Hell Bunny always offer up such a varied, fun selection of prints for their summer lines, and this year is no exception. I’ve already featured a dose of their lemons and a view of their lighthouses, and today it’s time to journey with them to Monte Carlo, playground of the rich and famous.

While I’d love to be able to feature this dress set against a backdrop of the glamorous principality by which it was inspired, this country girl has instead been enjoying it on fresh spring walks, the occasional seaside trip and lots of garden hangs. Thankfully, it’s a dress so fun and flattering it looks good no matter where you wear it.

Dress: Monte Carlo 50s Dress C/O Hell Bunny
Cardigan: Old Primark
Shoes: Yellow Tie Up Sandals by New Look
Petticoat: Jennifer by Malco Modes

The moment I set eyes on this print at London Edge in February I was smitten. Prints often do take my fancy with a passionate strength, but this print in particular surprised me in that way as I don’t often take to prints based on a black background, particularly colourful prints. This print, though, was instantaneous love and when I pulled it out of the bag upon delivery seeing it in person again just reaffirmed that feeling. I’m a big lover of the colours red, green and yellow, all of which feature heavily in this colourscheme, so perhaps that’s what calls to me in this design. The print itself, featuring sweet little depictions of Monte Carlo’s glamorous casinos and hotels, sign posts for Monte Carlo and Nice, and tropical village scenes, is fun and vibrant. It feels summery and bright in a different way to the standard florals, palm leafs and fruit typical of summer dresses, and perhaps that’s another thing that endears it to me.

The dress itself is a wonder. Though incredibly simple in shape, I think it’s endlessly flattering with it’s round scooped neckline and thick shoulder straps. Said straps fasten with two glazed wooden buttons, allowing you to tighten or loosen the straps to create your best fit. Design details like adjustable straps are a God send I hope for in all dresses, so it’s especially delightful to discover them on dresses that have thick shoulder straps, as I tend to expect it only from strappy dresses that can utilise sliders. The skirt is full circle, able to house a poofy puffy petticoat if you so wish, yet falling beautifully without one. Plus, there’s pockets, cue the hallelujah chorus.

I requested this dress in my usual Hell Bunny size 16/XL and it fits true to their usual sizing, I’d say. It’s made from a minimal stretch fabric and closes with a back zipper. The waist flat measures at 35 inches with stretch to almost 37 inches, while the bust flat measures 44 inches with stretch to 46 inches. The skirt is 26 inches long and by moving the shoulder straps to the second button you can lengthen the straps by 2 inches.

The Monte Carlo 50s dress comes in sizes XS-4X at £40.99 but discount code AMYMAY20!% will get you 20% off any orders from Hellbunny.com. This print is also featured on the Monte Carlo circle skirt (£38.99) or the Monte Carlo mini dress (£35.99), both available in the same XS-4X size range. Hell Bunny ship internationally.