At 61, I left a dress open on my iPad for three days before I finally ordered it
A letter from a reader
At 61, I left a dress open on my iPad for three days before I finally ordered it
DeniseAdelaide, South Australia · October 2026
How it happens
I'm 61 and I find online clothes shopping a bit exhausting. So many dresses seem to be photographed on very tall, very slim women, and I can never tell how they'll actually sit on me.
What I had wrong
I'm fuller through the bust and tummy, so I usually avoid anything that looks as though it might cling.
My daughter sent me the link to the dress. I left it sitting open on my iPad for about three days before finally ordering it.
The dress is called the Moana
When I tried it on, my first thought was that I was glad the neckline sat properly. That sounds like a small thing, but with a larger bust I often find dresses either sit too high and make me look bigger or too low and I'm constantly adjusting them.
It also fell nicely over my tummy without looking like a tent, which is usually the difficult balance for me.
What happened at the markets
The first time I wore the Moana dress was actually to the Saturday markets and then lunch afterwards with my daughter. Nothing fancy at all, which is exactly why I liked it.
My daughter immediately said, "Mum, that's much nicer than the things you normally buy."
I chose to take that as a compliment!
Three things I have learned since
- The comfortable cut.
- I don't feel overheated in it.
- I don't have to iron it to death before wearing it. I washed mine on a gentle cycle and hung it up to dry and it was fine.
About the price
I did think about the price before purchasing. I wouldn't call it cheap, but I also don't mind paying for something if I know I'll actually wear it. I already have dresses in my wardrobe that cost less and were worn once, so they weren't exactly good value in the end.
It's A$79.95, down from A$319.95. It has 4.2 out of 5 stars from more than 300 reviews. One of them said exactly what I felt:
"I stood in front of the mirror and thought, 'Oh, this actually works.'" — Karen, Geelong
What I would tell you if we were friends
It's a good dress for women who want to feel comfortable but still look as though they've made an effort.
I wouldn't overthink it.
— Denise
The Moana Dress
★★★★☆ 4.2 out of 5 from 300+ reviews
A$319.95 A$79.95
- Soft and breathable feel
- Midi length, sleeveless
- Relaxed fit, pull-on style
- Moves naturally with the body
Sizes S to 5XL (AU 8 to 38) · Free tracked delivery Australia wide
Check the size chart next to the size options before you order.
Sale on now. Once this stock is gone, it is gone.
This page is an advertisement for Portsea Boutique. Denise is a customer and gave her permission to share her letter. Photos are illustrative.