A Tale of Taupe: Review of Elvi Rose Applique Dress and Charcoal Biker Jacket

I’ve been branching out a little more lately, and experimenting with new silhouettes in my wardrobe. Instead of always defaulting to skater style or fit and flare dresses, I have been trying out tunics and shifts, which have a straight fit. I’ve been looking at new fabrics, and challenging myself to mix it up a bit in the wardrobe.  It’s good to take chances and try something new every now and again, to keep your style fresh. I am always wary of fashion ruts, and developing beliefs that certain styles are off limits to you. This is a particular risk with plus size fashion, as everyone from magazines, to ‘experts’, to brands seem to spend a lot of time policing plus size women on what they may and may not wear.

Elvi is a plus size brand that is really pushing boundaries. They are working with fabrics, shapes and styles that are seldom seem in plus size fashion – meaning they’re increasing choice for plus size customers. And you know I’m all about choice! The genius of Elvi is in the attention to detail. The brand is fanatical about embellishments and textures, and their pieces feature feathers, fringing, beading, studs and straps.

Rose Applique Dress – Elvi

Charcoal Biker Jacket – Elvi

Scarf - H&M

Wide Fit Black Mary Jane Shoes – Primark (last season)

Turquoise and Wooden Beads – Oliver Bonas

When I saw this unusual shift dress from Elvi on gorgeous Lottie L'amour, I got total style envy and wanted to try it.  I am not usually one for greys as I can find them a bit draining on my colouring, but this is somewhere between grey and taupe and somehow just seems to work. The Rose Applique Dress has a comfortable jersey lining, so no worries of scratching fabrics. The overlay is wonderfully textured with scores of little mesh rosettes. This fabric in a neutral colour makes this dress infinitely more wearable for every day than it would have been in one of my usual go-to bright shades.

I ordered the dress in a size 24, as I knew I wanted it to be slightly oversized and not body con for the look I was going for. The size 24 is a good fit on me, and sits a couple of inches above my knee (I’m 5’8). I love the slightly more casual fit, that works for work yet is super casual. I decided to pair the grey with some turquoise, as it’s one of my fave colours and I think they work so well together. I got a scarf from H&M for my birthday that has some wonderful turquoise accents that In added, and I finished my look off with my Charcoal BikerJacket, also from Elvi.

The Charcoal Biker Jacket is part of Hayley Hasselhoff’s edit for Elvi this season, and as soon as I sore it I knew it was a staple I wanted. I find jackets really hard to buy. I think it’s that most jackets just don’t really go with the rest of my look for some reason. I love biker jackets, but I find black leather a bit harsh for the rest of my look which is usually a little more feminine and softer. So this more muted tone with gold accents was perfect. The PU has a soft feel, and looks slightly worn which I love. Leather jackets should look a little beaten up, like they’ve experienced things! I went for a size 22 in this (my usual size) and the jacket can zip up and sits where a biker should on my body, with the sleeves at the right length. The only place I had a problem was under the arms – the arm holes were quite markedly too small for my (admittedly chunky) arms. I so love the jacket I am thinking of modifying the lining as that’s where the problem is, otherwise when I wear it I might risk losing a limb. If you have chunky arms like me, you might consider sizing up.

I recently attended the AW preview event for Elvi, and I can vouch that they are continuing to think outside the box when it comes to plus size. There are some really exciting pieces around the corner, so if they’re not part of your usual online trawl for fashion, I would definitely include them on your list. I have a wedding look coming up from them soon too, so keep your eyes peeled for more fabulously indulgent pieces here.