Going All Nautical with Pretty Retro

Pretty Retro Trousers

When Pretty Retro contacted me and asked if I’d like to choose a garment on their website to review on the blog I instantly knew what I would choose. I had been coveting a pair of bright red wide leg trousers on their website ever since I became aware of the brand.

You may not have heard of Pretty Retro before as they are a newly established company, however, you’ve probably heard of their sister company, The House of Foxy. I’m a big fan of the latter and have, in the past, bought many things from them, so I was intrigued to see the difference between the two.

Firstly, Pretty Retro’s range is still in the early days, however, they currently offer a small selection of both dresses and separates, all influenced by the 1940s and 1950s. In their own words, “Pretty Retro offers affordable, wearable clothing without compromising on style or quality.” And I have to say I totally agree. You’ll be hard pushed to distinguish between the two brands just by looking at the selection on offer.

1930s red women's trousers

When the trousers arrived (in super quick time!) I was instantly smitten. The colour is gorgeous, it’s not a bright pillar box red and it’s not a burgundy either, it’s somewhere in between and is incredibly wearable. The fabric is lightweight, lighter than my 1930s sailor trousers from The House of Foxy, which makes them perfect for wearing throughout the spring, summer and autumn. You could wear them in the winter too by layering tights or stockings underneath, but I personally find this a little uncomfortable.

The fabric is super soft and has a great drape to it, which gives the trousers a beach pyjama feel. I, therefore, had to team them with the 1930s top I made for my trip to the English Riviera last year to create a fabulous nautical 1930s beach look. I would’ve loved to have taken these photos down on the coast but, as I live in one of the most central inland counties in England, it was never going to be possible. Instead I headed to the river close to wear my parents live because, you know,  it’s still water! 🙂

Pretty Retro 1930s trousers

In terms of sizing, Pretty Retro, like their sister company, tend to be on the generous side. I ordered the size 12, which is for a 30″ waist and 41″ hip, but I could’ve easily have downsized to a size 10. I’m a 30″ waist and these were a bit too loose for me, meaning that the waist sat lower than it should. I could easily have sent these back and got the size 10 instead (I’ve done it before with The House of Foxy with no issues) but I absolutely loved the fullness on the hip.

Therefore, as I needed to take the length up anyway (because I’m a shorty), I thought I’d just take in the waist at the same time. I now absolutely love the fit, they’re tight around my natural waist but have tons of fabric around the hip to give a much looser, summery feel. I kept the length as long as possible to compliment this so I didn’t end up looking too wide.

Feeding the ducks

Duck joining in the photo shoot

After bending down to get a closer look at the ducks they decided to photo bomb the shoot and the one I’m looking at really thought he was the star of the show!

I’m so pleased with these trousers and I know I’m going to get a lot of wear out of them. I already have two pairs of wide leg trousers that I love and these beautiful red ones are the perfect addition. They’re also available in a denim blue, black and navy and cost a very affordable £39 each. I’m seriously considering purchasing the black ones to replace a pair I’ve had for about 15 years and are now falling apart.

However, I’m holding off for now because I’ve just found out that Pretty Retro are going to be at The Summer of Vintage Festival up at Uttoxeter Racecourse, which I’m heading to on the Saturday. It’ll be a great opportunity to see all of their pieces up close and I’m sure I’ll be tempted by many other things in their collection!

1930s nautical look trousers from Pretty Retro

Outfit Details

Red 1930s Style Trousers – Pretty Retro
1930s Polka Dot Blouse – Made by Me
Navy Blue Vintage Handbag – Bath Racecourse Flea Market
White 1940s Style Shoes – Miss L Fire
Red Drop Earrings – Made by Me

Disclaimer: Pretty Retro kindly provided me with the Pretty Swing Pants in exchange for this review, however all views expressed are my own and reflect my honest opinions.

Cate

Just a vintage gal suffering from the Golden Age syndrome. A lover of all things old, especially the 1930s, seamstress, crocheter, maker of hats and enjoys rummaging at flea markets.

20 Comments

  1. Great choice, they work well with your pretty top. I think the Pretty Retro range is looking good, though limited sizes in some items right now. Hopefully they will expand (green dress has my eye…). Xx

    • I think they probably will expand given time, I’d be very happy if they did. I did think of you with the length of the trousers because I had to take 6cm off of them to get them this length. I probably could’ve taken off more but love the really long look. The length as they come probably would be long enough for you. xx

  2. Super outfit! I’ve been eyeing up their pencil skirts for work. It’s nice to see such a good brand bringing out an affordable basics line.

    I look forward to your photos from the festival – I bet it’ll be ace.

    • Yes, I think this is a really good move for the overall company. They can compete with the slightly cheaper market but still keep the elegance of The House of Foxy, rather than heading down the slightly more novelty route of other brands. xx

    • Oh, I’m so happy to introduce them to you, they really are very good.

  3. Love to have another repro shop to buy from! Promising stuff indeed so far, but hope they will branch out quickly in order to compete with the likes of the ever-expanding Dolly & Dotty, Lindybop et al… I think it’s snooze or lose in the repro game right now!

    • I think they’re probably trying to fill a niche of simple vintage style basics and not so much of lots of different prints and designs. It works well and are great for the everyday vintage looks. xx

  4. This is a great look, pants are fab on you and your hair is looking lovely as always
    retro rover

    • Aw, thanks Kate! I do actually wear trousers a lot during the week as they’re so much easier for work, so it’s weird I’ve never really worn them on the blog. xx

  5. Those pants are so super cute! I wonder if the length is good for a 6’0 tall woman like myself? I’m itching for a pair.

    Great pairing of the pants, so pretty.

    Liz 🙂

    • They possibly could be Liz because they were really long on me. I’m 5ft 3ins and always wear heels. I took about 2.5 inches off and there’s still loads of length left. You should try them! xx

  6. I love the trousers, the colour as well as the cut, and they’re wonderful with your you-made polka dot blouse. That outfit just sums up a summer day at the seaside for me. xxx

    • Me too, Ann, I just wish I could’ve been down at the seaside to take the photos. Why do I live so far away from the coast?! xx

  7. What a fabulous outfit, I do love a nautical theme! Those Trousers are gorgeous! I have been tempted to buy a pair of swing pants for ages, I know I could make a pair but I just never seem to get around to it I might have to give this brand a try as they really look great on you! xx

    • I’m the same, I keep thinking about making some but I just can’t be bothered. I think the main thing for me is that I always do a mockup of everything I make and I just don’t want to waste the calico as they would use so much of it.

      I’d definitely recommend you give these ones a try, they really are so comfy. xx

  8. How exciting that The House of Foxy is opening up another channel for ladies old school style clothing. That makes my vintage fashion loving heart very happy to hear. These trousers are absolutely marvelous and look just fab on you! They’re so classic and cheerful, and the leg width is fantastic – wide, but not epicly so. Just what I look for in my repro trousers and jeans. Thank you for the great review!

    xoxo ♥ Jessica

    • Thank you Jessica! Yes, I like that they’re not super wide because they’re much more practical that way. What many people don’t realise is that there were many slimmer styles of trousers in the 1930s, which don’t get so much attention, it wasn’t just the beach pyjama style ones. xx

  9. I haven’t heard of Pretty Retro but I will be checking them out as these trousers are lovely. I really like them paired with your polka dot top. Did you like what you saw on their stand at the vintage show?

    • No, in the end they only sponsored the event but didn’t have a stand there, which was a real shame. xx

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