Real stories · The checked shirt that grew into a dress

The Checked Shirt That Grew Into A Dress

All the cosiness of a favourite checked shirt, grown into a long elegant dress — that's the Loriviannea, and it has quietly become the most reached-for thing I own.

Winter dressing at 67 is a negotiation between two selves: the one who wants to look put together, and the one who wants to feel like she's wearing something comforting. Usually one of them loses. The put-together clothes are cold and fussy; the comforting ones make you look like you've given up slightly.

Then I found this on York Boutique's site — a British label I order from often: an ankle-length shirt-dress in a deep green check, with a proper collar, buttons all the way down, long sleeves and — the detail that sold me — real pockets.

The shape is the quiet cleverness. It's cut long and flowing, which is why it reads as elegant rather than casual — but the collar and check keep it warm-looking and familiar, like the shirt you'd steal from a husband if his were nicer. With ankle boots underneath and the length skimming over them, the whole leg stays warm; add a cardigan and I've walked Winnie in it without a murmur of complaint.

Put-together and comforting at the same time. I didn't think we were allowed both.

I'll be honest: at £44.95 I hesitated — that's over my usual line. Then I counted the outfits it replaces (the good trousers, the nice top, the negotiation between them) and the fact that it's listed at £90 and sells for half because York Boutique sell direct, and the hesitation quietly left the room.

Sandra's verdict at the garden centre: 'you look like a woman who owns a lovely farmhouse.' I live in a semi in York, but I'll take it. I did check before ordering that I could send it back if the length was wrong — you can, within a fortnight, with free delivery — but at ankle length over boots it was right the first time.

Sizes run UK 6/8 to 16/18, and the middle sizes always go first when a dress like this gets round. If your winter also involves choosing between elegant and comforting — this is the one that refuses to choose.