Collectif’s Nova dress was, it is safe to say, one of the biggest hits of their spring/summer line last year. It featured thin pastel rainbow stripes and sold out quickly. At the time I remember eyeing the cut and style of the dress shape with great interest, but as I’m not much of a pastel girl it wasn’t for me. I was very pleased, therefore, to receive their SS19 catalogue and to find that a red and white striped version was coming this season. Well, it’s here, it’s cut is all I had hoped for, and it’s ready to rock your boat (pun intended.)

Dress: Candy Stripe Nova Dress C/O Collectif
Cardigan: Blueberry MAK cardigan previously gifted by Ye MAK
Bag: Bamboo bag from eBay
Bangles: Old Bamboo bangles
Shoes: Jewel flats by Hotter

This dress was very clearly made for a day at the beach and I can confirm it looks damn good there. While it’s easy to pair it with all shades of blue to create a nautical styling, if you’re not a fan of nautical looks then don’t worry, pairing it with white, more red or black will easily head-off those seaside feels. Lean into tan accessories, as I have above with this bamboo bangles and bamboo bag combo, to feel supremely summery, especially with brown wedge sandals as a further addition. You could, however, even take this dress through to winter and find Christmassy ways to play up the candy cane stripes, so don’t be fooled into thinking it’s nautical or nothing with this Nova.

The Nova dress itself, this lovely candy cane print aside, is practically my perfect summer dress style. It has a contrast-trimmed sweetheart neckline–flattering to literally every body–which flows up into an interesting triple strap detail. Said straps all merge into a single strap in the back, which is adjustable by way of a slider. The bodice is cut to hug and the matching burgundy (PU-backed) notched belt cut to cinch, before both give way to the full swing skirt, which flows beautifully and twirls even better. It takes a medium-full volume petticoat with ease, should you wish to pump up the volume. 

The fabric is cotton sateen, a blend which has some stretch and stays comfortable all day, something you definitely want in a summer dress. The only other thing one would want is pockets–which, of course, IT HAS! Finally, it closes with a hidden back zipper and is machine washable.

I asked for this dress in the size 18 and it’s a great fit. The waist flat measures just shy of 36 inches, with stretch to almost 37 inches, and the bust flat measures 43 inches with stretch to almost 46. The skirt is 27 inches long.

The Nova dress comes in UK sizes 6-22, in both this featured Red Candy Cane print and the beloved Rainbow Stripes print.

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[Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Collectif Clothing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from Collectif or any other individuals.]