Prairie dresses. Straw boaters. Black stomping boots. This might read like your summer 2018 wardrobe checklist, but it’s also the sartorial style of Picnic At Hanging Rock, adapted for TV from the haunting 1967 novel by Joan Lindsay about four school girls going missing in Victoria, Australia, in 1900. 

The BBC2 drama, starting tonight, starring Natalie Dormer, as unflinching teacher Mrs Appleyard, is a feast for the eyes - saturated in lush colour, and managing to feel both contemporary and of the time. It’s departure from the original 1975 film version, all high-neck ruffles, a glimpse of an ankle and dainty lace gloves. In contrast, this six-part drama is serving up a fresh, pared-back take on Victoriana, with cinched waists, pops of colour and even today’s ubiquitous mini sunglasses. It’s exactly how you think you’re going to dress for summer - until confronted by packed public transport/ mal-functioning air con. 

This is not the first time Picnic At Hanging Rock has been the in the fashion spotlight. The dark-edged innocence of the 1975 cult film influenced several fashion heavyweights, including Alexander McQueen, Erdem, Raf Simmons and Rodarte. In fact, the look also inspired another film entirely; you only need to watch the opening credits of Sofia Coppola’s The Beguiled to see the obvious impact. 

Here’s our pick of how you can recreate the look yourself, no outback trip required. 

Oversized crotchet-trim cotton mini dress, £265, Isabel Marant Étoile at net-a-porter.com

Mini circular gold sunglasses, £45, Le Specs 

Floral appliqué embroidered pleated gown, £287, Perseverance at theoutnet.com 

Patent lace-up boots, £110, Dr.Martens at office.co.uk 

Straw boater hat, £135, Lock & Co Hatters 

Pink fan, £55, Fern Fans 

Organza shirt dress, £1,113, Cecilie Bahnsen at matchesfashion.com

Small oval sunglasses, £118, Gigi Hadid x Vogue eyewear 

Black patent ankle boots, £29, H&M 

Eyelet midi dress, £89, & Other Stories 

Straw boater hat, £24, John Lewis 

Images: bbc.co.uk