The 1950s style full circle skirts with voluminous petticoats will always have my heart, but I do like me some more ‘modest’ 1940s outfits as well. I find authentic 1940s pieces a little harder to find, particularly in my size. That’s where Vivien of Holloway has been a life saver.

London-based brand Vivien of Holloway offers gorgeous, authentic-looking 1940s and 1950s reproduction clothing. Ranging from flirty circle skirt to practical capri pants, from sweet buttoned day dresses to fabulous sarong sets, they have something for every vintage-style enthusiast. My interest goes particularly to their range of 1940s reproduction items. As you might know from my Instagram page, I’m a huge fan of their Lana dress. More recently, I discovered another 1940s style frock: the Nazare dress.

True to 1940s fashion, the Nazare dress features puff sleeves with slightly padded shoulders. The rushes on the V-shaped neckline and the gathered bust add flattering details to the rather modest silhouette of this dress.

The bodice gathers in a wide waistband. The waistband can be tied into a cute bow at the back, accentuating the waist.

In comparison the Lana day dress, the Nazare dress has a floaty A-line skirt. I know the Vivien of Holloway skirt lengths might sometimes be rather long for shorter women. The skirt of the Nazare dress measures 28”/71 cm in length, hitting me at 163 cm/64” a fair bit under the knee, perfect for 1940s aesthetics and not too long so that it makes my frame look even shorter.

The fabric is 100% cotton, incredibly easy in maintenance and in wear. Due to the cotton fabric the dress has very little give, so make sure you order the correct size to fit in your bust and/or waist comfortably. I find Vivien of Holloway dresses to come out a little roomier than stated in their sizing chart. I’m wearing this Nazare dress in a Vivien of Holloway size 12, which states to be B34/W26/H38 although my measurements are 35.5” in the bust and 27.5” in the waist and it fits me perfectly.

Full outfit details: Dress - Vivien of Holloway Shoes - B.A.I.T. Footwear (full review here) Bangles - Splendette

The Nazare dress retails at £110/€127,35 in sizes waist sizes 24” up to 38” via the Vivien of Holloway website. As with any other VoH dress, the Nazare dress comes in a variety of colours and prints. I’m wearing the Nazare dress in the brown dragonfly version. As this style of dress is quite popular, many of colourways and sizes are usually sold out fast, so is the dragonfly print at this moment. However, Vivien of Holloway re-stock sizes and prints all the time, as well as they add new fabrics all year round.

x Miss Lipstick & Pipettes x