My Cath Kidston dress is very much in the style of the 1950’s with its fitted bodice & full skirt. The reason why I chose this particular dress for today’s post is because of something my friend Clare said to me recently. She also happens to be an RCM reader so what she said really made me stop & think.
What did she say?
“Love your latest outfit post but I could never wear that!”
Therefore starting with this post, I’m going to make sure I point out when an outfit will also work for other body shapes. Trust me when I say so much of what I style can be worn by anyone. My clothes are simple wardrobe staples, peppered with a little of my personality of course however it’s mostly just the basics. Although sometimes an adjustment is needed to suit the individual, perhaps this isn’t obvious & I could explain in specific detail?
The 1950’s Style Dress suits a full Figure
Wear a fine knit cardigan if you prefer your arms completely covered like this. Alternatively choose a dress with sleeves. Regardless, this is a minor detail & easily overcome. More importantly it’s the hourglass shape of the dress that makes it incredibly flattering on most figures. The only niggly point may be the length which should be above or on the knee otherwise you lose the benefit you gain by having the fullness of skirt. Therefore take it up to the knee if it falls below, as many of this cut do. You shouldn’t worry about this point when trying on dresses because it’s such an easy fix. Rarely do I find every element of a dress perfect for me before I buy it.
In fact the shoulders of this dress had to be shortened by 3cm so they’d sit flat. A problem I often find due to an old shoulder injury that makes anything structured sit wonky on me.
I’ve selected a range of fabulous Cath Kidston dresses for the carousel below because nobody does the 50’s shape better! As an additional bonus they’re having an awesome sale right now!
Not a fan of florals? Don’t write off my dress just yet – You’ll also find this popular cut in spots, stripes & various prints. A quick search turned up this fabulous Boden option also on sale!
A Simple Black Mule
Mules are my choice of footwear here because I like their solid form & the added height of the block heel. Personally anything strappy would be far too feminine, I prefer chunky with all these flowers. Equally the block heel adds some weight to the frivolity – A stilleto heel is way too girlie for me on this occasion. These Mules are from Whistles a few years ago which unfortunately they don’t appear to be doing now. Shame really as Mules are always around come Summer. Not a problem, I’ve cherry picked some choices for you below if you don’t already own a pair.
I always take my high Mules on holiday, this single pair really work with my entire capsule wardrobe. I enjoy dressing up for dinner every night, it’s part of my holiday ritual. However the days of packing an entire suitcase just for shoes are long gone. Blimey, can’t believe I used to do that!
Getting the most out of my Wardrobe
Before signing off it’s worth pointing out that this dress will easily transform to appear as skirt & top. For more inspiration have a look at this post I published back in Winter. Knowing how much re-styling a dress such as this affords I would call it a wardrobe staple, wouldn’t you?
Mx
Comments ( 24 )
Nancy
I absolutely love this dress! I like it when a skirt or dress has pockets. Not to hang in them but it gives a casual look I think.
http://www.nancysfashionstyle.com
retrochicmama
Me too Nancy! Pockets are a deal breaker right?
The Sequinist
I don’t wear florals very often, but I love how you’ve toughened up this floral dress with some chunky mules. And that BAG again that I love so much, sigh! Really beautiful look on you, Michelle, and very different from the style I associate with you. It works so well though! xx
retrochicmama
True Lisa it isn’t my usual style which is another point I wanted to make. Sometimes it’s good to step out of our usual zone, it may just work 😉
Clare
Awwww, bless you Michelle 😀
retrochicmama
You made a good point 😉
xxx
Abby@midlifecrisisnut
Somehow I know it’s going to be fabulous post when you say: “she made me stop & think” 😉 I love how girly you look in that dress, Michelle. And OMG the handbag! BTW I used to have similar mules back when I was younger, they were ultra comfy. xx Abby
retrochicmama
Hahahaha that’s cool!
I forgot to mention my bag is from the fab outlet place in the UK called Bicester. I bought it for a third of the original price at Anya Hindmarch. I wonder if you have an outlet like this in France? There’s the brilliant Space in Italy, which is well worth a visit too.xxx
Patti
Love, love this summer dress! It’s got great personality and you look wonderful. xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
retrochicmama
Thank you so much Patti! xxx
Bogi Kenney
Those floral prints are so eye catching! Absolutely beautiful! Such a timeless dress.
Red Reticule
retrochicmama
The dark florals are better on me that’s for sure & yes This style is timeless Bogi. Do you have a 50’s fit & flare cut dress in your wardrobe? This is my only one & I don’t wear it often as it’s not my usual look although I’ve had it many years.
Suzy Turner
Totally cute floral dress! It look gorgeous on you, and I totally agree that it would also suit a fuller figure too.
Beautiful!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
retrochicmama
Yep good old Cath Kidston know their floral dresses right?
Mxx
Gemma
Love that dress, so gorgeous for summer, and yes, I love a dress with pockets!
retrochicmama
Pockets are fab in a dress I couldn’t agree more Gemma!
Theresa Campbell
Great outfit! I love vintage floral prints. And I agree that dress style definitely works for different body types. The fit and flared silhouette works especially well if you happen to be “hippy”. The bag is gorgeous and I love how the geometric pattern complements the flower print on the dress.
retrochicmama
I was wondering when someone would mention that contrast in pattern. It’s just so right isn’t it Theresa? Also links the strong solid black mules too I feel. Well spotted Theresa x
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
First: A complaint. You gave a link to a Boden dress that’s similar… Now I HAVE to have the green polka dot one. HAVE to!! And it’s got flippin floopin pockets. Aaaaaaaargh woman what have you done to my bank balance?!!!! ;)))
Hehe seriously – you really are rocking the florals here and OMG those mules look so fantastic on you. Made all the better with those perfect tootsies of yours. You can’t beat a red toe IMO…!!
Catherine x
retrochicmama
Whoops sorry my sweet teeheehee xoxo
Lizzy
I love florals and I love dresses so I knew I would love this outfit on you. But, I wouldn’t have thought to style it with the mules. They look brilliant with it and “ground” it so it doesn’t look tooooo girly. It would look gorgeous on a fuller figure too as you said and you’re right about getting minor alterations. All too often I don’t buy something because it sent quite right, yet in actual fact, it could probably be rectified quite easily. Brilliant post and lovely photos as always xxxx
retrochicmama
Aw thank you Liz, I appreciate that xxx
Anna Parkes
This is such a classic summer dress, but your choice of shoes give it a very contemporary spin – great move! Lots of lovely tips too x
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
retrochicmama
That is good to hear Anna. I really hope RCM is useful on some level even if it’s merely an idea of how to wear something a different way. Thank you for telling me xxx