Melissa Pleated Cinched Waist Midi Dress (Burgundy)

Is it nursing friendly?

Yes. The buttons are functional the whole way down, so it opens properly rather than just at the collar. The pleated waist sits below the opening and stays where it is, and the soft drape means nothing pulls out of shape afterwards.

Is it lined? Is it see-through?

It isn't lined, but it isn't sheer either — the burgundy is deep and the fabric is dense enough to be opaque on its own. No slip needed. Leaving it unlined is also what keeps it light and cool to wear.

Which size should I take?

This one goes by your waist rather than your bust. The bust is cut generously and the pleating at the waist is the fitted part, so that's what decides the fit. There's no stretch, so if you're between sizes, take the larger one.

Does it have pockets?

Yes, set into the side seams. They sit within the drape so they don't pull at the hip.

How long is it, really?

Between 46 and 48 inches from the shoulder, depending on size. Our model is 158cm and it falls just below her calf. On a taller frame it will sit closer to mid-calf.

Where would I wear it?

It was designed to go from a workday to dinner without a change of clothes. Buttoned up with heels for the office, softened with flats and the top buttons open for a weekend. Burgundy is dark enough to be forgiving and rich enough not to read as plain.

How do I keep it looking new?

Light ironing on low heat, on the reverse so the pleats keep their shape. Wash gently, hang to dry in shade — deep colours hold better out of direct sunlight — and wash it separately for the first few washes. No bleach, no tumble dryer.

Not sure which size? Start here.

This one goes by waist rather than bust — the bust is cut generously and the pleated waist is the fitted part. There's no stretch in the fabric, so if you're between sizes, take the larger one.