The burgundy dress that makes every evening feel like an occasion.
On the sleeveless V-neck dress with a softly ruched waist and a finely pleated skirt that flows as you walk — elegant for a garden party, a wedding or a holiday dinner, and easy to wear all evening.
I am 59 years old, and somewhere along the way getting dressed stopped being a pleasure. The comfortable things in my closet were shapeless and dull; the pretty things pinched or clung. So most mornings I settled for “fine.”
I didn't realize how much that wore on me until a friend from my book club turned up to lunch looking relaxed and elegant at the same time. When I asked where her dress was from, she smiled and told me to read the Wrenley family's letter before I bought anything.
The Wrenley Family runs a small boutique, family-owned since 1996. Their letter walks through the handful of things they refused to compromise on. I am going to let their words carry it, because they say it better than I could.
1A waist that flatters, beautifully
Look at how the Lemar is made: the bodice is softly ruched into a V-neck, then gathered into a wide band at the waist. It defines your shape exactly where you want it and smooths over the middle — no belt, no fuss, just a lovely line.
2A pleated skirt that flows as you walk
Below the waist, the skirt falls in fine pleats that open and sway with every step. On an evening stroll through the garden it moves like water — the kind of dress that makes you walk a little slower, just to enjoy it.
3Elegant, and still easy to relax in
It looks like an occasion dress, but it doesn't feel like one. Curl up on the outdoor sofa, sit through a long dinner, lean back with a glass of wine — the soft pleats move with you and the gathered waist stays comfortable all evening.
4Made for the holidays at home
Candles lit, fire going, family on the way — this is the dress for those evenings. The deep burgundy feels warm and festive, and with a gold clutch and a simple pendant it looks effortlessly put-together for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner or a holiday party.
5A color that suits every season's special moments
Rich burgundy is one of those colors that flatters almost everyone. It glows in golden evening light, looks elegant at a fall wedding, and feels just right for the holidays. Add gold jewelry and you're ready.
6It fits the body you have
The Lemar comes in sizes XS all the way to 3XL. The gathered waist and flowing pleated skirt are made to flatter — it's made to fit the woman, not to make the woman fit the dress.
The Lemar, against the dresses you've been buying
| Typical occasion dress | The Lemar | |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | A belt that shifts, or no shape at all | A wide, gathered waistband built in |
| Skirt | Stiff, or clings as you move | Fine pleats that flow and sway |
| Neckline | Too low, or too plain | An elegant V with a ruched bodice |
| Comfort | Fine for photos, tight at dinner | Comfortable sitting or standing all evening |
| Color | Black, again | A rich, festive burgundy |
- A belt that shifts, or no shape at all
- Stiff, or clings as you move
- Too low, or too plain
- Fine for photos, tight at dinner
- Black, again
- A wide, gathered waistband built in
- Fine pleats that flow and sway
- An elegant V with a ruched bodice
- Comfortable sitting or standing all evening
- A rich, festive burgundy
Why it's half price right now
This year the Wrenley Family celebrates its 30th anniversary — family-owned since 1996. To thank the women who have shopped with them over the years, they are holding an anniversary sale: the Lemar is normally priced at $119.90, and for the anniversary it is $59.95 — half the regular price.
And if you'd like more than one, the store's bundle offer applies too: buy 2 for an extra 10% off, 3 for 15% or 4 for 20%.
Every order is handled with care, shipped with tracking, and comes with a 30-day return window — so you can try it on at home and decide for yourself.
The Lemar Dress
- An elegant V-neckline with a softly ruched bodice
- A wide, gathered waistband that defines your shape
- A finely pleated, flowing skirt
- A rich burgundy color for evenings and the holidays
- Sizes XS–3XL · 30-day returns
The Lemar · $59.95 (was $119.90)
Bundle offer: buy 2 for an extra 10% off, buy 3 for 15%, buy 4 for 20%.
I do not usually write things like this. But I spent too many years settling for clothes that were merely fine — and this one dress quietly gave me back the pleasure of getting dressed. If that sounds like you, I hope you find your size before it's gone.
— Julie Henderson
Shop the Lemar — $59.95 →This is a personal account from a Wrenley Family customer. Julie was not paid to write it. · The Wrenley Family · Sizes XS–3XL · Tracked delivery · 30-day returns.