4.5 ★Earthy OrangeVelvet maxi dress
The catalogue flagship: a short-sleeve V-neck velvet maxi carried in seven colourways.
Fabric: Velvet

$47.99
Check price & buySleeveless and smocked across the bodice, with a square neck framing the collarbones and a long swing skirt below it. Pockets are set into that skirt, which is rare at this weight. The fabric is light and lined, so the print stays opaque in direct sun, and the single listing is the apricot and royal blue floral. Scores sit a little below the rest of this group, so it is the one to check measurements on carefully first.
In stock at the last check, but the listing was running low; colours and sizes may thin out.
The skirt is cut wide, so the pockets disappear into that volume instead of pulling at the line. On a sundress worn for travel days, somewhere to put a boarding pass changes how often it gets picked out of the case.
Light fabrics at maxi length tend to go transparent in direct sun. A soft lining has been put under this one, which is the detail that keeps a beach dress wearable on the walk back from the beach through a lit street.
The neckline is squared off and the bodice below it is shirred, so the top half adjusts to the wearer while the neckline keeps its shape. No straps to slide off a shoulder and no sleeves to deal with in heat.
Sizes run S to XL on the usual numbers, 4-6 through 16-18. Fit comes from the smocked bodice, with the skirt swinging free below it, and no fastenings are described. The length is a full maxi, so shorter wearers should read the chart before ordering.
4.5 ★Earthy OrangeThe catalogue flagship: a short-sleeve V-neck velvet maxi carried in seven colourways.
Fabric: Velvet
4.3 ★Lake BlueLined chiffon with a fully smocked top and flutter sleeves, in lake blue, pink and a navy leaf print.
Fabric: Chiffon
4.2 ★Navy Blue 2Polyester chiffon in a vintage floral, with flutter sleeves and a smocked waist, cut to long midi.
Fabric: Chiffon
4.4 ★Navy FloralNavy, dusty blue or a yellow and dark green print, with a smocked waist, puff sleeves and pockets.