One of the first spring Hammersmith Vintage Fairs back in April saw some of the stall holders looking beautifully styled in maxi lengths. If the chilly weather carries on, it might be worth thinking about a maxi dress as a good investment for keep-me-warm summer dressing. A good cardigan and some cheerful accessories might also come in handy to lift the spirits.
Looking chic in both plain and printed maxis were Gwyneth (from Persiflage, you can find her at Alfie’s Antiques) and Carrie (from Past Caring on Essex Road), showing how any shape can look good in one. Don’t you love Gwyneth’s multi-layered amber necklace? She always inspires me with her accessories and I think Carrie said she’s just lost lots of weight and was really enjoying wearing her fitted 70s printed maxi. Go girl!
Virginia (seated,from Virginiax) wore her simple printed vintage maxi accessory free, the shape was so good it looked fab unadorned and I loved how she made the print colours jump by adding her soft-knit pale ochre cardigan. Caroline (standing from Frillseekers Vintage) always looks great in her muted neutrals, it’s not easy to see from the photo but she is great at mixing her textures.
Everyone should have one neat dress like the one Samaya is wearing, it’s French workwear and hugely robust but also nicely wearable by most shapes and sizes -Samaya has waisted hers with a fine leather belt. That little bit of tailored structure makes it so chic and you can always stick a T shirt underneath if its cold…also just a hint of gold bracelet adds grown up glamour.
Above is Helen from Anne Taylor Vintage who really rocked her cornflower-blue spotty scarf…an essential accessory for a British summer, it was artfully tied and added a pop of colour to her navy vintage jacket too.
And what better way to cheer yourself up than being bold with both print and colour? June Nevin uses wit and humour to pull her looks together, she’s always wearing something interesting. I love that whacky necklace, how could you not smile when wearing that?
Interesting camo print combo, above from Sofia Johnsson, who buys vintage for Caramel Baby & Child, and a great cardigan…another essential for the British summer.
Finally, if you were thinking of doing an all white summer look……this one works layered textures very boldly, but I love it. I’m guessing these are Issey Miyake Pleats Please trousers, and the gold sequined blouse is a rather glamourous take on ‘sheer.’…plus a textured knit to keep the chill off. We’re talking max-summer-glam here!
