Description
This deadstock black and off-white polka dot early 1970s maxi dress features the print in 2 sizes: tiny on the high-waisted, spaghetti strap bodice, and larger-scale dots on the full-length, gently flared skirt. The empire-waist bodice has darts for shaping the bust, and the skirt has small gathers where it meets the waist at each side, to add some fullness through the hips. The dress fastens in back with metal zipper. The lightweight polyester and cotton blend outer fabrics are fully lined with acetate taffeta: black in the bodice and off-white in the skirt section.
The dress is in good, sturdy and perfectly wearable condition. The off-white skirt lining has some faint dark streaks on it (not seen when the dress is worn), possibly dye transfer from the outer, semi-sheer polka dot fabric. There is also a bit of reddish discoloration on this white lining in a few areas around the waist seam, also not seen, possibly from the black lining fabric bleeding, or from the original owner wearing a red belt or sash? Finally, there is a section on the outer, polka dot skirt fabric in front which is very faintly discolored (the polka dots are a bit less white than the others), and 1 tiny spot in 1 of the polka dots (see my many photos). None of these issues would be significant enough to keep me from wearing this cutie, but they are certainly worth mentioning.
This polka dot 70s maxi would be a fun dress to wear to a summer wedding or other formal event. Just add a black or white wide-brimmed hat for a great garden party look! My last photo shows the dress unclipped from the mannequin, to give a better idea of its actual size.
Size: approx. modern S-M. Labeled vintage size 16.
- Bust: 38 inches flat, to fit snugly up to 34C-D or 36B. (definitely too loose on 34B).
- High waist: 30.5 inches flat, to fit up to 30 max.
- Hips: 45.5 inches flat, measured at lining, to fit loosely for up to 42.
- Length: 56 inches form shoulder to hem in front (53 inches at lining).
- Underarm to high waist seam: 5.75 inches.
- Underarm to hem length: 48 inches.
- Label: none but lot/size and union labels
