Fashion: Vintage styles to swing into spring

Wondering what the key fashion trends are for spring/summer? We asked Sophia Taylor, aka Mrs Pocket Watch, from glorious vintage store Pocket Watch & Petticoats

What inspired you to launch Pocket Watch & Petticoats in 2015?

Since a young age, I have always loved 1940’s music. It’s my favourite genre and so easy to listen to. It’s an effortless way of dressing and looking nothing short of a million dollars, whether you’re a pocket rocket or a curvaceous goddess, you can’t help but feel fantastic! I’ve been working on market stalls since the age of 13 and had businesses before this, so I mixed my entrepreneurial mindset with my passion for vintage fashion et voila. . . a match made in heaven was born!

What type of clothes do you specialise in, specifically in your Cambridge store?

The majority of dresses we sell are the 50’s swing style, which show off the curves in all the right places. Even though ladies come in thinking otherwise, EVERYONE has a waist, and this style shows it off to perfection! We have a lot of tourists visit our Cambridge store, many from overseas. Quintessentially English tea dresses with pretty patterns and matching petticoats are always popular. The Rockabilly look is a real hit amongst the Cambridge students also.

Why do you think vintage style has such enduring appeal?

It’s an era when ladies dressed like ladies; feminine, effortless, and classy. A fashion like that never dies. Myself and my husband, Mr Pocket Watch, are blessed with THE most amazing staff in all our boutiques. If we could invent a cloning machine to match them all, we would quite easily open another 10 stores. I’m hoping Covid hasn’t thwarted my plans of world domination one day!

Talking of Covid, how has it affected your businesses?

Well apart from the obvious - I can’t stress enough how much High Street shops need your custom more than ever! - the stockists now make us pre-order items a year in advance, otherwise limited quantities will be made. This is the same across the board, SO if you see something you like, snap it up because it could be the last one available!

Tell us about the spring/summer looks you’re excited about?

Pastels are of course always popular this time of year, however the suppliers have mixed the tradition tartan associated with autumn/winter and switched it up a gear by making pastel and rainbow tartan influences amongst their designs.

What is your current favourite outfit in the Cambridge store?

Honestly, I couldn’t give you one. Ask me for my favourite 200+ combos of outfits and that’s easy. Every. Single. Thing!”

Pocket Watch & Petticoats is at 16 St John’s Street, Cambridge; 10 St John’s Street, Bury St Edmunds, and also has a store in Ipswich. Find out more at pocketwatchandpetticoats.com.