At 64, I Still Want a Pretty Dress for an Ordinary Day — Pockets and All

At first, it was the little flowers that caught my eye. Not enormous blooms or a print that shouts across the room. Just wildflowers dotted over soft grey, with little pops of pink and red.

I rather like that kind of print. It gives you something pretty to look at without needing a special occasion or much jewellery.

Then I looked at the shape. Agnes is sleeveless, with a round neckline, a gathered waist and a skirt that falls to about mid-calf. The product description calls it a relaxed fit that skims rather than clings.

That sounds much closer to the sort of dress I would look at for everyday life than something stiff and fitted. I'd want a dress I could picture wearing with flat sandals rather than spending the morning wondering if I was dressed up enough.

Even draped over a chair, you can see the simple shape and the way the skirt falls. Of course, that's no substitute for checking measurements, but it's a useful starting point.

Nothing terribly complicated. And I think that's rather the point.

One of the small traps of getting older is keeping the nice things for later. The good shoes for a dinner out, the lovely scarf for visitors, the dress you like but never seem to have the occasion for.

Well, why shouldn't a walk by the water count? Or lunch with a friend? Or a morning when you simply feel like putting on something pretty?

Agnes has that sort of everyday look to me. The sleeveless cut, the flowing skirt and those small flowers feel relaxed rather than formal.

I could picture it with sandals and a straw hat on a warm afternoon. Add a light cardigan when the breeze picks up and you've still got an outfit without having to think very hard about it.

The product listing describes the weave as light and airy for warmer weather. I'd still check the fabric information and the fit before buying, because you can't judge everything from a photograph.

But the idea appeals to me: a dress you choose because you like it, not because somebody sent you an invitation.

One. The pockets. Yes, really. The listing says Agnes has side pockets tucked into the seams. Somewhere for a tissue, a key or the little thing you don't want to carry in your hand. It's a small detail that can make an everyday dress much more appealing.

Two. The shape. It has a gently gathered waist and a relaxed skirt rather than a narrow, fitted silhouette. I'd check the measurements against a dress I already like, especially around the bust and waist, instead of guessing at my usual size.

Three. The length. Mid-calf is a useful in-between for me: a little more covered than a short summer dress, without the formality of a full-length evening gown.

And then there's the print, which is what makes those practical details feel like an outfit instead of just another sensible piece of clothing.

We're all built differently, of course. I'm not going to tell you anything is 'flattering on everyone'. I'd rather look properly at the cut, choose the right size and decide whether I actually like what I see.

I'll be straightforward about the price, because it's the next thing I'd look at.

Agnes is currently listed at A$104.95. The product page shows the live price, and I'd always check that rather than get carried away by a crossed-out number.

For an everyday dress, my question wouldn't be 'Is it fancy enough?' It would be 'Can I see myself wearing this more than once?'

To lunch, to the shops, to see the family, or out for a slow walk while the weather is lovely. Something that can be part of an ordinary week rather than wait for a particular day in the diary.

Agnes is listed in Multicolour, in sizes S through 3XL. I'd use the size guide, check the current delivery and returns information, and make sure there was time if I needed it for a certain occasion.

And if the grey wildflowers aren't quite your style, the Midi Dresses collection has other prints and shapes to browse. I'd rather keep looking than talk myself into something that doesn't feel like me.

If you came round and said you'd started wearing the same few things every day because they're easy, I'd understand.

Sometimes the last thing you want is another outfit that needs planning. And sometimes all you want is to feel a little more like yourself when you catch sight of your reflection.

I'd say don't save every nice dress for a wedding. Look for one that suits an ordinary day too.

For me, the appeal of Agnes is that simple combination: little wildflowers, an easy midi shape, a sleeveless top for warmer weather and pockets where you might actually need them.

I haven't tried this particular dress on, so I wouldn't promise it will be your new favourite. I'd tell you to check the measurements, take a proper look at the photos and think about where you'd wear it.

But don't let anybody convince you that wanting something pretty at sixty-four is somehow a luxury. You can be practical and still enjoy getting dressed.

That is not too much to ask of an ordinary Tuesday.