Real stories · The dress that works like a jumper

The Dress That Works Like A Jumper

As warm and easy as a favourite jumper, as put-together as a proper dress — with pockets. The Averlina has quietly become the thing I reach for on every cold ordinary day.

Winter dresses, in my experience, divide into two camps: the pretty ones that need a coat, a cardigan and a prayer, and the warm ones that look like you've given up. What I wanted was the dress equivalent of a good jumper — something you pull on, feel warm in, and still look like you've decided something.

The Averlina, from York Boutique — a British label I order from often — is exactly that. A soft ribbed midi in a lovely warm camel, cut like a relaxed shirt-dress: collar, button front, long sleeves you can roll, and a gentle shape that skims rather than clings. The fabric has that fine corduroy-like rib that looks rich and feels cosy.

And then there are the pockets. Real, hidden, properly placed pockets — which is why I stand about in this dress the way I never do in others: hands in, shoulders down, entirely at ease. With thick tights and ankle boots it's warm enough for errands; with the good boots and earrings it does lunch. One dress, most of a week.

Hands in the pockets, warm to the ankles, and still the best-dressed person at the post office.

I'll be honest: I paused at the price. Then I counted the cold ordinary days between now and March — most of them, frankly — and a dress that works like a jumper on all of them won the argument. I also checked before ordering that I could send it back if the fit was off — you can, within a fortnight, and the delivery's free. It's listed at £90 and sells for £44.95 because York Boutique sell direct.

It comes in five colours in sizes UK 6/8 to 16/18. If your winter wardrobe is jumpers that aren't dresses and dresses that aren't warm: here's the treaty.