As the leaves turn and the Irish air takes on a crisp chill, I find myself craving dresses that don’t force me to choose between warmth and style. Too often, winter-ready dresses are either stiff, scratchy, or so shapeless they feel frumpy—while pretty styles leave me shivering by midday. That’s why I let out a little sigh of relief when I discovered Apricot’s Fluffy Bardot Midaxi Dress in Burgundy on their Irish website. Apricot has long been my go-to for affordable, wearable pieces that feel thoughtful rather than throwaway, and at €60, this dress felt like the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to my cold-weather wardrobe without sacrificing comfort. After wearing it nonstop for six weeks—from weekday coffee runs to weekend dinners, family gatherings to holiday parties—I can confidently say it’s the most versatile and beloved dress in my closet. It’s not just a dress; it’s a hardworking piece that proves cozy and glamorous can go hand in hand. Here’s my full breakdown of the shopping experience, product details, and why this burgundy fluffy dress is a must-have for anyone who wants to look put-together without freezing.
First, let’s talk about the brand: Apricot. For years, Apricot has stood out in the crowded fast-fashion market by prioritizing wearability and timelessness. They don’t chase every viral trend; instead, they craft pieces that blend current styles with classic appeal—items you’ll reach for season after season, not just once. Their website, apricotonline.com/ie, is a joy to navigate: clean, clutter-free, and packed with all the information you need to make an informed purchase. Unlike some retailers that hide sizing charts or fabric details behind endless pop-ups, Apricot’s product page for the Fluffy Bardot Midaxi Dress puts everything front and center. From the 100% nylon fabric composition to the care instructions, there’s no guesswork involved—something that gives me confidence when shopping for knitwear online. Apricot’s commitment to transparency and quality is why I keep coming back, whether I’m buying a basic jumper or a statement dress like this one.
The shopping experience was seamless from start to finish. I stumbled across this dress while browsing Apricot’s “Dresses” section, drawn in by the promise of a “super-soft, fluffy” knit and the elegant Bardot neckline. The product photos were incredibly helpful: there’s a full-length shot that showcases the midaxi length and figure-skimming fit, close-ups of the fluffy texture, and views of the Bardot neckline and walking slit. I appreciated that Apricot listed every key detail upfront: fabric composition (100% Nylon), length (approx 112.5cm), fit (Slim fit), and care instructions. As someone who’s a UK 10 with a curvy lower body and a slim upper half, I was a little unsure about sizing—would the slim fit cling in all the wrong places, or would the figure-skimming design be flattering? The size guide, which included bust, waist, and hip measurements for each size, helped me decide on a Medium, and it turned out to be the perfect choice.
Adding the dress to my cart was effortless, and checkout offered all the payment options I could want: credit card, PayPal, and Klarna for those who prefer to split the cost (a nice touch for budget-conscious shoppers). Shipping to my home in Galway was free—always a bonus—and the dress arrived in just three business days. It came in a simple, recyclable Apricot-branded plastic bag, which was practical and not overly wasteful, and inside, the dress was folded neatly with no creases or defects. When I pulled it out of the bag, I was immediately struck by how soft and fluffy the knit felt—like wrapping myself in a cloud.
When I tried on the dress for the first time, I was hooked. The 100% nylon fabric is a revelation: it’s incredibly soft, fluffy, and lightweight, with a texture that feels luxurious against the skin. I was worried nylon might feel synthetic or scratchy, but this knit is buttery smooth and has a subtle plushness that’s perfect for cooler days. It’s warm enough to wear on its own when the temperature hovers around 10°C, and it layers beautifully under coats or leather jackets for colder weather. The burgundy color is rich and vibrant—deep enough to feel sophisticated for evening events, but warm enough to complement autumn and winter palettes. It’s not a flat, dull red; there’s a subtle depth to the shade that looks expensive, even at this price point. Unlike bright reds that can feel overwhelming, burgundy is versatile enough to pair with neutrals (black, beige, cream) or earth tones (olive, tan) without clashing.
The design details are where this dress truly shines. Let’s start with the Bardot neckline—one of my favorite features. It’s elegant and feminine, framing the shoulders and collarbone beautifully without feeling too revealing. The neckline is secured with a hidden elastic band, which keeps it in place all day long—no slipping down or constant adjusting, even when I’m walking or sitting. I was worried the Bardot style might be uncomfortable or restrictive, but the elastic is soft and stretchy, so it doesn’t dig into my shoulders or leave marks. It’s the perfect balance of sexy and sophisticated, making the dress suitable for both casual and dressy occasions.
The slim, figure-skimming fit is flattering without being tight. It skims over my torso, hips, and thighs, highlighting my curves without clinging to them—ideal for anyone who wants a dress that feels feminine without being bodycon. The midaxi length (112.5cm) is absolutely perfect: on my 5’6” frame, it hits just below the knee and above the ankle, which is elegant and practical (no tripping over extra fabric!). For taller women, it will still feel like a true midaxi, and for shorter ladies, it might graze the ankle—but pairing it with heeled boots easily adds a little height. The walking slit on the lower part of the dress is a game-changer: it adds movement and prevents the dress from feeling restrictive, so I can walk, climb stairs, or dance without feeling constrained. It’s a subtle detail, but it makes the dress infinitely more wearable for real life.
