One of the great things about dressing in mid-century inspired clothing is that you can  achieve a fully authentic look and yet with those the same clothes you can often create an outfit that feels very modern. The day dresses especially easily translate to modern looks, as a cinched waist and flared skirt has been considered a flattering silhouette ever since. So, for folks who can only or want to dress vintage part time, having a wardrobe of versatile pieces that can be worn dressed fully up as well as smartly to work or casually at play is crucial. To me, therefore, a solid-coloured swing dress will always serve well, because it can inevitably be styled to fulfil all those functions. Today we’re looking at Heidi as just such an option. 

Dress: Orange Heidi dress gifted by Hell Bunny
Cardigan: White cropped cardigan by MAK [Affiliate code Yemak-Amymay for 40% off all orders]
Belt: Old New Look
Bag: Bamboo bag from eBay
Bangles: Sage bangles by Splendette
Shoes: Gold Palmas wedges by Hotter

Available in orange and mint, Heidi is a simple, classic swing dress. Featuring a sweetheart neckline on a pleasing princess seamed bodice, a flared skirt with pockets, and thick shoulder straps, this dress is understated and ready to be styled in a million different ways. It’s made from cotton sateen, so it has that ever-so-slight sheen to its finish but it still comes with all the benefits of wearing cotton.

For me, orange is a colour that is practically non-existent in my wardrobe, but there’s something about a peach cotton sateen that really gets me–I know, that’s weirdly specific, and yet it’s true. I think it’s because I find that slight sateen sheen I mentioned above works beautifully on peachy tones. The orange of this Heidi is a little hotter than peach but not as vibrant as that true orange that people paint everywhere for Halloween, so if you’re an orange lover but feel it doesn’t flatter your skintone, this shade might be more complimentary for you. As a colour, it certainly evokes the feeling of summer, promising sun and heat. Because it it isn’t a vivid orange it would allow you to layer on lots more colour if you want, with reds, yellows and pinks working perfectly (even all at once!) for a riot of colour, or all manner of greens for a fun contrast. Adding in natural fibre accessories, like wooden, bamboo, straw or raffia for your jewellery or bag will ground the colour and let it shine.

Saying all that, if the orange still looks like too much for you, the mint shade is also lovely, and offers just as much fun in playing with outfit pairings–lean into similar tones to be a pastel princess; layer up with natural fibres as mentioned above to give it a more summery vibe; drown it in gold accessories to give it a warm sparkle; pair with hot pink, leopard print or even red to create a fun, bold look. 

I asked for Heidi in the 2X, my usual Hell Bunny size. The bust measures 46 inches flat, 48 stretched. The waist lays flat at 39, 42 at its maximum stretch. The skirt is 25 inches long and boasts pockets. The bodice sits a little short on me compared to many of my other Hell Bunny dresses, as it measures just shy of 15.5 inches from the top of the shoulder strap to the waist seam, so my fellow long-waisted folks may find that relevant. This dress can be machine washed, and closes with a central back zipper in the scooped backline. The flared skirt can take a full volume petticoat.  

The Heidi dress comes in orange and mint in sizes XS-6XL. Hell Bunny ship worldwide and have stockists all over the globe. 

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Disclaimer: The dress featured in this review was gifted to me by Hell Bunny in exchange for an honest review. The use of my MAK affiliate code will generate me a small commission from your order.  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.