Summer Style Guide
A guide to creating your own individual look for festivals, holidays and special summer occasions, by integrating vintage with your modern wardrobe. Be assured that by choosing vintage it is guaranteed that you will be the only one wearing your outfit, no embarrassing same-dress situations! You are also making an affordable and sustainable fashion choice.
Hopefully this guide inspires you to get creative and start styling your own looks. Share your photos on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #StyleMySummer
Festival Funk
Denim shorts are a festival must-have. If you are not brave enough to wear bare legs then wear thick tights or leggings underneath, or swap the shorts for a denim skirt or jeans. These are Marks & Spencer shorts with a 1960s thin knit paisley sweater, brown Marks & Spencer ankle boots, aviator sunglasses and a flower crown.
Boho Babe
This 1960s maxi skirt is another festival essential. A versatile piece that can be worn over the festival weekend with different tops, shoes and accessories to create different looks. The first look shows the skirt with a Next gold vest top, a 1970s beaded belt, a 1970s bead necklace, brown ankle boots and a brown vintage hat.
For an alternative look team the skirt with a navy blue vest top, vintage necklace and tassel bag. The gold sandals are from Marks & Spencer.
Flower Power
This adorable 1960s ‘Dollyrockers’ floral dress is an ideal festival day dress for watching your favourite bands in the sunshine. The 1960s umbrella brooch is a fun addition, making fun of the great British summer weather! With unpredictable weather being an issue, throw in some gold wellies as it can be wet or boggy underfoot, but wear with flip flops if it is dry. Always take a fan with you to keep you cool.
Jet Setter
Start your holiday as you mean to go on by dressing to impress when you travel. Leave your tracksuit bottoms in the drawer and think about comfort with style. This sweet 1960s mini dress with its peter pan collar is very 1960s air hostess. Add a 1960s ‘Weymouth American’ shoulder bag, a perfect size for your phone, travel documents and other essentials. The brooch is a 1980s ‘Ciner’ brooch which adds some vintage glamour to this look. Wear this dress with wedges or ballet pumps.
If you are looking for a smarter travel option, how about this stunning 1970s ‘Diolen Loft’ green dress. Seen here with a 1980s black patent envelope handbag. Black patent heels would complete this look perfectly.
Stylish Sightseer
Days spent visiting museums, a boat trip or hopping on a bus tour doesn’t have to mean sensible shoes and rucksacks. This 1980s nautical blouse fits the bill perfectly. Styled it with New Look jeans, beige wedges from Next, a red & white vintage style basket bag with a red vintage scarf tied to it and 1980s red strand necklace. Comfort and style with a vintage twist.
Seaside Stripes
Beach wear isn’t all about bikinis. You need to think about what to wear over a bikini when you arrive at the beach or want to leave the beach for lunch, or a sunset cocktail. Check out this 1960s bold stripy deck chair shift dress which will tick all the boxes when it comes to an ideal beach dress. Styled with a lovely 1980s shoulder bag, but a vintage basket bag like the one pictured would look equally as good.
Formal Formations
The following four looks are suitable for more formal occasions such as weddings, garden parties, races, regattas or your work summer ball.
This beautiful 1980s Frank Usher polka dot gown will definitely turn heads. Styled with a 1960s white clutch bag and cream/white pashmina to keep your shoulders warm if there is a breeze. Add a 1950s vintage faux pearl necklace and gold sandals complete the look.
This powerful pink 1980s one shoulder ruffle Capucine silk dress is another show-stopper. For a wedding combine it with a clutch bag and incorporate some natural colour, with fresh white flowers pinned to the dress.
For a slightly less formal look try a bag like this 1970s grab bag and add a belt like this 1970s beaded belt.
This 1930s evening dress is a perfect summer ball or evening wedding reception choice. Styled with nude Mary Jane style shoes from Clarks, a 1960s ‘Cicada’ fly necklace and a gold pashmina.
Finally a super stylish 1960s ‘Frederick Starke’ green dress. A timeless and classic shape that suits and flatters most figures. Styled with 1960s daisy earrings, Clarks shoes and a yellow vintage inspired Play Purse clutch bag.
#StyleMySummer