Copse and Spinney

Years ago, I purchased a white Laura Ashley nightgown in one of their stores in Austin. I tried it on inside a little room that felt more like a hidden secret room of a Victorian home rather than a changing room at the mall. There was a long mirror, juxtaposed beautiful floral papered walls, a tufted velvet cushioned chair upon which to sit. The nightgown had intricate lace patterns and dainty front buttons. It floated over me like a light cloud. It was a long sleeve “baby-doll style” gown. When I first bought it, I wore it rarely to keep it special and nice always, but it eventually wore out. Years later, I found this similar Laura Ashley nightgown at a thrift shop for only two dollars! (below).

It had the same lace and button detailing on the front, as the one from my twenties, but was sleeveless. And not long ago, I was shocked to see that same nightgown in a resale shop for over $300!!

Victorian nightgowns are experiencing a revival and it is no surprise as cotton is so cool and breezy. And there is no longer a hard and fast rule about wearing white only in the summer months. Nightgowns are even worn as a dresses these days. Many popular brands such as Hill House, DÔEN and Christy Dawn have featured their winter, or fall cardigans with a white pin-tucked dress or skirt that resembles an Edwardian petticoat, (which incidentally, these are hot items on the resale market.)

Pictured below the Sebastiane Skirt from DÔEN … worn with a winter white chunky sweater!

A little trick that I do is to wear a pretty nightgown under a button pinafore like this red one from All The Beautiful Linen, on Etsy to give it the look of having lovely white blouse and petticoat beneath.

In addition to some of the tried and true brands, like April Cornell, Eileen West, and Lanz of Salzburg, available at their own websites as well as some places like The Vermont Country Store, I wanted to share some lesser known brands that may be even more affordable, if you don’t mind wearing a vintage nightgown.

Saybury

Saybury was a vintage lounge wear and house dress brand founded by Elias Sayour in 1926, known for its robes, nightgowns, and caftans. While the brand is no longer in business, vintage Saybury clothing can still be found on resale sites.

I love the embroidered details that are often featured in Saybury gowns. (See below)

The brand is recognized for its classic styles. I really like the pin tucked details featured in this Saybury Nightgown that was sold in my Etsy shop,(Natural Posh Vintage)!

Another of my favorite designers of nightgowns, Eve Stillman, (1906-2003) a highly influential lingerie designer and company owner. A leader in the intimate wear industry for more than 50 years, Stillman was known as much for her larger-than-life personality as for her understated and elegant nightgowns and robes worn by Hollywood luminaries such as Joan Crawford, Debbie Reynolds, Gene Tierney, Ida Lupino and Barbara Stanwyck. (Source: Vintage Fashion Guild). You can still find her nightgowns on places like Ebay and Etsy markets.

Featured below is vintage Eve Stillman nightgown robe from the seventies. It is so enchanting and airy. It feels like something a Medieval princess would wear.

Some companies that are lesser known in the US, that still specialize in beautiful Victorian sleepwear are LUNN Antiques, (linked) a vintage nightwear company featured in Vogue, and worn by Princess Dianna, and THEA, a slow fashion company that uses classic French designs (linked) and timeless styles.

I purchased the above Thea Nightgown on Depop where I like to buy and sell some great pre-loved items! Below is a featured Eileen West. I couldn’t resist tying a blue sash around the waist, to make it look like an Edwardian lady going on a picnic! This nightgown below was sold in my Depop shop! https://www.depop.com/naturalposh/

If you would like to visit these shops please use the links provided in the article, and best of all, please share with someone whom you know enjoys vintage classic timeless fashion! There is just something about being clothed in white that makes me think of heaven! Perhaps that’s why I love white garments so much. Heavenly thoughts, prayers and dreams to you all!

Laura