A Letter From Julie Scott: Special Occasion Dresses
A Letter From Julie Scott · Founder of Scott and Daughters
Melbourne · November 2026
Four Special Occasion Dresses That Skim Your Middle
A ruched bodice that skims the figure feeling comfortable, so in every photo you are smiling instead of pulling at your dress.
Julie Scott in the Cynthia, in Navy.
I am Julie Scott, and I started Scott and Daughters in Melbourne after all these years of dressing women. This letter is about four dresses for weddings and special occasions. They are the four our customers choose first, and I want to tell you what each one does.
When an invitation arrives, I hear the same worry from women our age: the middle. A waist that shows every lunch, a dress that clings in every photo, and by the evening you are tugging at something instead of enjoying the day.
I never accepted that a woman should have to choose between looking lovely and feeling at ease. So here are the four, and what each one is for.
Ruching That Skims the Middle
The Cynthia. The bodice is ruched and gathered to one side, so it skims the figure instead of showing everything underneath. A soft cowl neckline and small cap sleeves keep the top half graceful, and the skirt falls straight to a long maxi hem. It is the one I suggest for the mother of the bride.
Sarah: The ruched bodice of the Cynthia, in Burgundy.
Six colours · Sizes S to 4XL · Now $89.95 AUD, was $294.95 AUD
See the Cynthia →“I wore this gorgeous burgundy dress to my niece’s wedding, and honestly, I felt amazing! I wanted something elegant, flattering and comfortable without looking too dressed up. The fit was beautiful, and I felt confident and feminine all day. Even had a little dance in it! Absolutely loved wearing it!”
Sleeves That Cover the Arms, Not Hide Them
The Emma. Flowing sheer sleeves cover the tops of the arms and still move when you do, so the wrap can stay at home. The draped V neckline and the defined waist give it shape, and the maxi skirt swings with every step.
Lauren: The Emma, worn to an evening garden party, in Green.
Green, red or brown · Sizes S to 3XL · Now $84.95 AUD, was $279.95 AUD
See the Emma →"I wore this beautiful emerald green dress to a friend's evening garden party, and I absolutely loved it! The colour was stunning, and the fit was so flattering. Perfect for sipping champagne, catching up with friends and enjoying a lovely evening outdoors. I received so many compliments!”
A Hem That Lets You Walk
The Denise. The high low hem sits higher at the front, so you can take the steps without gathering your skirt in one hand, and your shoes still show. Flutter sleeves, a surplice V neckline and a gently ruched waistband do the rest.
Claire: The Denise on the church steps, in Blue.
Blue, champagne, burgundy or rose · Sizes S to 3XL · Now $84.95 AUD, was $279.95 AUD
See the Denise →“I bought this dusty blue dress for my husband's 60th birthday lunch at a beautiful waterfront restaurant. I was a little unsure about ordering a dress online, but what a lovely surprise! The soft, floaty fabric and gorgeous sleeves made it feel really special. My husband couldn't stop smiling when he saw me, and we ended up taking far too many photos. Definitely one I'll be wearing again!”
Comfortable From the Ceremony to the Last Dance
The Abella. Light and comfortable to wear all day long. The bodice is finely detailed with sleeves to the elbow, and below it the skirt is soft and flowing and drapes naturally. Choose your usual size.
Michelle: The Abella, worn to an evening reception, in Mauve.
Blue, green, ivory or mauve · Sizes S to 3XL · Now $89.95 AUD, was $294.95 AUD
See the Abella →“I chose this lovely mauve dress for our company's annual awards dinner. I don't usually wear dresses, so I was a bit nervous about dressing up! But the lace detailing was just beautiful, and the sleeves gave me exactly the coverage I wanted. I felt polished without being overdressed. Best part? My colleagues kept asking where I'd found it!”
What women told me they wanted, and where to find it
Shape without showing everything
Covered, but not hot and heavy
A long dress you can walk in
Still comfortable in the evening
Something that goes past XL
Cynthia: a ruched, side gathered bodice
Emma: flowing sheer sleeves. Abella: sleeves to the elbow
Denise: a high low hem, higher at the front
Abella: light and comfortable all day long
Cynthia up to 4XL, the other three up to 3XL
You should spend the day with the people you love, not tugging at your dress.
Why it is in the sale now
After 26 years, I am handing Scott and Daughters over to my daughters, Emily and Charlotte. To mark the new chapter, the whole collection is in the New Chapter Sale, and all four of these dresses are part of it, at around 70% below the earlier price. Combine any items and get up to 25% extra on the whole store.
I'll be plain about it: these prices end with the sale.
The Cynthia and the Denise, in the boutique.
I would rather these dresses go to women who will wear them to every celebration this season. If one of the four is speaking to you, have a look while your size is still in stock.
— Julie
All 40 styles
The four I wrote about come first, then the rest of the special occasion collection.
Emma
Denise
Abella
Cynthia
Celine
MikaylaFree Shipping with Australia Post · 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee