PAULA | linen dress |scalloped front

Handmade linen dress with a softly rounded collar and hand cut scalloped front, designed and made in Lancashire.

Made for days when comfort and a special touch matter.

Paula is a softly structured linen dress with a gently rounded collar and pleated skirt. Designed to move with ease, it feels relaxed without losing shape.

Named after me, Paula reflects many of the values that guide Withnell: soft detail,  warmth and quiet strength.

Each garment is individually cut and sewn to order in my garden studio in Lancashire.

Details

• Handmade in Lancashire, England
• 100% linen
• Softly rounded collar
• Gently gathered skirt detail
• Side ties designed to adjust the fullness at the waist
• deep side seam pockets
• Made to order
• Available in custom lengths
• Finished with a personalised name ribbon
• Includes complimentary repair kit

Fit

Paula has a relaxed fit through the body with gentle gathers at the shoulder. Designed to skim rather than cling.

Lynne wears a size 3 (14-16) For best results see our garment size chart.

Behind the Design

The shape of Paula was inspired by the rounded forms found throughout the Pennine landscape.  Rather than sharp lines, the silhouette follows softer curves and folds, creating a sense of ease and movement.

Like all Withnell garments, Paula began as an original pattern drafted by hand in my studio before being refined through multiple samples and fittings.

Made One-by-One

Every Paula dress is:

• Pattern drafted in-house
• Individually cut by hand
• Sewn by a single maker
• Finished using traditional sewing techniques

I make around 100 garments each year, allowing me to focus on quality rather than quantity.

Fabric & Feel

This dress is made using carefully selected European tumbled linen chosen for its durability, drape and ability to soften beautifully with wear.

Linen is:

• Breathable
• Temperature regulating
• Naturally biodegradable
• Suitable for year-round layering

The fabric will become softer and more personal with every wash.

A Few Thoughtful Details

Every Withnell garment includes:

✓ A personalised ribbon with your name

✓ A repair kit containing matching thread and needle

✓ A recipe card showing the materials used and where they were sourced

These small details are intended to encourage a longer relationship with your clothing.

Styling Notes

Wear Paula  alone through summer or layered with a long sleeve base layer underneath in the winter.

The silhouette works equally well for formal or casual occasions.

Caring For Your Garment

• Machine wash at 30°C
• Line dry where possible
• Warm iron if desired

Linen naturally develops character with wear and gentle creasing is part of its charm.

Made Slowly

Paula is made to order in Lancashire.

No excess stock is produced and every garment is cut individually once an order is placed.

Natural fibres, careful sourcing and small-scale production sit at the heart of Withnell.

Delivery

Please allow approximately  2- 3 weeks  for your garment to be made.

 Orders are shipped using tracked delivery.

Read more about our process