We’ve had so much sun lately it’s giving me major picnic vibes. I’m not actually going to go on a picnic, because I am notorious among my family and friends for being an indoors cat who does not do well in the sun, nor enjoys bugs flocking to her food. My compromise is to wear gingham, because that’s plenty picnic-y enough for me.

Dress: Yellow Gingham Elsie Dress gifted by The Pretty Dress Company
Hat: Old Bell Brim hat previously gifted by Unique Vintage
Bag, parasol and belt: Old
Shawl: eBay
Sunglasses: Old Claire’s

The Elsie dress is nothing if not adorable. The gingham fabric contributes to that, of course, because gingham is forever sweet, but the short frill sleeves notch up that cuteness by several measures. It’s not a detail I remember seeing on other vintage inspired dresses in recent years (compared to its more common cousin, the flutter sleeve,) so it feels fresh and unique.

I love the square neckline for reasons I can never quite fully verbalise, perhaps because it’s utilised across all fashion far less frequently than rounded necklines. Plus, the straight lines of a square neck just offsets the natural curve of the bust beautifully, while displaying ample décolletage. The back of this dress is also cut in a square. The fitted bodice flatters the waist before billowing out into the full box pleated skirt, producing that vintage silhouette I adore. There’s plenty of room for a medium-full volume petticoat to push that silhouette to the max, should you wish. (I was only wearing a slim volume petticoat here in these pictures.) The skirt also has pockets, something TPDC always delivers on in their swing styles. The entire dress is lined and is excellent quality, made to last.

I asked for this dress in a size 20 and it’s a perfect fit. The fabric is 100% cotton, so there’s no stretch, but the bodice is cut on the bias to allow for some give, making it more comfortable for a full day’s wear and more forgiving in terms of sizing. As such the bust flat measures 44 inches with stretch to almost 48. The waist flat measures 39.5 inches with give up to 41 inches. The skirt is 27.5 inches long. This dress closes with a hidden back zip and is machine washable. It’s designed and made in the UK. 

The Elsie dress is available in yellow, blue or pink gingham, in UK sizes 6-20–missing sizes are going to be restocked soon, fear not! The Pretty Dress Company ship worldwide, and also offer a bespoke service wherein they custom make your order to your measurements in whichever dress cut and fabric combination you desire.

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by The Pretty Dress Company in exchange for a post on my social media pages. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals.

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area with no other individuals present, practising responsible social distancing to help limit the spread of Covid-19.