A number of retailers have launched Jubilee collections in time for the bank holiday weekend. Many Britons will be planning barbecues, parties and days out to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen this week.
For those who are still in need to buy that perfect outfit then you'll be spoilt for choice in your pick of retailers, as the likes of PrettyLittleThing, Boohoo, River Island, New Look, ASOS and more all launch special collections fit for a queen.
The Reviews Club got to try some of the Jubilee range at Manchester's fashion powerhouse, PrettyLittleThing. The online retailer offer next day delivery too so it's a good choice if you're looking for something last minute.
From all the patriotic reds, white and blues to pretty tea dresses, playsuits and summery tops, these are the perfect styles to nail a regal look. Whether you prefer cute tea dresses or floral co-ords, PrettyLittleThing have some great options for the Jubilee weekend.
Jessie Parker, from our Consumer Unit, tried out a gingham jumpsuit and red floral midi dress.
As someone who's never owned a piece of clothing from Pretty Little Thing, I was pleasantly surprised when I received the parcel. While it was hard to find something that didn't have huge puffed sleeves or that was suffocating and body-conned, I managed to find two items that I could work into my usual style.
The first item I chose was the stone gingham belted pocket detail shirt jumpsuit that is currently selling for a discounted price of £32. We all think "picnic" when we see gingham and that's why this airy jumpsuit is a great outfit choice to celebrate the Jubilee weekend in the park, beer garden, or at a barbecue.
READ MORE: PrettyLittleThing sells patriotic outfits ahead of Platinum Jubilee weekend
The material is fairly lightweight, which is great for this time of year, however with that comes sheerness. You can't get away with dark underwear in this jumpsuit so make sure you've got something paler to hand.
I find it difficult to find a jumpsuit with the right proportions, as most people's hips, legs and torsos don't fit under the same clothing size. However, I ordered this outfit in a size 10, and although it's slightly too large on top, it can definitely be made to work. The belted waist helps to add some shape and definition to the outfit, however I would have liked it to have a few extra belt holes to achieve a more cinched look - in fact, I ended up tying the belt at the back to fit my body shape better.
For me, the legs are too long when barefoot, however, when worn with a pair of white trainers, chunky sandals, or heels, the length is no longer an issue. The loose shape of the jumpsuit means its very comfortable and leaves room for the inevitable bloating after a huge Jubilee feast!
Rating: 4/5
You can purchase this outfit from PrettyLittleThing for £32. (20% off usual price).
I then tried this red floral jersey split cami midi dress, which is currently on offer for £9 (down from £10). The bright colour of this dress is definitely mirroring the Union Jack and the floral pattern is giving Royal Garden Party, making it very fitting for the Jubilee weekend.
In the past when buying strappy summer dresses, I've found the straps are often too long for someone with a smaller chest meaning I'd have to make adjustments at home. However, I didn't have this problem with this dress and the straps have a bit of stretch to them, meaning they'd also fit different builds.
This dress is on the body-con end of the spectrum, but the soft, stretchy material doesn't overly cling, so I didn't feel self conscious in it. That being said, I was a little disappointed with the placement of the slits. The two slits are directly on the side of the thigh and almost touch the pant-line; the style could have been greatly improved by having just one slit and positioning it slightly more towards the centre of one thigh. That being said, it's budget-friendly and a pretty choice for the Jubilee weekend.
This dress would also be great for a beach picnic or casual date day. You can buy the red floral midi dress from PrettyLittleThing for £9 (10% off the usual price).
Rating: 3/5
Gemma Sherlock, from our Consumer Unit, tried the printed chiffon co-ord and the red leopard print midi dress.
I often buy from PrettyLittleThing but I do have to be careful on the sizes. I have an hourglass body shape and I'm quite curvy. I normally fit in clothes which range from sizes 10 to 12 but as many women will know, every site and brand is different when it comes to sizes.
The first set I tried from the site for the Jubilee weekend was the red floral printed chiffon co-ord set. It includes a lace up, front puff sleeve, crop top and matching skirt. I ordered both in a size 12 just to be on the safe side. The top is priced at £10, reduced from £12 and the mini skirt is priced at £10, reduced from £12, so a total of £20 for the set, which I think is quite a reasonable price.
I was a little worried about the puff sleeve on the top because this style doesn't suit me but the puffon the sleeve was only subtle and didn't take away from the detailed front of the top. The front of the top is a lace-up and features a subtle plunge but not too much.
I absolutely love the pattern and fabric, it feels really comfortable on. Matched with the skirt I felt really pretty wearing it and felt the colour suited my pale complexion. The red is definitely in fitting with the Jubilee theme. The sizing is perfect and I just have a little room in both the top and skirt to move around in. I felt if I opted for a normal size of a 10 it would have been too tight. The outfit can be worn with heeled mules or even trainers for a more casual look.
I honestly love this outfit and have no issues with it whatsoever, I will be wearing it this weekend and it's a good look to take on holiday too.
Rating: 5/5
Next up is the red leopard print frill hem midi dress priced at £28, down from £32. Featuring a red leopard print satin fabric with a frill hem design and thin shoulder straps, the dress can be styled with some strappy heels and a mini bag for a special occasion look.
It feels extra special because of the silk material. I particular like the frill hem and the pattern is very me (I love animal print). However, I was a little worried about the straps at the top, I did wonder if they would give me enough support. I've found it better wearing the dress without a bra for that reason.
It fits beautiful elsewhere but doesn't really give me the support I need around the chest area. I would say if you're more o the curvier side this dress is one to avoid. A shame because it is really pretty.
Rating: 3/5
