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Your Retro Summer Style Guide

If you’re searching for retro summer style inspiration this season, look no further. Close your eyes and picture this: you’re sitting in the front seat in a classic Cadillac, cruising down a coastal road. The sun is beating down, the wind is in your hair, and a summer of adventure is waiting right around the corner.

That’s the spirit of the Girls Just Want to Have Sun collection, a vintage-inspired womenswear line that reaches back to the golden age of 1950s fashion and combines it with the unapologetic confidence of modern day styles.

The 1950s summer wardrobe combines polka dot prints, ditsy florals, and gingham designs to create looks that feel both polished and playful. Read on for your guide to the key vintage summer looks and how to wear them.

The Building Blocks of Retro Summer Style

Prints and Patterns

Bold, cheerful prints defined ‘50s summer styles, bringing a carefree and joyful energy to the season. Polka dots, gingham checks, and ditsy florals appeared on everything from tea dresses to capri pants.

Summer Sunshine Spotty Tunic DressSummer Sunshine Spotty Tunic Dress

Silhouettes to Celebrate

The iconic 1950s silhouette was first created by cinched waists and voluminous skirts. However, high-waisted capri pants, paired with a tucked in blouse, soon became a fashionable everyday choice, which was popularised by style icons like Audrey Hepburn. 

Penelope Gingham Capri PantsPenelope Gingham Capri Pants

Colour Palette

For a retro style that really makes an impact, the key is in the colour. Pastels ruled the summer months, with pinks, soft whites, and baby blues bringing a light, feminine energy to summer outfits. Bolder shades of cherry red and sunshine yellow added a pop of vintage glamour. 

Riviera Button-Through DressRiviera Button-Through Dress

The Finishing Touches

No retro summer outfit was complete without the right accessories. Wide-brimmed straw hats were a classic, providing shade whilst adding a touch of vintage glamour. Paired with a silk scarf, tied around the neck, and some cat-eye sunglasses, the look was complete.

Cat Eye SunglassesCat Eye Sunglasses

Vintage Summer Outfit Inspiration

The Polka Dot Dress

Is there anything more quintessentially ‘50s than a polka dot dress? This style was the epitome of 1950s femininity and, with a fitted bodice and a full skirt, it beautifully balanced fun and flirtation. Bring this classic look to the present by choosing a dress with a more modern silhouette. Bodycon shapes and halter neck designs are both elegant choices. 

Style yours with strappy sandals and a sun hat for a sunshine-ready look, or dress it up with kitten heels and a clutch purse for a little evening glamour.

Perfectly Polka Dot Two in One DressPerfectly Polka Dot Two in One Dress
Margot Polka Dot Halter Neck DressMargot Polka Dot Halter Neck Dress

The Gingham Capri Set

Few looks encapsulate the relaxed, sun-kissed side of ‘50s style quite like gingham capri pants. The ultimate summer trousers, choose a pair in a cheerful tone, like sky blue or sunshine yellow, for a fun and easy warm-weather outfit. 

Model your outfit after style icons like Elizabeth Taylor, who often wore capri pants with a checked blouse tied at the waist, and heeled sandals. For cooler days, swap your blouse for a light floral cardigan. It’s an effortlessly chic ensemble that can be worn anywhere, from the beach to the cocktail bar. 

Summer Sunshine Gingham Capri PantsSummer Sunshine Gingham Capri Pants
Felicity Patchwork Floral CardiganFelicity Patchwork Floral Cardigan

The Ditsy Floral Sundress

For those days when you want to look like you’ve stepped straight out of an old hollywood movie, the ditsy floral sundress is your answer. A colourful and carefree way of dressing, this vintage outfit is equally at home on a promenade as it is at a garden party. Finish the look with trainers, a cross body bag, and oversized sunglasses for a vintage-inspired summer outfit that feels elegant from morning to evening.

Penny Ditsy Print Stripe DressPenny Ditsy Print Stripe Dress
Clara Ditsy Print Stripe DressClara Ditsy Print Stripe Dress

Whether you’re drawn to gingham or polka dots, there’s never been a better time to embrace the joy of retro summer dressing. Head over to our Girls Just Want to Have Sun collection to find your ‘50s inspired look, and don’t forget to explore our blog on how to channel your inner '50s film star for even more vintage fashion inspiration.