Vintage Summer Dresses Are Back (Did They Ever Leave?)

Let’s be honest — nothing feels quite like the right vintage dress on a warm summer’s day. Floaty cotton, a soft breeze, maybe a basket bag in hand… it's the kind of outfit that feels effortless but still turns heads.

At Reloved Studio, vintage isn’t just a look — it’s a way of life. Our latest summer drop is all about dresses that tell a story: true vintage, thoughtfully chosen, and ready to wear again (and again).

So, What Makes a Great Vintage Summer Dress?

It’s more than a cute print or puff sleeve — though we love those too. The best vintage dresses feel like they've already lived a life or two. They're breathable, flattering, and built to last. And because they’re often one of a kind, they make you feel like you — not like everyone else.

Some favourites we keep coming back to:

• Lightweight 70s maxi dresses with flowing skirts and muted prints

• Soft cotton Laura Ashley florals for that English countryside vibe

• Sleeveless prairie dresses for sunny day layering

• Deadstock sun dresses (unworn but still decades-old!)

• Linen or cotton midis that work for heatwaves and holidays

Not All "Vintage" Is Created Equal — Here's How to Tell It's the Real Thing

Vintage is everywhere now — but not all of it is actually vintage. If you want to make sure you’re getting the real deal, here are a few things to look for:

1. Check the label

Real vintage often comes with older-looking tags. If it says “Made in England” or has no care label at all, that’s a good start. With Laura Ashley dresses, 70s tags look different to 80s ones — it's all in the font and layout.

2. Feel the fabric

You’ll know when you touch it. Vintage cotton tends to be thicker or softer than modern stuff. Pre-90s dresses usually won’t have stretch unless it was added later.

3. Look at the details

Metal zips, covered buttons, hand-stitched seams — all signs of age (in a good way). Some dresses are handmade altogether, which just makes them more special.

4. Mind the sizing

A vintage size 12 is not the same as a modern one. It’ll likely fit more like an 8–10, sometimes smaller depending on the brand. That’s why we include measurements for everything on our site — so you can shop by fit, not just size.

5 Vintage Summer Dress Styles We Love (and How to Wear Them Now)

🌸  1. The Laura Ashley Dress

Delicate florals, puff sleeves, cotton that breathes — this is summer dressing at its most romantic. Style it with lace-up sandals and a straw tote for a look that says I picked these wildflowers myself (even if you didn’t).

Shop Laura Ashley Vintage Dresses

☀️  2. The 70s Maxi

These dresses were made for long afternoons and golden hour photos. We love plunging necklines, empire waists and anything cheesecloth. Add chunky slides and some oversized shades — and you're set.

Explore 70s Vintage Clothing

🧺 3. The Prairie Girl Sundress

Sweet and wearable, these sleeveless or cap-sleeve beauties are ideal for picnics or just staying cool when it's hot out. Pair with trainers and a denim jacket.

🌼 4. The Deadstock Find

Deadstock means vintage that’s never been worn - you get the quality and charm, but it's fresh off the hanger. These are the unicorns of vintage.

🧁 5. The Cottagecore Midi

Think pastel florals, high necklines and puff sleeves. Looks great with bare legs and a book under your arm. Add sandals or Doc Martens depending on your mood.

Modern Ways to Wear Vintage

Styling vintage is all about balance. Too much and you can feel like you're in a period drama (unless that's what you're going for). Too little and it loses the magic.

Here’s what we swear by:

• Pair a vintage dress with modern trainers or chunky boots

• Throw on a leather or denim jacket to offset a floral print

• Mix vintage with your secondhand finds — no rules, just what feels right

• Layer up — a simple shirt under a strappy maxi is an easy win

Why We Love It (and Why You Might, Too)

Wearing vintage isn’t just about looking good (although, it helps). It’s about choosing slow over fast, quality over quantity, and pieces with stories instead of trends.

We choose every dress at Reloved Studio with that in mind — handpicked, genuine vintage, and ready to find a new home in your wardrobe.

Browse the Vintage Summer Dress Collection