Okay, so if you’re familiar with Hamilton, the musical, then you’ll get the title reference of this post. You’ll probably also understand that when I first saw the Hamilton dress from Unique Vintage, yes, I did immediately love it for the dress itself, but I also at least partially snapped it up because of its name. I just had to. I’ve had the cast recording soundtrack playing on repeat for a couple months now and my heart is sad that I can’t see the show since I live in the UK (not that anyone can see the show really, sold out as it is) but now at the very least I can don this dress, head out into the sunshine and enjoy its musical namesake with a pair of headphones.

 Dress: Hamilton dress by Unique Vintage
Shoes: Old season Primark
Bag: Dancing Days by Banned Erin Wicker Bag from Audrey Star’s Boutique
Belt: Red Sateen Slide Belt by Pinup Girl Clothing
Sunglasses: Current season Primark in store
Bangle: Natural Woven Bamboo 3pc set by Splendette
Petticoat: Jennifer by Malco Modes

The Hamilton dress is one of those sundresses that’s really eye catching and–not to be redundant–unique, and I think it could easily pass as an authentic vintage piece. The green and white striped fabric is complimented by an asymmetrical decorative button detail slanting across the bodice and a large contrasting green pocket in the skirt. Said skirt is gathered and extremely full, taking a full volume petticoat with joyful puffy ease, and the shoulder straps are tie straps, one of my very favourite sundress design features. The neckline is straight and quite high and the dress closes with a side zipper topped by a hook and eye closure. It comes with a thick green rope belt (which I’ve replaced with a contrasting red belt in my pictures) but it’s a sturdy, thick rope that I can see lasting well through wear.

Since it’s made from unlined cotton there isn’t any stretch in this dress, but the sizing is generous. This XL is for 33 inch waists according to the size charts but I flat measured mine at 35 inches and found it has another half inch of give. The bust flat measures at 42 inches, so as long as your bust will allow you to do so you might be able to size down for a more snug fit through the waist. The bodice is quite long, I found, running 12.75 inches from the lowest point of the bust to the waist, and 14.75 inches from the start of the straps to the waistline. I’m not particularly short waisted and yet I found tying the straps short to create the high neckline is more of a necessity rather than a style choice so that I could get the waist to hit me at the right point.

I love how different this dress is to the typical repro and vintage inspired pieces you see more typically offered. And if Unique Vintage wanted to expand and offer this in a yellow, a red, or a pastel blue or a navy, I would be okay with that. You know. If they really wanted to. I’m all about being supportive. Just call me Eliza. Or Angelica. Or Laurens. Or G Wash. (Yes, that’s another Hamilton musical reference to see out this post, no, I’m not sorry.)

The Hamilton dress costs $88 and comes available in sizes XS-4X. Some sizes may be currently sold out but they’re due for a restock in less than 30 days, so you can get your hands on all sizes soon enough. Unique Vintage ship domestically for $7 flat rate shipping or free for orders over $150, and now offer cheaper international shipping options for international customers.