The 1940's Tea dress or day dress, typically feature a high modest neckline, an A line skirt (fitted at the waist and hips and gradually widening towards the hem) and falls just below the knees. They usually had sleeves that ended just above the elbow or mid forearm. They were mostly made from Wool at the time and in darker prints but this changed when more options became available after the war.

I was recently contacted by Amanda from Retuned Style and was asked if I would like to review their Meryl dress. I jumped at the chance, of course, as I had previously seen the dress at London edge and knew it was going to wow me. I got to choose between seven different prints, and though I had been originally drawn to a yellow gingham one, I was soon won over by a gorgeous red daisy print.

The Meryl Dress is designed as a 40's style Shirt Dress, it has a shirt collar, with a modest v-neckline and white buttons following right down the front. It features a white daisy with blue and yellow centres on a dark red background print. It has short sleeve, though this style is also available with a long sleeve. It is embellished with a tie on both sides that can create a bow on the front, though this could be changed around based on your style preference. This tie beautifully nips in the waist and draws attention to a defined high waist. The skirt is fuller than I'd expect with a beautiful swing to it, it is also a gorgeous quality and lined with a red cotton.

This beauty is available in sizes 8 to 16. Being between a size 16 - 18 myself, I spoke to Amanda and was advised to try the 16, I found the sizing to be generous and comfortable. Though the bust fit well, I'm sure many ladies will have experienced popping buttons on this area. This did happen a little on this dress, but I still would not adjust the sizing and the fit was perfect for me and it did not happen enough to be a nuisance. Having larger arms I usually worry going for smaller sizes when dresses have a sleeve, but I found this cut fitted really well too. Another must for a dress for me is length, as well as being a plus size lady I am 5,8 in height and find for a dress to complement my figure, the length needs to be just right, which with this dress falling just below my knees, made it perfect.

Retuned Style is a London based brand I came across in the vintage boutique I work in (Bohemian Finds) and I have fallen in love with their beautiful style. The ladies behind this company are as beautiful as the dresses they create. I highly recommend you visit them on Instagram and Facebook and see for yourself.

Thank you to Returned Style for this collaboration and thank you for reading my post. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment, and don't forget you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more from me too.

* This item was gifted to me, all opinions are my own