Story

The Meadow Dress is my reinterpretation of a beloved vintage dress in my wardrobe. I bought that vintage dress, a knee-length fit and flare with a voluminous gathered skirt, kimono sleeves, and two bows tying up the back, many years ago, and I wore it so much that it got so ragged and stained as to be no longer wearable. I kept the dress in my closet despite the fact that I couldn't wear it anymore, as if one day perhaps it would magically become de-stained and un-ripped and ready to be worn again. That day, unfortunately, has not yet come, but after many months of staring longingly at my old dress on its hanger, I realized I could fill the hole in my heart by recreating the dress I so missed — and making it a lot better in the process.

How could I improve upon my much-adored vintage dress? The first thing (clearly!) was to add big, roomy pockets. Second was to fully line the dress (having to wear a slip with a dress is such a pain!), and then I went full-on into design mode and improved the fit, adjusted the sleeves, changed up the neckline, and — perhaps most importantly — doubled the number of bows on the back. By the end, my new design wound up quite different than my inspiration, but it still retained the essence of that dress I fell in love with many years ago: with the understated femininity of its bows and the bucolic elegance of its silhouette, it brings to mind a long, slow day spent picking flowers in a sunlit meadow.

Design Details

• Main: 100% organic cotton fabric from India
• Lining: 100% organic cotton double gauze from India
• Designed, cut, and sewn in Arkansas, USA
• Fit-and-flare silhouette
• Four bows on back can be untied
• Invisible back zip closure on skirt portion
• Hidden side seam pockets
• Fully lined
• Measures 36" long from shoulder
• Hand wash cold, line dry, warm iron as needed (learn more about garment care here)

Materials

This dress is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton fabric from India. The fabric is soft, airy, and lightweight and is only slightly sheer when unlined. The check pattern woven into the fabric reminds me of a vintage print one would find on a mid-century sundress, but I like to think this fabric is even better because it's organic! The checks measure about a quarter of an inch and are navy blue on an ivory background. In addition to pairing well with navy and ivory, of course, the fabric also goes great with black and yellow.

The dress is lined with undyed GOTS-certified organic cotton double gauze, produced in a Fair Trade certified mill in India. Our lining fabric is unbelievably soft and breathable and makes for a perfect lightweight layer against your skin.

In addition to the fabric, this style uses organic cotton thread, a YKK zipper, a metal hook and eye, and organic cotton labels.

Fit

Take a look at our Size Guide to find your size.

The Meadow is fitted in the bust and waist, so use both your bust and waist measurements when determining your size. The style runs true to size, but if your measurements fall in between sizes, I recommend sizing up to avoid any gaping in the back.

Mallory is wearing a size 4 and is 5'6" with a 34" bust, 27" waist, and 39" hip.