It’s Mr SY’s birthday today.
He’s very ok that he shares this day with International Star Wars Day (May the 4th be with you) but Monday is pretty much a dud day on which to celebrate another year on this planet, which is why we turned the whole weekend into a festival instead.
On Saturday night we headed out to his choice of venue – one that involved meat and me organising a “cake” constructed of hand-dipped doughnuts.
It was as far from the spa cuisine at my Thailand health retreat as you could gastronomically get.
So I thought very carefully about my choice of outfit for the evening. This new-season sweater dress from Harlow easily won out over tight-fitting jeans!
I’ve featured Harlow here before on the blog. This independent Australian (designed and made in Australia) plus-size label offers designs for women sized 12 to 24.
I don’t like the term plus-size but it’s an industry term for any size above that of a typical fashion model (size 6-8).
Also, if you do have curves, like I do, then it can be tricky to find clothes that fit your shape, even if they’re supposedly the right size for you.
The dress below is generous in its size labelling. Read on for an idea of what size I’m wearing and also what the model is wearing to work out what size might be right for you.
The model
Harlow Dreammaker sweater dress $189 (Model wears size S – 14-16)
and me
Harlow Dreammaker sweater dress (I’m wearing Size XS – 10-12)* | Salita Matthews necklace | Dinosaur Designs ring | Swarovski cuff | Zoe Kratzammn Footwear wedges*
Yes, you read correctly. I’m wearing XS. No, I’m not a regular size 10-12. I’m a 14-16.
I found in this style that I suited the more fitting XS than the oversized (on me) S and settled on that one.
The cut is super flattering, which is probably why I get away with the smaller size. It still accommodates my hips and bust but creates shape around the waist and skims the rest.
The deep v-neck is also part of this dress’ flattering package, as are the three-quarter length sleeves.
The overall wardrobe appeal lies in this dress’ simplicity and versatility.
It’s a blank autumn-winter canvas, ready and waiting for you to layer to suit the weather and occasion.
It works on its own but can also be worn with tights/leggings and boots. It can be dressed up with a blazer or jacket or dressed down with sneakers and a long cardi.
If you have a waist for belts, by all means go ahead and belt up and wear with heels and a touch of bling for a night out.
This is a lightweight knit (acrylic/wool/elastane) and simply so easy to wear.
Would I find a sweater dress in your wardrobe? How do you like to wear yours?
* These pieces were gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here.
Comments 42
Love this on you Nikki. Gorgeous. And let’s face it, you had a lot to measure up to, Chanel looks amazing in this dress. Woot woo. Knit dresses and boots are winter if you ask me. So good.
Chanel looks amazing Mel – agreed!!
Sooo good. Such a babe.
Nikki, you look incredible in this dress!!! Harlow is an amazing brand for your shape!! I’m heading back to look at the other Harlow posts now. Ps- I cant ever imagine picking an XS. That must be a little thrilling. Thank you for taking the time to link up with me on Flat Bum Mum. Bron x
Ahh, I never concern myself with the number/letters – it just has to be the right fit. Would do my head in otherwise with inconsistency in sizing!
Looks great Nikki and I love the shoe choice especially for Brissie. Here in frosty Melbourne it would be long boots for sure! Happy birthday to Mr SY too.
Yes the shoe is a good autumn compromise for us!
Yes the shoe is a good autumn compromise for us!
What a beautiful cut! Happy Birthday Mr SY!
He had a great weekend!
The dresses always look so much better on you than the model. 🙂
AHH you’re too kind – I just like showing an alternative!
My fave piece from the Harlow AW15 collection…you look gorgeous enjoy the birthday celebrations x
How beautiful is it?!
How beautiful is it?!
That dress is super gorgeous! Looking utterly fabulous as ever. x
Thanks Hun x
What a gorgeous dress! I absolutely think the XS fits you perfectly. Happy Birthday to Mr Sy 🙂
Sarah | More Than Adored
Thanks Sarah!
what a great versatile dress nikki! … and you look great in it!
glad you had some celebrating on the weekend! … happy birthday mr sy!
have a great day! love m:)X
He’s gone off to work happier than a normal Monday! x
He’s gone off to work happier than a normal Monday! x
I love this dress on you Nikki ,I will have to tell my sister about this label as she is probably the same height and size as you it’s a great dress.I do like sweater dresses but actually don’t own any,but I do have a Sussan knitted tunic which I wear over leggings in winter,I find most swamp me or are too body con for my liking.
I am glad mr SY had a lovely weekend festival for his birthday today,it would have been My Mum and dads 52nd wedding anniversary today too,so I’m very sad for my poor Dad today,it’s going to be a very hard week.
Have a great day Nikki Xx
Oh Lisa, I’m so, so sorry. Yes, it will be hard for all of you – you particularly – this week. All here in the SY community will be thinking of you. xx
Thank you Nikki ,it’s much appreciated Xx
I love a sweater dress on others but getting the drape versus cling right is always a challenge for me.
This is why I was so surprised with this one Johanne! That’s usually the case with me. The cut was amazing.
love your outfit Nikki – I love sweater dresses and this one looks fantastic on you.
My son also shares May 4 as his birthday and I have travelled to spend his only day off with him and hopefully spoil him a little.
Oh have a fantastic day with your son Kerrie! Happy BIRTHday to you x
Oh have a fantastic day with your son Kerrie! Happy BIRTHday to you x
What a great dress. Yes, Nikki you would find a couple of sweater dresses in my wardrobe. Always wear with tights and boots because our window for dressing in that way here is limited. Splashed out last winter and bought a black cashmere one – so warm and totally blank canvas. Can’t wait for it it get properly cold! HB Mr SY – Long live the full-on birthday weekend festival. xx
Oh that black cashmere sounds amazing! And yes, some properly cold weather would be nice. I’m relishing in the cool mornings and nights at the moment.
V-neck wins the day! Such a perfect design – you look great! xx
It is such a brilliant design Bev … only missing pockets 😉 … but they would interfere with the flow over the hips, I think!
You look absolutely fabulous! That dress looks super versatile. Hope Mr SY had a brilliant birthday (how could he not with a doughnut cake?!)
Ribs + Doughnut cake = Very Happy Husband. Seriously, he must have been an American in a former life. 😉
Ribs + Doughnut cake = Very Happy Husband. Seriously, he must have been an American in a former life. 😉
Love it! I really do have to limit myself from coming here.
This might be too warm for you? Unless you’re coming back here for our winter 😉
I come back (with the kids for their ‘summer’ break from June – August every year). It’s perfect! I’m getting it sent straight to the beach house 🙂
Wow, you look amazing. I love the Model and Me posts. X Amanda
Thanks Amanda!