40s vintage dresses 1940s Style Tea Dress Absoleafy from Vivien of Holloway 100% Cotton Stretch 40s Black Puff Sleeve Gown

Theyre now carried at Nordstrom in the US, which makes returns easy if something doesnt fit

It had the effect of making the dress - which is definitely blue and black in real life - appear white and gold to some people

However, I believe I will continue buying from Peter Christian in the future

Choose fabrics that move cotton, linen, viscose and silk-feel blends in a silhouette that reads considered rather than straight off the beach. A flowing dress, a printed co-ord set, or a kaftan over swim will always feel right

White and cream tones also work beautifully, especially with delicate lace details

Black opaque tights would be my usual go-to, but with an LBD (or LBSD), it starts to look like funeral attire (no, thank you), so instead we went with a pair of $8 gray ones from Hanes, which offer a nice contrast