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It’s really difficult to find a dress that feels special enough to wear to more polished occasions like weddings and parties, while still being casual enough to wear throughout the year, too. Many everyday dresses are too laid back to dress up, but on the flip side, occasionwear can often be too glam to style with trainers or sandals. But we may have found the ultimate solution in a Joanie Clothing dress that costs less than £100.
The Jini Square Neck Polka Dot Mesh Dress from Joanie Clothing is a versatile and charming addition to any wardrobe, and artfully strikes a balance between dressy and relaxed, making it a really hardworking piece to add to your dress collection. Coming in at £99, it’s a little more premium than your average summer dress, but equally, more affordable than your typical wedding guest attire. And the fact you can style it up or down means it will earn its keep in no time.
In this edition of Mum vs Millennial, my 52-year-old mum and I, aged 26, both took on the challenge of styling this stunning dress, with mum leaning into summer holiday styling, while I opted for more festival vibes.
Made from a lightweight and breezy Swissy dobby mesh, this Joanie dress – which comes in green or pink – is priced at £99 and available in sizes 8-26. It boasts a square neckline and flattering elasticated bodice which accommodates larger chests and makes it comfortable to wear all day, complete with a knee-skimming skirt to suit a range of dress codes. Both of us adored the wide, floaty sleeves, and, like many of Joanie’s popular designs, it even has pockets.
My mum’s approach to styling the Jini dress was perfect for a mature yet fashion-forward look. She layered the dress with a cropped denim jacket, giving it a casual and effortless vibe while also providing some coverage for cooler weather. Think balmy Cornish evenings in late August heading out to dinner after a day at the beach. To keep the outfit practical and stylish, she chose a Uniqlo crossbody bag, in which you can fit an ungodly amount of essentials, completing the look with chunky black boots, grounding the look with a bit of edge and providing a comfortable option for all-day wear.
What I love about this look is that it not only suits a holiday, but is perfect for festival season, too. Slip off the jacket and bag and it immediately becomes a little bit more rebellious, too.
I also loved the idea of layering up the Jini dress, because the Great British weather is yet to provide us with a proper summer, so I opted for my trusty Damson Madder leopard print gilet. I really like the colour palette and the unexpected patterns and textures this look creates. Since cowboy boots are the go-to for gigs and festivals this year, I added my cream knee-high Primark boots, pairing them with an Orla Kiely handbag which tied the look together quite nicely. The result, I feel, is a playful yet polished ensemble perfect for Tramlines Festival later this month.
Both my mum and I loved how the dress’s design allowed us to express our personal styles while feeling comfortable and confident. I definitely feel as though both of these looks could easily glam up further with heels and an oversized padded headband for a wedding – or a fascinator, if a headband isn’t for you – while a denim waistcoat and pair of sandals would give it a much more casual aesthetic. But one thing is certain – the Jini Dress has definitely proven itself to be a delightful and adaptable piece for any wardrobe, and it’s definitely going to be a frontrunner for upcoming occasions.
Find more content from our Mum vs Millennial series here.