSE SOMETHING LOVELY FOR MYSELF.
Six little things about a softly flowing floral dress that reminded me the woman hosting the spring lunch is allowed to enjoy getting dressed, too.
I am 67, I live in Sydney, and earlier this spring I made a ridiculous discovery about myself. I had spent the entire morning getting the house ready for lunch with my family. There were flowers on the table, the nice cups were out, the little cushions were straightened, and I had even changed the cloth over the outdoor table.
Everything looked lovely. Except, when I finally had ten minutes to get dressed, I reached for the same faded blouse and dark trousers I wore to do the groceries. Not because I particularly liked them. Because I had used all my thinking on everybody else's afternoon and left none for myself.
My daughter arrived early with a cake, took one look at the flowers, and said, “Mum, you've made the whole house ready for spring. Have you given yourself a minute?” I laughed at first. Then I went upstairs and looked at a wardrobe full of things I never seemed to feel like wearing.
I wasn't looking for a grand outfit. It was only lunch at home. But I realised I wanted to feel as pleased with what I put on as I did with the flowers in the vase.
A little later I came across the Floral Breezy Dresses collection at Perth Boutique, an Australian boutique. The dress that caught my eye had a softly coloured beige background with large dusky pink and rose-red flowers, touches of olive green, and an almost old-fashioned botanical pattern. I liked the flowing skirt, the simple V-shaped neckline and the sleeves that reached below the elbow.
There was nothing stiff or overdone about it. It looked like the kind of dress you could wear to a family lunch without looking as though you were off to somebody else's wedding. More importantly, I could imagine wearing it when the family had gone home, too.
When the parcel arrived, I laid the dress over the bed and looked at the print properly. The muted ground made the roses feel rich rather than loud. It reminded me of the floral tablecloths and pretty fabrics I have loved having around the house for years. I wondered why I was happy to surround myself with those colours but so rarely thought to wear them.
I had remembered to make everyone else feel welcome. I had forgotten that I was part of the afternoon, too.
The more I looked at the dress, the more I noticed six little things that explained why it appealed to me more than the plain things I usually pulled on when people were coming over.
1THE FLOWERS FEEL LIKE SPRING WITHOUT BEING SHOUTY
The print is what first stopped me scrolling: old-fashioned roses, leafy shapes and quiet botanical details against a soft beige background. I love a bright garden, but I don't always want to wear the brightest colour in the room. This had colour and character without the need for sparkling jewellery or a bold handbag.
With a pattern like this, I can keep everything else simple. A pair of tan sandals and my usual earrings are plenty.
I was looking for the feeling of spring flowers, not an outfit that required me to make a grand entrance.
2THE DRESS LOOKS FINISHED BEFORE YOU ADD ANYTHING
There is a V-shaped neckline, a gently gathered shape through the dress, and that long floral skirt. Each part has a little interest of its own. I used to spend ages deciding which scarf or necklace might rescue a plain blouse. The print and the neckline already make this look like a complete outfit.
It is precisely the sort of dress I would want waiting over the chair while I finish putting plates on the table, rather than one demanding another twenty minutes in front of the mirror.
Some days I want the outfit decided before I've even finished making the tea.
3THE SLEEVES MAKE IT AN EASY SPRING CHOICE
The floral style in the photographs has comfortable-looking sleeves that fall around the elbow, with a little softness in the shape. I often find myself adding a cardigan to a summer dress even before leaving the house. Here, the sleeves make the dress look complete on its own.
Spring in Sydney is not always the same temperature from breakfast to afternoon tea. A sleeve like this suits the way I actually dress: simple, covered enough for my preference, and easy to pair with a light layer if the weather changes.
I like when the sleeves are part of the outfit, not something I have to solve with a second piece.
4THE FLOWING SKIRT SUITS A DAY THAT DOESN'T STAY STILL
Family lunches rarely involve sitting neatly in one chair all afternoon. I am bringing out plates, answering the door, going back for another pot of tea and then sitting down to hear everybody's news. The softly flowing skirt and relaxed shape are the details that make this dress look suited to that sort of day.
Perth Boutique describes its floral dresses as lightweight with a relaxed fit. I would still check the details of the exact style, but I like the easy silhouette and the way the skirt falls around the chair rather than looking rigid.
An ordinary afternoon involves moving around. I want clothes that look ready for that, not only for a photograph.
5IT DOESN'T NEED TO BE SAVED FOR A PARTICULAR INVITATION
I have bought lovely dresses before and kept them for birthdays, holidays and dinners that never quite happened. This one appealed to me because I could imagine wearing it to host lunch, to go and buy flowers, to meet a friend for coffee or simply to feel nicely dressed on a sunny Tuesday.
That is the difference between a dress I admire and one I would actually reach for. I don't want it to wait for life to become special enough. I want it to come along for the ordinary days that make up most of life.
The family coming round for lunch is occasion enough. So is a Tuesday if I feel like wearing flowers.
6THERE ARE MORE FLORAL STYLES THAN JUST ONE
The Floral Breezy Dresses collection includes several different designs, so you needn't love exactly the same rose print I chose. The collection currently shows styles at A$69.99, with each dress having its own colours and size options. I would choose by the print you enjoy, then check the measurements for that particular style rather than assuming every dress fits alike.
That is what makes a collection like this useful to browse. Perhaps you like soft roses as I do; perhaps a brighter flower or a different neckline feels more like you.
Choose the flowers that make you smile, then make sure the size and shape suit you.
THE FLORAL DRESS, AGAINST THE OUTFIT I ALWAYS THREW ON
I was putting care into the lunch, the flowers and the house, then forgetting to choose something I enjoyed wearing. Here is the difference that mattered to me.
ABOUT THE PRICE
Perth Boutique's Floral Breezy Dresses collection currently lists floral styles at A$69.99, reduced from A$229.00. That is the displayed collection price at the time of writing; check your chosen style for its current price, colours and sizes.
I have spent money on last-minute outfits that solved only the problem of getting out of the house. I would rather choose something I actually want to wear, whether I have guests coming over or a quiet spring morning ahead. The flower pattern and relaxed shape were what made me stop and look.
Perth Boutique advertises free Australia-wide delivery and provides delivery and returns details on its website. I would read those and check the size chart for the exact dress before ordering.
I'll still straighten the cushions and put flowers on the table when the family comes round. But the next time I host lunch, I'd like to remember that I am one of the people who gets to enjoy it. And perhaps choosing a dress I love is as good a place as any to start.
Maggie
