At 59, I had lovely dresses hanging in my wardrobe while I wore the same shorts and tops every week
A letter from a reader
At 59, I had lovely dresses hanging in my wardrobe while I wore the same shorts and tops every week
JulieGeelong, Victoria · October 2026
How it happens
I had lovely dresses hanging in the wardrobe while I wore the same shorts and tops every week. Sometimes I'd put something nice on, think "that's a bit much for lunch," and change again.
It's a shame, really.
What I had wrong
I'd started choosing quieter colours without really thinking about it. I wasn't sure a bright print was still me.
But I do enjoy wearing colour. I don't need a special occasion to put on something I like.
The dress is called the Moana
Before ordering, I wondered whether I'd actually wear it enough. I've bought things online that just stayed in the wardrobe. I nearly talked myself out of ordering it.
What happened in Queenscliff
I first wore it to lunch with my sister and two friends down in Queenscliff. Nothing fancy. We had lunch and then a wander by the water. I wore it with flat sandals and a little straw bag.
My sister said, "Oh, that's lovely on you. Where did you find that?"
She normally sees me in jeans, so she noticed straightaway. I told her I'd nearly talked myself out of ordering it.
Three things I have learned since
- I liked how it fell around my middle when I sat down.
- The colours were the part I enjoyed most once I had it on.
- I wasn't constantly adjusting it during lunch. I haven't washed it enough yet to say how it holds up long term.
About the price
Afterwards, I felt happier about the price because I could see myself wearing it for ordinary outings, too.
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
Check the measurements and have a think about what you'd wear it with. For me, flat sandals were enough.
If you love the print, don't talk yourself out of it just because it's brighter than your usual clothes.
— Julie
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. Julie is a customer and gave her permission to share her letter. Photos are illustrative.