Summer vintage fashion inspired by Queen Lucia

Thanks to the clearing out of various bookshelves at work, I have been introduced to the glorious world of E.F. Benson’s Queen Lucia. Set in 1920’s rural England, this is a fabulous world of stylish garden parties, musical soirees and idle gossip, all presided over by social goddess Lucia.

Some of my favourite vintage styles are from the twenties and thirties, and there is plenty of vintage-inspired fashion around just perfect for summer garden parties, polo matches, afternoon teas and summer evenings. In Queen Lucia there are three distinct dress codes which must always be adhered to for social occasions: Hitum for dinner parties, Titum for formal day occasions and Scrub, which is regular clothing. Inspired by this quirky book I have selected some vintage-inspired pieces that I feel fit well into these categories. I am particularly in love with the yellow Fearne Cotton dress, and if finances allow, I may buy it this weekend.

Hitum

Yellow Salon beaded flapper dress, £180 from ASOS

Love Label beaded vintage dress, £75 from Very

Titum

Diana Vickers Vintage Bird Print Prom Dress, £79 from Very

Lucy in Disguise Regatta polka dot dress, £245 from Harvey Nichols

Scrub

Fearne Cotton Seagull Print Vintage Dress, £59 from Very

Lina Dobby Pleat Skirt, £95, and Sleeveless blouse, both from Whistles

I thought I’d also share this birthday card which I received from someone who knows me well, capturing both my love of trashy novels and vintage-inspired fashion.