1930s cotton voile garden party lawn dress?

EndlessAlley

EndlessAlley

Alumni
Do you think this dress is from the 1930s? And would you call it a lawn/garden party dress?
Only closure is a hook and eye at waist with belt loops for a belt. There are two snaps, about 5" apart, on each shoulder seam. too close to neckline for shoulder pads, so it makes me think there was an under slip or dress they attached to. Fabric appears to be a cotton voile. Only label is "Chalet of Dallas" and my archive news search didn't turn up any references.
Thank you for your comments!

VFG1.jpg
VFG2.jpg
VFG3.jpg
VFG4.jpg
 
I would have thought it is a house dress from the shape and single fastening, to go over your day dress when doing the chores, it also looks like a 40's or 50's silhouette to me. Gingham was also popular in these decades.
 
It sounds like there were shoulder pads at one point, snaps are often a later addition to a garment and that distance between them would match a large modern shoulder pad or any from the 80's.
 
I have a tendency to look at one aspect of a garment then jump to a conclusion on the date. I need to slow down and look at all aspects and how they fit into a time period. I very much appreciate your help! :sunshine:
 
I am thinking this is a 1940's summer version of a redingdote ensemble. I have usually seen them in rayon crepe over a print rayon dress. Perhaps it had a brown taffeta or broadcloth simple plain sleeveless dress underneath. It would look very different with shoulder pads and a matching belt. If it were a house dress there would be some evidence of snaps, hooks or eyes, or buttons to close it. Just thinking.
Marian
 
Thanks for your comments Marian. I'm not familiar with a redingdote ensemble, but with the only closure being a hook and eye at waist I was originally wondering if it might have been part of an ensemble also.
 
Last edited:
Thank you Victoria for the fabulous links, 2nd article was especially helpful...
at the fashion show one model wore a "sheer... redingote over a purple sheath dress... dressy enough for the most fashionable tea... designed by Chalet of Dallas"

I also found a redingote and sheath dress pattern from the early 50s. The redingote had a single hook closure at waistline.. exactly like mine!!! I think You and Marian have solved my mystery!!!! :drinkingtoast: Thank you, thank you thank you!!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top