Why This Shimmer Wrap Maxi Dress from Apricot Became My Go-To for Holiday Glamour (and Why It Pairs Perfectly with My Clarks)


It started with an invitation: “Black Tie Optional.” Two words that send a shiver down the spine of anyone who’s ever stood in front of a closet at 2 a.m., wondering if anything feels quite right. I didn’t want another rental. I didn’t want to overspend on something I’d wear once. What I wanted was a dress that felt special—but not costume-y, elegant—but not stiff, and versatile enough to justify its place in my capsule wardrobe long after New Year’s Eve.


That’s how I found myself scrolling through Apricot’s “Partywear” edit late one November evening, bleary-eyed but determined. And there it was: the Shimmer Wrap Maxi Dress in Black. At €60, it seemed almost too good to be true—a floor-length, metallic-thread-woven maxi with a wrap silhouette, split hem, and sleeveless cut. But Apricot has quietly built a reputation for delivering precisely this kind of accessible elegance: feminine, trend-aware, yet grounded in wearability. As someone who values both style and substance, I clicked “Add to Bag” with cautious optimism.

Two days later, the parcel arrived—neatly packaged, no excess plastic, just a simple garment bag protecting the dress. Unzipping it, I was immediately struck by the fabric’s quiet luxury. Described on the product page as “woven with metallic threads” and fully lined in 95% polyester/5% elastane, it wasn’t the cheap, disco-ball shimmer I’d feared. Instead, it caught light like liquid obsidian—subtle, sophisticated, and undeniably festive. The black base ensured it remained timeless; the lurex weave gave it movement and dimension.

I slipped it on over bare skin (the lining is smooth, not clingy) and instantly understood the genius of the wrap bodice. Unlike fixed-fit maxis that can gap or pinch, this design hugs the waist naturally, creating an hourglass shape without boning or structure. The cache-coeur neckline—a soft V formed by overlapping panels—flattered my collarbones without revealing too much. And the side slit, starting mid-calf, added just enough drama for walking, dancing, or posing for photos without veering into red-carpet excess.

But here’s where the story takes a personal turn. I didn’t pair this dress with stilettos. Not because I couldn’t—but because I wouldn’t. For years, I’ve championed comfort as non-negotiable, even in formal settings. And that’s where my trusty Clarks came in.

Yes, Clarks—the British footwear icon known for orthopaedic innovation and understated leather craftsmanship. My go-to? A pair of their black Tilden Cap loafers: polished, low-heeled, with Cloudstepped cushioning that makes them feel like slippers. I’d worn them to weddings, gallery openings, even job interviews. So why not a holiday party?


The combination was revelatory. The Apricot shimmer dress, with its fluid drape and modern silhouette, didn’t demand towering heels to feel complete. Instead, it harmonized with the grounded elegance of Clarks—proving that glamour doesn’t require pain. Walking across a marble-floored venue, I felt poised, not precarious. Dancing past midnight? No blisters, no limping. Just confidence.

This synergy isn’t accidental. Both brands share a quiet philosophy: style should serve life, not hinder it. Apricot designs for real women—those who work, travel, socialize, and still want to look put-together without sacrificing comfort. Clarks, since 1825, has built its legacy on marrying form and function, proving that supportive, well-made shoes can be beautiful. Together, they represent a new kind of dressing-up: intentional, sustainable, and deeply human.

Over the next few weeks, I wore the dress beyond that initial event. To a friend’s birthday dinner (with a cropped leather jacket thrown over), to a Christmas market (paired with opaque tights and—yes—my Clarks ankle boots), and even styled casually with flat sandals for a summer garden party (the fabric works year-round with layering). Each time, it held up beautifully. Following Apricot’s care instructions—30°C cold wash on gentle cycle, no tumble dry—it emerged wrinkle-free and luminous, the lining intact, seams secure.

At €60, including VAT, it’s an astonishing value. Many fast-fashion rivals offer similar-looking maxis for comparable prices, but skip the lining or use flimsy fabrics that pill after one wear. Apricot didn’t cut corners. The regular fit, sleeveless styling, and swing dress shape ensure it moves with you, not against you. And the availability in sizes XS to XXL reflects a genuine commitment to inclusivity—not just tokenism.

More than that, shopping with Apricot felt effortless. Their Irish site loads quickly, checkout is seamless, and delivery was prompt. Even their return policy—clear, generous, no-hassle—reinforced trust. In an age of algorithm-driven retail, it’s refreshing to encounter a brand that still treats online shopping like a conversation, not a transaction.


So, would I buy it again? Absolutely. In fact, I’m eyeing the apricot colourway for spring.

Because this dress isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good. And when paired with the enduring comfort of Clarks, it becomes more than an outfit. It’s a statement: that elegance and ease aren’t mutually exclusive. That you can shine brightly without standing on tiptoe. That true style lives in the details—and in the choices we make long after the party ends.

Ready to find your own balance of shimmer and substance?

👉 Add the Shimmer Wrap Maxi Dress in Black to Your Bag

€60 includes VAT. Fully lined. Available in sizes XS–XXL. Pair it with your favourite Clarks for a look that’s glamorous, grounded, and utterly you.