The extra-long sleeves with straight cuffs are another standout feature. They’re long enough to cover my wrists, even when I’m moving my arms, and the straight cuffs fit comfortably without being too tight. The sleeves add warmth and a touch of coziness, and they’re slim enough to layer under leather jackets or blazers without feeling bulky. The fine interlock knit finish gives the dress a smooth, polished look, and it helps the fabric keep its shape wash after wash. Unlike some fluffy knits that can look shapeless or “poofy,” this dress has a structured yet soft silhouette that feels intentional and stylish.
One of the things I love most about this dress is its versatility. It’s not just for one occasion; it works for almost everything. For a casual weekend look, I pair it with chunky ankle boots and a denim jacket—cozy, chic, and perfect for running errands or meeting friends for coffee. For a dressy evening out, I elevate it with heeled mules, a leather jacket, and delicate gold jewelry—the burgundy color and Bardot neckline feel glamorous, while the fluffy knit keeps it approachable. I even wore it to a family holiday dinner with tights, knee-high boots, and a puffer vest—warm, festive, and appropriate for spending hours around the table. The plain color means it pairs with almost any outerwear or accessories, making it one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe.
Care instructions are simple and manageable: 30-degree cold machine wash, do not bleach, do not tumble dry, cool iron (one dot), and do not dry clean. I was a little worried about washing a fluffy knit dress—would it lose its softness or shape? But after washing it four times (on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag), it’s held up perfectly. The fabric is still just as fluffy and soft, the burgundy color hasn’t faded, and there’s no sign of pilling or stretching. I lay it flat to dry, which takes a few hours, but it’s a small effort for a dress that looks like new after each wash. Unlike some delicate knits that require expensive dry cleaning, this one is low-maintenance—another win for busy lifestyles.
Let’s talk about value for money. At €60, this dress is an absolute steal. I’ve paid twice as much for similar knit dresses from other brands that were scratchy, ill-fitting, or lost their shape after a few wears. Apricot’s version is well-made, comfortable, and versatile—all for a price that’s accessible to most shoppers. When you consider how many times I’ve worn it (at least 14 times in six weeks), the cost per wear is just over €4—unbeatable for a piece that works for so many occasions. It’s the kind of item that feels like a luxury but doesn’t come with a luxury price tag, which is exactly what I look for in affordable fashion.
Apricot’s commitment to accessibility is another reason I love this brand. The Fluffy Bardot Midaxi Dress is available in sizes XS to XL, covering a range of body types, and the price point makes it easy for anyone to add a stylish, warm dress to their wardrobe. Unlike some brands that charge more for plus sizes or trend-driven styles, Apricot keeps their prices consistent and reasonable without sacrificing quality. The fact that it’s available on their Irish website with free shipping is also a huge plus—no dealing with international fees or long delivery times.
Are there any downsides? The only minor complaint I have is that the dress doesn’t have pockets. I’m a sucker for dress pockets—they’re so handy for keys, lip balm, or my phone—but it’s not a dealbreaker. I just carry a small crossbody bag when I’m wearing it, and it doesn’t take away from how great the dress is. Another small thing: the Bardot neckline means you’ll need to wear a strapless bra (or go braless if you’re comfortable), which can be a little less convenient than a regular neckline. But honestly, these are tiny quibbles that don’t detract from the dress’s overall excellence. The neckline is part of what makes the dress so elegant, and a good strapless bra solves the problem easily.
Add to Bag:Fluffy Bardot Midaxi Dress
Overall, my experience with Apricot’s Fluffy Bardot Midaxi Dress in Burgundy has been nothing short of fantastic. From the seamless shopping experience on apricotonline.com/ie to the high-quality product itself, this dress has exceeded my expectations in every way. It’s cozy, stylish, versatile, and well-made—everything I want in a winter wardrobe staple. Whether you’re looking for something to wear to weekends, dinners, or special occasions, this dress delivers.
If you’re on the fence about buying it, here’s my advice: go for it. The burgundy color is timeless, the fluffy knit is soft and warm, and the fit is flattering for most body types. At €60, it’s a low-risk purchase that you’ll wear again and again. Apricot has done an incredible job of creating a piece that feels intentional and well-crafted, designed for real life rather than just the runway. I’ve already recommended it to my sister, my best friend, and even my colleague—and all of them have bought it, raving about how much they love it.
In a world of fast fashion that’s full of disposable pieces, Apricot’s Fluffy Bardot Midaxi Dress is a breath of fresh air. It’s a piece that feels like it was made to last, not just to be worn once. I can’t wait to wear it through winter and into spring (layered with light jackets), and I know it will still be a favorite next year. If you’re looking to add a cozy-glam staple to your wardrobe that transitions effortlessly from day to night, this dress is a must-have. Trust me—you won’t regret it.
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