A classic sailor collar with navy contrast stripe trim, front button closure, a gathered A-line skirt with navy hem stripes and a soft cotton and polyester blend, available in pink and white for ages 0 to 24 months
The nautical aesthetic has an enduring appeal in children’s clothing, and this dress captures it with a light, clean touch. The baby girl sailor collar cotton dress keeps the design simple: a soft cotton and polyester blend, a wide sailor collar with navy stripe trim, a gathered A-line skirt with matching navy stripe detail at the hem, and a neat front button closure. Nothing overdone, nothing unnecessary.
At £16.99, it is an excellent everyday summer dress that also photographs extremely well for milestone shoots and family days out. It comes in two colours and four sizes covering birth through to 24 months.
Design Details That Make This Dress Work
The sailor collar is the heart of the design. It is a wide, flat collar that drapes over both shoulders and is finished with two bold navy stripe lines that run parallel along the outer edge. The collar is made from the same soft fabric as the rest of the dress rather than a stiffer material, so it lies flat and moves naturally rather than sitting stiffly around the neck.
The same navy stripe detail is repeated at the hem of the skirt, two parallel lines sitting just above the hemline that mirror the collar trim and give the dress a cohesive, finished appearance from top to bottom. This echoing of the stripe detail is what gives the dress its polished, intentional look despite its simplicity.
The front of the dress fastens with two dark buttons at the bodice. These are practical for dressing and undressing while also adding a tailored, classic touch to the front view.
The skirt is gathered at the waist and falls into a gentle A-line silhouette that has good movement and flow. It falls to knee length and is lined with a soft underlayer that prevents the skirt from clinging or being too sheer in bright sunlight.
The sleeveless design keeps arms free for crawling, reaching and playing, and the lightweight fabric breathes well in warm weather. A fitted cardigan or light layer over the top extends the wearable season into cooler spring and autumn days.
This dress pairs naturally with simple navy or white shoes. Take a look at our baby girl velcro sandals or our velvet bow Mary Jane shoes in white for footwear options that complement both colour versions.
Two Colour Options
The pink version has a soft, dusty pink tone that pairs beautifully with the navy trim. It is the warmer and more playful of the two options and suits the widest range of everyday outings.
The white version is cleaner and crisper. The navy trim stands out more strongly against the white, giving the dress a more graphic, classic nautical quality. It is particularly popular for beach days, seaside holidays and summer photoshoots where a fresh, uncluttered look photographs best.
Product Features at a Glance
- Condition: Brand new
- Material: Cotton and polyester blend
- Collar: Wide flat sailor collar with two navy contrast stripe lines
- Sleeves: Sleeveless
- Closure: Two front buttons at bodice
- Skirt: Gathered A-line, knee length, with two navy stripe lines at hem
- Silhouette: A-line
- Lining: Soft underlayer on skirt
- Colours: Pink with navy trim, white with navy trim
- Sizes: 0 to 6 months up to 18 to 24 months
- Season: Summer; layer with a cardigan for cooler days
- Care: Hand wash recommended, do not bleach
Size Chart
Always measure your baby before ordering rather than choosing by age alone. Measure the chest at the fullest point and compare to the chart below. If your baby falls between sizes, size up for comfort and ease of movement. Our full baby size guide has a step-by-step measuring walkthrough if you need help.
All measurements are in centimetres. 1 cm = 0.39 inches.
| Size | Length (cm) | Bust (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 months | 40 | 52 |
| 6 to 12 months | 43 | 56 |
| 12 to 18 months | 46 | 60 |
| 18 to 24 months | 49 | 64 |
Perfect Occasions for This Dress
The clean, classic design makes this one of the most versatile everyday summer dresses in our collection. It works well for:
- Summer days out and pram trips
- Beach and seaside holidays
- Everyday nursery and childminder wear
- Casual family gatherings and garden parties
- Milestone and summer photoshoots
- Birthday celebrations and first summer events
- Baby shower and birthday gifts
For more summer outfit ideas for babies and toddlers, browse our girls summer dresses collection and our baby clothes tips guide.
How to Care for This Dress
Hand wash gently in cool water and hang to dry away from direct sunlight to keep the colours bright and the fabric soft. Do not bleach or tumble dry. The navy stripe details are embroidered into the fabric rather than printed, so they hold their colour well across repeated washes with proper care. For more advice on washing baby clothing, our guide to washing baby clothes has all the key steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sailor collar comfortable for a newborn or young baby?
Yes. The collar is made from the same soft fabric as the rest of the dress and drapes flat over the shoulders rather than sitting stiffly around the neck. It does not have any tight elastic or hard edges that would press against a newborn’s neck or chin. Most parents find their babies wear this dress comfortably from the very early months.
Do the navy stripes on the collar and hem hold their colour after washing?
Yes. The navy stripe trim is sewn into the fabric as a ribbon or braid trim rather than printed, which means it maintains its colour and definition significantly better through repeated washing than a standard printed stripe would. Hand washing in cool water and avoiding direct sunlight when drying will keep both the base colour and the navy trim looking fresh for much longer.
Which colour is better for a beach or seaside holiday?
Both work wonderfully for a beach or seaside setting, but the white version is particularly popular as it captures the classic nautical look most authentically. The contrast between the crisp white fabric and the navy trim is striking in natural outdoor light and photographs especially well against sandy or coastal backgrounds. The pink version is warmer and sweeter, and works beautifully for inland summer days as well as the coast.
Can this dress be worn in cooler weather?
Yes. The sleeveless design layers easily over a fitted long-sleeved bodysuit or vest for cooler spring and early summer days. A light navy or white cardigan over the top also extends the wearable season without covering the sailor collar detail. In this combination the dress works well from early spring through to early autumn across most UK weather conditions.
Is this dress suitable for a photoshoot?
It is one of the best photoshoot dresses in our collection precisely because of its simplicity. The sailor collar and hem stripe give the camera something to focus on without the dress being busy or overdone. It photographs cleanly in both indoor studio settings and outdoor natural light. The white version in particular produces beautifully clean results in bright outdoor or natural window light.
Does this make a good gift?
It makes an excellent gift. The classic nautical design is universally liked and has a timeless quality that feels appropriate for a wide range of occasions. At £16.99 it is a well-priced standalone gift, or pairs very well with our baby girl velcro sandals for a complete summer outfit. The four size options mean you can choose slightly ahead so the gift is ready for the right occasion.
My baby is between two sizes. Which should I order?
Always size up. The A-line cut gives a naturally relaxed silhouette, so a slightly larger size still looks and fits well while allowing more room for movement and for a nappy underneath. This is especially useful for summer dresses that may be worn for extended periods outdoors.
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