Why This Shimmer Wrap Maxi Dress from Apricot Became My Go-To for Holiday Glamour (and Why It Pairs Perfectly with My Clarks)


It started with an invitation: “Black Tie Optional.” Two words that send a shiver down the spine of anyone who’s ever stood in front of a closet at 2 a.m., wondering if anything feels quite right. I didn’t want another rental. I didn’t want to overspend on something I’d wear once. What I wanted was a dress that felt special—but not costume-y, elegant—but not stiff, and versatile enough to justify its place in my capsule wardrobe long after New Year’s Eve.


That’s how I found myself scrolling through Apricot’s “Partywear” edit late one November evening, bleary-eyed but determined. And there it was: the Shimmer Wrap Maxi Dress in Black. At €60, it seemed almost too good to be true—a floor-length, metallic-thread-woven maxi with a wrap silhouette, split hem, and sleeveless cut. But Apricot has quietly built a reputation for delivering precisely this kind of accessible elegance: feminine, trend-aware, yet grounded in wearability. As someone who values both style and substance, I clicked “Add to Bag” with cautious optimism.

Two days later, the parcel arrived—neatly packaged, no excess plastic, just a simple garment bag protecting the dress. Unzipping it, I was immediately struck by the fabric’s quiet luxury. Described on the product page as “woven with metallic threads” and fully lined in 95% polyester/5% elastane, it wasn’t the cheap, disco-ball shimmer I’d feared. Instead, it caught light like liquid obsidian—subtle, sophisticated, and undeniably festive. The black base ensured it remained timeless; the lurex weave gave it movement and dimension.

I slipped it on over bare skin (the lining is smooth, not clingy) and instantly understood the genius of the wrap bodice. Unlike fixed-fit maxis that can gap or pinch, this design hugs the waist naturally, creating an hourglass shape without boning or structure. The cache-coeur neckline—a soft V formed by overlapping panels—flattered my collarbones without revealing too much. And the side slit, starting mid-calf, added just enough drama for walking, dancing, or posing for photos without veering into red-carpet excess.

But here’s where the story takes a personal turn. I didn’t pair this dress with stilettos. Not because I couldn’t—but because I wouldn’t. For years, I’ve championed comfort as non-negotiable, even in formal settings. And that’s where my trusty Clarks came in.

Yes, Clarks—the British footwear icon known for orthopaedic innovation and understated leather craftsmanship. My go-to? A pair of their black Tilden Cap loafers: polished, low-heeled, with Cloudstepped cushioning that makes them feel like slippers. I’d worn them to weddings, gallery openings, even job interviews. So why not a holiday party?


The combination was revelatory. The Apricot shimmer dress, with its fluid drape and modern silhouette, didn’t demand towering heels to feel complete. Instead, it harmonized with the grounded elegance of Clarks—proving that glamour doesn’t require pain. Walking across a marble-floored venue, I felt poised, not precarious. Dancing past midnight? No blisters, no limping. Just confidence.

This synergy isn’t accidental. Both brands share a quiet philosophy: style should serve life, not hinder it. Apricot designs for real women—those who work, travel, socialize, and still want to look put-together without sacrificing comfort. Clarks, since 1825, has built its legacy on marrying form and function, proving that supportive, well-made shoes can be beautiful. Together, they represent a new kind of dressing-up: intentional, sustainable, and deeply human.

Over the next few weeks, I wore the dress beyond that initial event. To a friend’s birthday dinner (with a cropped leather jacket thrown over), to a Christmas market (paired with opaque tights and—yes—my Clarks ankle boots), and even styled casually with flat sandals for a summer garden party (the fabric works year-round with layering). Each time, it held up beautifully. Following Apricot’s care instructions—30°C cold wash on gentle cycle, no tumble dry—it emerged wrinkle-free and luminous, the lining intact, seams secure.

At €60, including VAT, it’s an astonishing value. Many fast-fashion rivals offer similar-looking maxis for comparable prices, but skip the lining or use flimsy fabrics that pill after one wear. Apricot didn’t cut corners. The regular fit, sleeveless styling, and swing dress shape ensure it moves with you, not against you. And the availability in sizes XS to XXL reflects a genuine commitment to inclusivity—not just tokenism.

More than that, shopping with Apricot felt effortless. Their Irish site loads quickly, checkout is seamless, and delivery was prompt. Even their return policy—clear, generous, no-hassle—reinforced trust. In an age of algorithm-driven retail, it’s refreshing to encounter a brand that still treats online shopping like a conversation, not a transaction.


So, would I buy it again? Absolutely. In fact, I’m eyeing the apricot colourway for spring.

Because this dress isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good. And when paired with the enduring comfort of Clarks, it becomes more than an outfit. It’s a statement: that elegance and ease aren’t mutually exclusive. That you can shine brightly without standing on tiptoe. That true style lives in the details—and in the choices we make long after the party ends.

Ready to find your own balance of shimmer and substance?

👉 Add the Shimmer Wrap Maxi Dress in Black to Your Bag

€60 includes VAT. Fully lined. Available in sizes XS–XXL. Pair it with your favourite Clarks for a look that’s glamorous, grounded, and utterly you.