Product Description
A 1950s’ style rose print cotton dress!
There are no labels in this lovely dress to assist with dating, sadly. I think the dress may originate from the 1980s, judging from the light elasticated waist. There was definitely a 1940s/1950s vibe in the Eighties and this delightful dress embodies much of the style of this era with a little more of the comfort of the latter part of the 20th Century.
The top of the dress gives a blouson effect with the slight gathering of fabric in the back and front, together with the cross-over open bust. This look accentuates the top part of your figure. This, together with the gathered skirt makes your waist appear smaller – very much as similar dresses did in the 40s and 50s. However, this particular dress has the blessing of a light elasticated waist so that ‘nipped in waist’ doesn’t have to ‘nip’ to the point of discomfort! It may be worth adding here that not everyone likes the ‘blouson’ look to the bodice area so if you prefer a more fitted top to your dress, this may not be the one for you. I really wish I had taken a photo of the dress in profile on the dress form to illustrate my point but, hopefully, my explanation will do the job.
I think the gathered skirt would allow for a net petticoat to be worn if you prefer a more flared-look but, here, she has been photographed without one.
The only drawback I can see with this gorgeous Fifties’ style cotton print dress is the lack of pockets. I’m more of a pocket girl myself but, if you have the skills, I’m sure you could add them. The matching fabric belt is secured by a loop on either side of the waist and you can tie it at the back or to the side as in the photograph. The short sleeves have turn up cuffs to complete that ‘vintage’ look.
FIT: All measurements are taken with the garment flat (and doubled where stated). Please look carefully at the measurements below for sizing and it may be helpful to compare with a similar dress you have in your wardrobe:
Underarm to underarm across the back: 19″ so doubled to approx Bust 38″
Elasticated Waist: 14″, when measures flat, but can stretch up to 18″ so doubled = 28″ to 36″
Belt Length: 64″
Base of collar to waist: 17″
Underarm to waist: 6.5″
Waist to Hem: 27″
Length of dress from base of collar to hem: 44″
Length of sleeve: 10″
Armhole – from top of shoulder to underarm: 9.5″
Width of sleeve: 6″
Please note: the crossover bust on this dress has no buttons or fasteners of any kind so you may wish to add a hook and eye if you’re uncomfortable showing some cleavage. (I have a Horrockses’ 1950s’ summer dress which has a similar style of bodice and I keep the front secured with a little brooch).
I think you could take in the bust if you wished via the side seams. However, if the dress is a little on the tight side, all the inside seams, as well as the hem, are very small so there would be no possibility of letting out areas of this beauty to create more room.
Hope all the above assists with the fit and size of this very attractive cotton print dress. (If I had the ‘equipment’ up top I would love to keep this for myself!)
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask – just message or email me and I’ll be happy to help. Apologies for the length of the description but I wouldn’t like either of us to be disappointed.
Please note: we like to keep down shipping costs for our customers so we recycle our boxes and packing materials which also makes us feel we’re doing our little bit for our lovely planet! However, please rest assured that all our vintage items are packaged with love and care.
PRICE: £54.00 + p&p
You may purchase this item by emailing me on karen@stardustyears.com
or through our Etsy store
