For the longest time, dresses just haven’t been part of my getting-dressed arsenal. This was for a number of reasons. Mainly, I think, because dresses felt a bit fussy and ‘done’ when I just wanted my clothes to be easy and fresh. I liked the idea of a simple jumper dress (for one-step dressing you can’t beat it – just add a coat and accessories) but I was yet to find my perfect style. Enter Whistles’ Willow dress.

What drew me to it instantly was how comfortable it looked. Super soft and a ribbed knitted style, it is a mix of cotton and cashmere, so breathable yet cosy. I have long been a fan of jumper-style dresses but have not wanted to invest for fear of overheating on the tube. As this dress is mainly cotton with a crew neck, rather than a woolen roll neck style, that just isn’t an issue.

It is also a brilliant dress for every type of body. I don’t write about dressing for your shape, as I believe we should dress in what makes us feel good rather than following dated dictatorial rules. But I can’t deny there are some shapes that dig into my bust and simply don’t seem to be made for my shape. This dress is pulled on and stretches in all the right ways, without trickily placed seams – working for every type of figure in all their diverse glories. I am currently pregnant and it is certainly working with my bump, but I am planning on wearing it post-bump too, through the changeable British summer styled with Birkenstock Arizona suede sandals.  

The soft fluting shape on the wrists and hem of the skirt gives a lovely flowing silhouette that suggests femininity without shouting it. While the neutral taupe shade looks beautiful with a camel coat, classic black or this season’s brown hues. While it’s certainly not cheap at £139, the three times a week I have been wearing it helps to justify the price. All in all, it’s pretty perfect.

Stock is low on the Whistles website – clearly, I am not the only one in love with this jumper dress – but I have found all the missing sizes on the John Lewis website. See the Willow below, along with some other fabulous dresses in a similar style.  

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands