This is - in some ways - a classic 50s party dress, but made for a voluptuous woman. The amazing fabric, and use of texture and color, lifts it into extraordinary! The dress is styled with a fitted bodice with square neckline and short sleeves. The skirt is cut as a generous A-line with plenty of swing. The scattered glitter, and the interplay between the outer blue and inner violet, add additional intrigue.
SIZE: Labeled size 20.5 Vintage half sizes generally indicate "petite" sizing, intended for shorter women.
| Measurements | Inches |
Cm |
| Bust |
46" |
117 |
| Shoulders |
16.5" |
42 |
| Waist |
35.5" |
90 |
| Hips |
58" |
147 |
| Bodice length from shoulder seam | 16" |
40.5 |
| Skirt length |
28" |
71 |
| Sweep |
92 |
234 |
FABRIC/COLORS: The semisheer outer fabric is light blue scattered with glittery floral sprays, each wrapped in a bow, done in a more vibrant blue. My first assumption was that the floral sprays are flocked, but it seems to be devore instead - the texture is nearly identical on the back of the fabric, which means it is woven in. Based on a fiber burn test, it is a synthetic, possibly an acrylic/acetate blend. The dress is fully lined, using a pink toned acetate type light weight taffeta.
TAGS: No maker's tag. There is a union tag in a skirt seam for the AFL-CIO Ladies Garment Workers.
CLOSURES: The dress closes with a side seam metal zipper. There are thread loops at the waist for a belt, but the original belt is gone. I showed the dress in some photos with a silvery metal belt form my closet - it is not included with purchase.
CONDITION: No stains, holes, tears or other issues seen.