1940s Queen Casual fish dress - how does it fasten & what was it worn for?

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Birdie

Registered Guest
Hello!
I'm a long time fan & user of all the wonderful resources VFG has to offer, but this is the first time I've posted to the forum because I am stumped by this particular dress!!
I don't know much about this dress other than it was made in the 40s by Queen Casual. It has these two ties on either side of the front & that's it. No buttons or slits where the ties could pass through to wrap. I know just tying the two pieces together isn't how it works (or is it? I think it looks funny!). I also tried tying them in the back but that put the pockets in a weird spot. So I was hoping someone here could help me figure this piece out! Is it not even a dress at all? Would it be a beach cover-up? Anyone know the story?
Thanks in advance!!
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I suspect the elastic in the back has gone and that is why you can't get the ties to do the job. Once the shirring is replaced the two short ties should function properly.

Beach cover up would make sense with the print and length, otherwise I would have gone for shortened dressing gown.
 
Thanks for the quick input guys!!
I'm thinking it is a beach cover up.
Tying it in the front makes the most sense to me & I think you are right about the elastic. But why aren't the ties on the end of the fabric? Even with proper stretch there is still bunched up fabric folded under when you tie them.
 
Beach cover-up, casual robe affair, yes.

The ties are meant to be like that, for a gentle "surplice" overlap tie, in front.
When the elastication in back was in the original condition, it would've worked fine.

Queen Casuals makes me suspect it was a larger size line.

Perhaps there was once a matching bathing suit.

Great print!
 
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Thank you! "Surplice" was a helpful google search and you're right about it fitting like that! When it's tied on a hanger, it looks wrong, but I tried it on and it fit just like you described. Perfect! Thank you!! I really love this fun piece :)
 
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