Description
The perfect “little gray dress” for fall and winter, this early 1950s frock in charcoal heather gray seems inspired by military or band/majorette uniforms, with its trompe l-oeil double-breasted bodice panel trimmed with gray shell buttons, high folded collar, and full, pleated skirt. The soft, rounded shoulders end in straight, elbow-length, cuffed sleeves. The crisp, medium-weight woven fabric looks like wool, but I suspect it may be a blend of mostly wool with some rayon. It feels just a bit softer and less scratchy to me than 100% wool usually is. Darts shape the bust and waist, for an hourglass silhouette. The semi-sheer, loosely woven fabric is unlined, so you may want to wear a slip underneath. The dress fastens in back with a metal zipper. The original self-fabric belt is no longer present, although the dress would look quite lovely with a black belt, or even a red belt for more contrast. This New Look era, early 1950s day dress is in very good condition, with 2 tiny mends at the top of 2 of the pleats at the waist seam (see photo) and 1 very tiny chip out of the edge of one shell button. I think these 2 issues are very unlikely to be noticed, but worth noting. This classic 1950s full-skirted dress has been freshly dry-cleaned and is ready for fall!
Size: XS-S. Labeled a vintage size 13, which would have been junior size. Possibly slightly petite (see waist to hem length).
- Bust: 36 inches flat to fit approx. 34-35 max.
- Waist: 28 inches flat, to fit approx. 26-27 max.
- Hip: full
- Length: 45 inches from shoulder to hem in front.
- Underarm to waist: 7.25 inches.
- Back of neck to waist length: 15.5 inches.
- Waist to hem length: 29 inches.
- Sleeve: 14.5 inches.
- Shoulder to shoulder: N/A (no seams).
- Label: paper size tag only.
