Description
I believe that a 1950s cotton day dress is the most versatile, wearable workhorse in a true vintage wardrobe. Cool in the spring and summer, comfy for fall and winter with a cardigan and tights, sturdy and washable: what’s not to love? This particular 50s frock is a deadstock full-skirted dress with a novelty print of red, blue and white candy wrappers and dots on a black background, along with white floral embroidery. Big white lucite buttons close the dress from its scoop neckline to hem. The bottom button was missing when I took these photos, but I have since replaced it with a very close match from the same era (see close-up photo). A self-fabric belt cinches the waist. Vertical lines of red stitching on the flaring skirt create tiny pintucks from the waist seam to the hem. The dress has a single slit pocket at the right hip. The crisp, lightweight, plain-weave cotton fabric is unlined.
Labeled a vintage size 18, the dress will fit approximately like a modern size M—please see my measurements for all the details. This 1950s novelty print cotton dress is in excellent condition, unworn with its original tag still attached. The only issue to note is the near-exact-match, replacement button.
Size: approx. modern M.
- Bust: 42 inches flat, to fit a bit loosely up to 40.
- Waist: 31 inches flat, to fit up to 30 max.
- Hips: 46 inches flat, to fit loosely up to 43 max.
- Length: 45.5 inches from shoulder to hem.
- Underarm to waist: 8 inches.
- Waist to hem: 28.5 inches.
- Shoulder to shoulder: 15.5 inches.
- Sleeve length: 6.5 inches.
- Sleeve opening width: 14.5 inches flat, total.
- Sweep/skirt width at hem: 85 inches.
- Label: Styled by Loralyn. 1950s size 18.
