The sun kissed summer has finally arrived – and that always translates to fun summer sundresses! With all the traveling I’ve been doing lately, I find I’ve been tucking my vintage-inspired pieces into my suitcase more and more – they tend to be less wrinkle prone, I worry less when they’re compressed in a tiny box for long-distance flights, and there is a bevy of adorable retro prints to choose from. I have to say, Unique Vintage has been killing’ it with their novelty prints lately and I’ve had any eye on more than a few pieces…
I miss the days when that final bell rang and summer inevitably meant freedom. It meant three long glorious months of swanning around, swimming in the local community pool, drinking Kool-Aid and sporting that oh-so-flattering red fruit punch mustache. It meant no homework, no worries, and no responsibilities. While I can’t say I fall into the camp of no responsibilities anymore (stupid adulting), I definitely feel the same hint of freedom from those bygone summer days. And if I can’t be 100% carefree, at least my wardrobe can be!
To help you navigate the summer wardrobe waters, I’ve teamed up with Unique Vintage to give you a two-part post, reviewing two of my current favorites. First up is the 1950s Style Swan Print Waldorf Swing Dress, rated below in terms of fit, fabric, and general fabulousness.
I love the cut of the Waldorf dress – the neckline is flattering, but not so low cut I can’t wear it to work. The crisp details of the white cuffs and collar really pop from the navy, finished off with an adorable bow at the side. The skirt is generously full and even has a built in tulle underskirt (plus an extra lining to prevent any of the sweaty-scratchy nonsense that becomes even more troublesome when summer heat is involved).
In terms of sizing, I found my normal medium to fit perfectly in the bust, but large in the waist. I’m a 34DD, with a 35-36″ bust and 27-28″ waist. The size chart puts the medium in the size 6/8 range (35-36″ bust and 28-29.5″ waist). I found this to run on the larger side of the size chart (with some stretch – the fabric is 97% Cotton 3% Spandex), with mine at 36.5″ bust and 29-30″ waist. If you aren’t as quite as busty as I am, you may be able to size down. With my proportions, it’s really common for me to have to take in the waist of dresses in order to ensure my bust doesn’t runneth over. I cinched the waist with a belt for the the photos, but to truly get the fit I want I’m going to nip the waist in about an inch and a half.
I did find this one to be the perfect length in the torso for me – which is a day to pound my fist in the air triumphantly! But, if you’re shorter in the torso, it’s good to know that this one ran 16.5″ shoulder to waist, and may be a bit long on some. She fell 25″ from waist to hem and held my Malco Modes Meghan petticoat perfectly with room to spare, should you want to layer those bad boys up (and in case you were wondering, I almost always want).
With all of the amazing options out there, I find it helps to have a few go-to shops I can always turn to for high-quality and cute 1950’s silhouettes. UV is always one of my favorites for a few summer staples – the hardest part these days has been not hitting the “purchase” button.
The Waldorf dress in swan print normally retails for $119, but it currently on sale for $89 (!). It is offered in sizes XS-XL and 2X-4X. And if swans aren’t your jam, the Waldorf style also comes in a light blue and white floral, navy and purple floral, and a simple black and white version. Unique Vintage ships worldwide, with $7 flat rate free shipping for orders over $150 within the US. You can also sign up for their newsletter and get 10% off your order. Again, back to the “I want to purchase everything” problem, that can come in handy…
I’m off tomorrow to Boston to give a public lecture at the New England Aquarium. I’ll definitely be tucking this cutie into my suitcase. Once I’m back, I’ll be taking the Sailboat Print Darienne Swing Dress for a spin – stay tuned!
Now, excuse me while I go and get my summer on…
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: c/o Unique Vintage
Belt: gift, Love Like Style
Necklace: Macy’s (similar)
Handbag: gift, Betsey Johnson
Shoes: Banned Footwear
Lip Color: Red Hot Red
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