50's ? Lilac Dress

50\'s ? Lilac Dress

hello all,

i have a beautiful lilac purple cotton dress.

i was hoping for some help on the dating and description.

seems like 1950's era. seems the bodice is pin-tucked. not sure what the leaf-like treatment would be called-applique ? the fitted waist also has the same treatment. the back of the bodice has a v-shape back with a metal zipper. the skirt is pleated as shown in the photo.

 

close up of bodice

 

Pretty Easter color! I am guessing more 60s on this. It looks to have a pretty deep hem?

 

Hi, looks early 60s.

 

I'd agree with eyelet lace too. Such a pretty dress. Perfect for spring - lovely!

 

I was going to say late 50's, so I bow to the early 60's crowd. It reminds me a lot of the dress I wore to my 8th grade graduation. Yours almost looks as if it was originally white and then dyed.

 

thanks so much for all your expertise !

 

Yes, I agree that this dress was probably white originally and has been dyed. From the photo there looks to be a deep hem? In which case the original length of the skirt might move the date back into the late 50's.

 

I don't know -- I do find that MOST of my late 50's/early 60's dresses already have a very deep hem. Rather than being indicative of hemming, I find it to be more of a construction detail.

It's this very detail that's always lacking in modern reproductions and I think why their skirts never lay quite right.

 

Thank you Kristine for expanding and clarifying my response. You are right about deep hems for the period in question. I think though it's worth bringing up the point about hems as they do affect dating and also whether a vintage dress/skirt was altered. Having a petticoat in this case would also help.

 

Are you the one second to right in the front? Wearing the great necklace?

 

6th from the left?

=)

 

4th from the right?