It feels a long way off right now, but for a minute let’s just pretend it’s summer, okay? Close your eyes–picture a blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, the sun warm on your skin. The air smells fresh, clean, pure. The condensation beading on the outside of your ice cold drink slides slowly down the glass…And what are you wearing? Chic, timeless, pure white. Specifically, this Devon dress by Unique Vintage, and damn would it make summer look good.

Dress: Devon dress C/O Unique Vintage
Hat: Tan Bell Brim Hat C/O Unique Vintage
Bag: Bamboo bag from eBay
Shoes: Primark
Bangles: Golden Night bangles by Splendette
Petticoat: Lilac petticoat previously gifted by Dolly & Dotty

Now, obviously, this dress isn’t made only for summer. In reality, it can be worn basically…any when. The fact that it functions as a blank slate, not only because of it’s white colour but also the simplicity of the design, means it can be dressed up and down in dozens of ways. Sure, I’ve leaned into that fresh summer whites feel here with cats eye sunglasses and a straw hat, but even just for summer styling options alone there’s many more ways it can be transformed, from the addition of wedges, flat sandals or strappy heels, through to the choice of colours you can layer in by way of any other conceivable accessory. This dress can be styled easily for both day or night, both casual or formal. It is the white equivalent of a LBD…oh, actually, did I forget to mention it comes in black too? Because it does. So if you’re known among your loved ones as being A Spiller (like my younger sister,) don’t worry, there’s another option.

The bateau neckline, three quarter sleeves and below-the-knee skirt make it a modest piece for those who prefer coverage, but the full skirt and the ability to show off a cinched waist above it still allow you to flaunt your silhouette to dramatic effect. The material has tons of stretch but not at the expense of feeling thin or flimsy, so you don’t have to worry about obvious texture lines from your bra nor any sheerness where the fabric is giving you the most stretch. There are also pockets, as if this classic little number could get any better! Devon comes with a matching fabric notched belt (I swapped it for a black one for a contrast pop in these photos,) and closes with a hidden zipper in the centre of the lovely deep-V back.

Since there’s so much stretch in this piece I asked for it in the 16/1X rather than my usual Unique Vintage 2X, and the fit is amazing. The waist measures 36 inches flat with stretch to 40 inches, while the bust flat measures 41 inches with stretch up to approximately 48 inches. The armhole is 17 inches flat, but the stretch must offer up several inches more there too because there was absolutely no pinching or digging in to my under arm, despite the fact that a 20 inch armhole is the most comfortable for me. The biceps even stretch to almost 20 inches in circumference, so those of you who share my Chubby Uppers genetics will feel relieved in these sleeves. The skirt measures 26.5 inches in length and can accommodate a medium-full petticoat happily.

We can’t finish this review before pouring over this hat, at least a little. I’m sorry I didn’t manage to get you any close-ups of it on shoot day, but the wind was so crazy I didn’t trust that even a single attempt to photograph it off my head would result in anything other than an immediate wind-born take off and my instant regret. For full reference, I’ve included one of Unique Vintage’s product shots below.

Featuring a wide black grosgrain ribbon, This is my only bell brim hat and I’m a bit in love with it. The shape offers you ample coverage from the sun’s rays, as well as looking effortlessly stylish. The wide black grosgrain ribbon encircles the crown and is adorned in the back with a simple split bow. There’s also adjustable banding inside the crown of the hat, so you can ensure you get a good fit. For me, it’s a instantly become my new favourite summer hat and I can’t wait until the weather becomes more decisively sunny so I can get ample wear out of it.

The Devon dress comes in both plain black or white, both in sizes XS-5X. The Tan Bell Brim hat is also available from Unique Vintage, who ship worldwide as well as having stockists around the globe.

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[Disclaimer: The featured dress and hat were gifted to me by Unique Vintage in exchange for providing an honest review. The petticoat was gifted to me previously by Dolly & Dotty to feature in an honest review. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any brands, companies or individuals.]