My graduation is coming up – okay, in July, but it’s good to be prepared – and I have been considering my outfit whenever I have a spare moment, because there’s nothing like being a stereotype of my gender.
Because I did a Publishing degree, I have decided that I wanted to make sure that there is no possible doubt that I LIKE BOOKS, and started browsing for book themed clothing. Finding exactly what I wanted has proven surprisingly tricky. So, to help any future bookishly-minded fashionistas, I have compiled this list.
image copyright LindyBop
Where to Buy: LindyBop
Price: £38.00
Pros: Pockets, clearly book prints, flattering cut, UK based company
Cons: Side zip (aka Satan’s fastening), synthetic fabric
Personal thoughts: This is a bit busier than what I am looking for, although the cut is ideal, but overly synthetic fabrics give my static electricity powers.
image copyright Rooby Lane
Where to Buy: Rooby Lane
Price: £135.00
Pros: custom made to order, can get print from your favourite book making it personal, independent designer so very responsible consumerism, UK based.
Cons: More expensive because it isn’t bulk made, exposed back zip which is not a look I am keen on, no pockets, only lined on the bodice.
Personal thoughts: I love the idea of this, but the skirt falls in a place which would be unflattering for me, equally true of the neckline and sleeves – I would prefer something with capped sleeves and a scoop or v-neck, with a smoother transition to the skirt. Rooby Lane does also have a lovely selection of dresses and skirts with other book themes, well worth checking out.
image copyright Joanie Clothing
Where to Buy: Joanie Clothing
Price: £38.00
Pros: Lovely booky print, very cute Peter Pan collar.
Cons: 100% polyester, no pockets
Personal thoughts: Peter Pan collars are so cute, and the sleeves are perfect, but I would be Captain Lightning if I wore this. Also, a lot of the reviews say the buttons have a habit of popping open randomly, which is not super graduation appropriate.
image copyright ClothesHorseClothing
Where to Buy: ClothesHorseClothing on Etsy
Price: £91.91 (as of 3rd April 2018)
Pros: Super cute print, pockets, neat tie belt, independent designer.
Cons: US-based, not my favourite neckline.
Personal thoughts: I prefer a more tailored look in a dress, but this would be perfect for summery days.
image copyright Unique Vintage
Where to Buy:Unique Vintage
Price: £55.57 (approx, as of 3rd April 2018)
Pros: Pockets, cute print, flattering cut, 100% cotton.
Cons: US based, the blouse is separate from the dress.
Personal thoughts: Without a blouse, I think the cut of the sleeves would be unflattering to me, but otherwise I totally love this. I have bought a few things from Unique Vintage in the past and they do nice stuff, but the shipping is quite steep, alas.
image copyright PicknMix
Where to Buy: PicknMix on Etsy
Price: £35.00 starting price
Pros: UK based designer, independent designer, made to order, beautiful print, and I love that nice thick waistband.
Cons: No pockets (look I love pockets)
Personal thoughts: This shop has a lot of beautiful skirts with gorgeous fabrics, in particular an amazing range of Harry Potter themed skirts. They are pictured over a petticoat which makes them look more full than I would like, I would be interested to see how they fall without the floof.
Where to Buy: Sarsparilly
Price: £158.58 in GBP (approx, as of 3rd April 2018)
Pros: Lovely print, flattering neckline and capped sleeves, pockets, 100% cotton, made to order.
Cons: Based in Australia, 8-10 weeks turnaround time.
Personal thoughts: This material is the same print as the shift dress above, but with a really nice neckline. The shipping costs from Australia are unfortunately steep, but they do also do some gorgeous Hogwarts house dresses too – all with pockets!
