Description
A darling, deadstock cotton dress from the 1950s, this blue and purple floral print beauty is labeled as a vintage “half size”, similar in fit to a modern curvy petite (see measurements for details). The classic mid-century fit-and-flare shape includes a short-sleeved, fitted bodice with a notched scoop neckline, and a full skirt with wide, flat pleats. A self-fabric belt cinches the fitted waist seam.
The dress fastens with a metal zipper in the side seam. The skirt section is partially lined with pellon (a papery interfacing type of fabric) to add body to the shape. The dress is shown here with an additional crinoline underneath. You may not need one because of the stiff pellon lining—but you will want a half-slip at least, for the same reason. My 2 last photos show the dress unpinned from the mannequin, for reference.
This 1950s dress is in excellent to mint condition, unworn, with no issues to note. The lightweight cotton fabric is bright, crisp, and has a pretty watercolor-style floral print that reminds me of lilacs, in saturated shades of blue and purple.
Size: approx. modern M petite or vintage half-size 20 ½.
(Short-waisted, by about 1 inch.)
- Bust: 42 inches flat, to fit 41 max.
- Waist: 34 inches flat, to fit 33 max.
- Hip: full.
- Sweep: approx. 88 inches.
- Length: 45 inches from shoulder to hem in front.
- Underarm to waist length: approx. 7 inches.
- Waist to hem: 29.5 inches.
- Sleeve length: 3 inches.
- Sleeve opening: 15 inches flat.
- Shoulder to shoulder: no seams.
- Label: none but paper lot/size tag.
