The Floral Midi Dress perfect for Autumn

As of this weekend, it’s officially Autumn, so I don’t mind pulling out the cable knits from the back of the wardrobe now. Now, some people can look pretty darn glamorous in a pair of skinny jeans, a chunky knit and some cute boots, but I just can’t pull that look off. It seems to be the go-to fall look for most girls, but I just can’t make it work for me.

This AW18, this mesh midi dress from NA-KD is my statement piece of the season. I fell in love with it on the website and loved it even more so once I had it on! I recently collaborated with NA-KD over on my Instagram, but I loved what they sent me so much that I wanted to write a full post.

Before the items had even arrived, I had already planned this photo shoot in my head and was excitedly roping Jake in to shoot for me. The last time I shot at Biddulph Grange Gardens, Tamar and I managed to get caught up in one of the busiest days of the year – the annual Easter egg hunt. This time, I managed to choose the actual busiest day of the year – Heritage Day. Since Biddulph Grange Gardens is a National Trust gardens, it’s naturally quite popular… even more so when there’s one day a year of free entry. The good news was that we didn’t have to pay. The bad news was that we would be desperately trying to not get other people in the background and there would be a lot of people staring at me wondering who on earth I think I am.

 

The first product NA-KD sent me were some Raw Waist Denim Jeans. I haven’t worn blue jeans for around five years, as I am pretty loyal to my black super stretch, super skinny jeans. I have been looking to get a pair and thought this would be the perfect opportunity. Unfortunately, they were too big for me. I am a size 8 and ordered the size 38 (European sizing), but in retrospect I wish I had gone for the 36.

I could potentially still wear them if I wear a belt. Despite my bad sizing choice, the jeans are still gorgeous. They are a slightly high-waisted, mom jean style, with a raw, ripped hem effect at the top. I love that there is no button visible, as the button and clasp are on the inside. This gives them a really clean look from the front. As they’re too big, I haven’t photographed them, so let’s talk about the outfit I did shoot.

The Dress

This pink and red floral midi dress is just so dreamy. The burgundy and reds make it perfect for Autumn, but the blush tones and lighter pinks mean you can get away with it for Spring, too. I ordered this in a size Small, which was perfect for me.

It was perhaps a touch too big on the elasticated waist, however, to me, that’s just room for carbs and cake. I will always wear this dress with a belt, so to me, that part didn’t matter one bit. Like I say, it’s perfect for me.

The dress is a mesh polyester, and feels very high quality with a good amount of stretch in it. It’s also double lined so that you don’t have to worry about someone being able to see the polka dots on your knickers. The long sleeves are slimming and I love the high neck, too. From the waist down, the dress is almost pleated, which gives a really beautiful floaty effect. It comes in at £35.95, so less expensive than your high-end high-street stores, but more upmarket than the low-end ones. I think NA-KD are really affordable for their high quality, and they have some gorgeous pieces in the sale that I may have to treat myself to.

The dress has a heavily 60’s inspired vibe, and a little old lady actually stopped me to tell me that I looked like something from a 60’s Biba magazine. I can’t say I didn’t blush, because I love vintage, particularly 60’s and 70’s fashion.

The Bag

This is the Crocodile Long Strap bag and retails at £37.95. The faux croc effect is stylish and lavish, with the colour being a match made in heaven with the dress. It’s a really practical size to fit in your cards, phone, lipstick and a pocket diary. For this shoot I was actually carrying in it my phone, tangle teezer, lipstick, cards and my Instax Mini 8 camera, so it can fit a good deal of stuff in. There are two slim inside pockets, one with a zip, as well as the large main compartment, which fastens with a magnetic popper.

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Outfit Details

Dress – NA-KD – £35.95

Bag – NA-KD – £37.95

Belt – New Look 

Boots – Dorothy Perkins

Watch – Adexe London

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The burgundy boots I’m wearing are from Dorothy Perkins a couple of years back. They’re actually my Mum’s and have been sitting in my boot for about a year – oops!

The burgundy floppy hat I cannot for the life of my remember where it’s from. I’ve had it years and have only worn it twice max; this photoshoot included.

I’m so glad that NA-KD contacted me about this collaboration, because I really have fallen in love with this dress. The outfit on a whole is one of my favourite looks I’ve created! I’m certainly going to be heading back to their site to order some more bits. You can use the code Bethan 15 for 15% off too!