YOU GUYS, I AM TOO EXCITED TO EVEN DO ANY PREAMBLE FOR THIS POST BECAUSE LOOK, LOOK AT THIS INSANE PLAID DRESS AND PERFECT GREEN CAPE I’M FEATURING TODAY! YEAH, EXACTLY, IT’S AMAZING, SO LET’S JUST GET RIGHT TO IT BECAUSE I CAN’T WAIT!

Dress: Grey Plaid 1950s Button Up Swing Dress C/O Unique Vintage affiliate link
Cape: Green Stevie Hooded Cape C/O Unique Vintage affiliate link
Belt: Off my Hell Bunny Blue Bell dress
Boots: Black Cecily boots by JustFab (Referral link for bargain price)
Gloves: Old Primark

Now I’ve taken a few deep breaths and composed myself (somewhat,) I can sensibly say this: I am in love with this outfit from Unique Vintage. Comprising this grey and brown plaid button up dress featuring a black neck tie bow detail and a lush emerald green hooded cape, this outfit could have walked right out of my autumn style dreams. Because hello–plaid? Check! Full swing skirt? Check! Pockets? Check! Adorable neck bow? Check! Green? Check! Cape? CHECK! It’s got practically everything I love.

The Stevie cape is a simple piece, no slit sleeves, no pockets, just a cape you can throw on with ease, fasten with the silky ribbon at the neck, and a hood you can lift up to give you those full fairytale feels. Said hood is lined in a poly satin, as is the entirety of the cape, so wearing the hood up won’t mess with your hairdo, thank goodness. The cape itself is made from felt, so it feels snuggly and warm, and the length is designed to hit mid-thigh, so that snuggle factor increases over easier-to-find waist length capes.

And now, the dress. Made from a soft, lightweight fabric, it’s an autumn dress that even LA-dwelling ladies can wear. The plaid is drawn in grey, brown and black with yellow accent lines. As such, you can pair this dress with practically any colour accessory or additional layers to not only add style or warmth where needed, but also to create a dozen different looks to wear this piece all winter without feeling like you’re repeating the exact same outfit over again. The buttons that run the centre length of this dress are fully functioning, no zips to struggle with here.

The short puff sleeves won’t layer awkwardly under cardigans or jackets, and the gathered skirt gives a wonderful volume, able to fit a medium-full petticoat without issues. Also, as previously (but only briefly) mentioned–POCKETS! Finally, and most obviously, there’s the black necktie, which finishes off this dress with grace and style. (If, like me, you need a little help mastering the perfect bow, I’ve found this YouTube video very helpful in the past.)

In regards to sizing, the cape comes in two One Sizes, standard and plus, so that’s an easy choice to make. The dress, however, runs one size larger than Unique Vintage’s usual sizing, so the size 2X is really more of a 3X. I had to take in the waist and cinch it additionally with a belt to get it down nearer to a 2X fit, but the roomier sizing in a non-stretch fabric meant the bust was a great fit, with no gaping between buttons. You’ll definitely need to make sure you check the size chart to ensure you’re ordering the right size in this piece, because I’m pretty sure I forgot to check the chart and that’s why I didn’t realise it sizes so large. For reference, the waist in this 2X/18 flat measures 42 inches, while the bust flat measures 46 inches. The skirt is 26.5 inches long.

The Stevie hooded cape comes in both black and green in One size or One Size Plus. The 1950s Button Up Swing Dress comes in this plaid print in sizes XS-5XL. It also comes in a black and white striped print in the same size range.

Bonus shot: For those who follow me on Instagram and were delighted by the cows who kept me company on this shoot, here they are doing some nearby grazing