If there’s one thing that screams summer to me, it’s gingham. It can absolutely be worn year round, of course, but for me it will always feel like a joyous welcome to spring when I pack away my heavier, darker winter dresses and pull all of my summer dresses out of storage, gingham right at the top of the pile. The first time I wear gingham each season on a fresh, sunny day feels like turning the page on a new book. It always reminds me of daffodils, of picnics, of sun hats. Today’s gingham number will be a marvelous addition to my summer collection!

Dress: Black gingham Maxine dress gifted by Unique Vintage (A/L)
Cardigan: Black cropped cardigan by MAK (Affiliate code yemak-amymay for 40% off)
Belt: From an old Hell Bunny dress
Bag: Old New Look
Bangles: Black Heavy carve by Splendette
Shoes: Old New Look

You might think there’s only so many ways to ‘do’ gingham, so I love it when a company pairs it with an unexpected dress design. Today there are no spaghetti straps, no sweetheart necklines, no simple V-necks. No, this Maxine dress by Unique Vintage takes a high neckline and makes it summery! The princess seamed bodice is a flattering fit, certainly, but it’s made interesting and unusual by the solid black border the runs around the neckline and comprises the high shoulder straps. This cut leaves one’s shoulders bared, offering a sultry yet still entirely modesty glimpse of skin (just don’t forget the sunscreen!) The button tab feature at the highest point of the neckline isn’t functional, so the buttoned front of the dress is purely decorative. 

This dress is super lightweight, so it will be lovely for hot days. It comes with a wide black grommet belt, ready to cinch to your heart’s content (I’ve worn a slimmer belt here instead.) The swing skirt is floaty and airy when the dress is worn as is, but there’s room for a medium volume petticoat if you want to achieve a vintage silhouette. Oh, and of course, there’s hidden pockets in skirt’s side seams, because hell yes. 

I asked for this in my standard Unique Vintage 2X/18. The 100% cotton fabric means there’s no stretch, so the waist flat measures 40 inches flat with no give, while the bust measures 47 inches. It closes with a hidden back zip and the skirt is 17 inches long. It also comes in a red gingham fabric, and a lovely blue and peach based check print which I’m more than a little bit in love with.

The Gingham Maxine dress comes in sizes XS-X5 in 3 colourways; black gingham red gingham and a blue and a multicoloured check. Unique Vintage ship worldwide and offer a Rewards Program that earns you money off future purchases.

____________________________________________________

Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Unique Vintage in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals. The use of my MAK affiliate code will generate me a small commission from your order. Items marked with (A/L) are Affiliate Links that would earn me a small commission from your order if used.

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area with no other individuals present or passing, thus abiding by the strict social distancing rules currently in place to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.