One of the fun things about the vintage inspired world is that the seemingly opposing style types of timeless classic pieces and novelty designs exist side by side. It’s one of the things that confused me a bit when I first became a pinup, and 5 years on I still rarely feel drawn to the novelty elements of vintage fashion. One time of year when I do like to indulge in a little bit of fun in that way is at Christmas. Each year it’s fun to find a new festive dress I can wear in the run up to the big day that will bring joy to the other Christmas lovers I meet.

Whether it’s in the supermarket, running errands, grabbing a drink, or when meeting one of my best friends for dinner, if I can wear an obnoxiously Christmas themed outfit that will make the people I encounter happy, that makes me happy. It’s like the pinup version of a Christmas sweater, I suppose. And this year, just as last year with their Holly print dress, it’s Hell Bunny who’ve brought the Chrimbo joy to vintage dressing with this Nutcracker number!

Dress: Nutcracker 50s dress C/O Hell Bunny
Cardigan: Bronze Tootsie Cropped Cardigan from Doll Me Up

There is no denying with this dress that is it all about Christmas, duh. While the little Nutcracker men all lined up as a border print is the main design feature of this dress, it’s the metallic gold border trim and star detailing that really won me over. Mustard is my favourite colour, and this perfect tone of gold reads as very mustard-y to the eye, rather than brash or garish. The fact that said gold is used to print little stars of varying sizes twinkling on the upper part of the skirt is additionally adorable.

The neckline of this dress style is gorgeous. A subtle sweetheart, it lilts into an off the shoulder sleeve which displays the collarbone with elegance, a flattering part of every body. The skirt is gathered, so it’s possible to get a medium volume petticoat beneath it should you want for some puff. The midnight blue background of the fabric is rich but doesn’t attempt to challenge the print of the skirt for your attention. Metallic gold, olive green, dark red and maroon are all present in the nutcracker print, so it’s possible to add layers and accessories to this dress that make for different outfits if you’re looking to get as much wear as possible out of this dress in the coming weeks.

I’m wearing this dress in Hell Bunny’s 2XL/18 and it’s a lovely comfortable fit. The bust flat measures 44 inches while the waist flat measures 37 inches. The crisp fabric doesn’t have much stretch at all, just a touch of give, so it’s important you check the size chart before you order. The skirt is 27 inches long. The dress closes with a back zipper.

The Nutcracker 50s dress comes in sizes XS-4XL, or as a gathered skirt in sizes XS-XL. Discount code AMYMAY20!% will get you 20% off all orders on Hellbunny.com, which offers intentional shipping options. Hell Bunny is also stocked both in store and online around the world.