With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning outfits for the warmer weather. I’ve been packing away my darker winter outfits and thinking about what to wear for summer picnics, trips to the seaside and holidays. If you’re looking for lovely reproduction and vintage style outfits, Collectif is a great place to start.
I’ve been wearing Collectif clothing for a few years now. I am always drawn to their pretty feminine designs and their gorgeous colours and prints. As the weather gets warmer I am always on the lookout for bright colours and the latest collection from Collectif doesn’t disappoint. From classic florals to tiki and mermaid prints there is something for every taste.
I absolutely love gingham, so I was instantly drawn to the beautiful Pamela Doll Dress in a pretty aqua colour. The Lucy Strawberry Cardigan complements the dress perfectly. Although not authentically vintage, this lovely outfit is a fun modern take on a ‘50s look.
The dress has a very full skirt, which I have worn with a net petticoat. For a more everyday look it could be worn without one. The gathered detail around the bust is very flattering and I really like the shape of the dress.
I chose both the dress and cardigan in a size 14 having used the size charts on the website to make sure I was choosing the right option. I found that they both came up true to size. Fit wise the dress is quite low cut and has lots of room to accommodate a larger bust. So this would make a great option for curvier ladies. It is available up to a size 22.
The dress is made from 97% cotton and 3% spandex, giving it just enough stretch for a flattering fit, while still having the slightly heavier drape of cotton.
At £42.50 the dress is very reasonably priced and I was very impressed with the overall quality of the garment. The cardigan is £39 and would make a great summer staple wardrobe item.
I wore the dress with an original vintage Enid Collins handbag and a pair of shoes from Hotter. I really like the dress with heels, although it could also be worn with a pair of wedges or ballet flats for a more casual look.
This would be a fantastic outfit for summer events or dressed down as an everyday summer dress. Collectif also have a wide range of shoes and accessories on their website, which could be used to create a whole vintage inspired outfit.
Photography by Phil Storey
