Advice on this 1940s dress please!

Tabbyannabel

Tabbyannabel

Registered Guest
Another amazing find from the "halloween costume" section at the thrift store!

I'm thinking this is 1940s (?). It has the hugest shoulder pads. It is hand sewn, the label has been cut out but there is an old size label of 16, has two older style metal talon zips (back and side) and the most gorgeous beading.

My question is do you think the gold threading near the bottom is original? It is hand sewn on. Also, would love any opinions on age and style!!

Thank you so much.
Tina 0001T1.jpeg0001Dx.jpeg00011u.jpeg0001F6.jpeg0001xW.jpeg0001Li.jpeg
 
Gorgeous! It certainly looks 1940's to me, perhaps on the earlier side - thinking that bias panel at the stomach was carried over from 30's styling.
It's very hard to say if the gold plaited trim is original from here, we got some in on our haberdashery stall only this week and I swear it's nearly identical - all I can suggest is that you put it next to similar gold covered thread trims on the top and compare the tarnishing - it should be a similar level if it has been there since it was made. It's not hiding a seam is it? I also wondered at the height it has been sewn on - if it were done in the 70's say, somebody was trying to replicate the ruffle effect on a straight skirt - that line is where a 70's ruffle would go!
P.S. I'm wondering if those shoulderpads are replacements or were added later - it's such a contrasting fabric - usually they match or at least blend in.
 
You have been lucky at those racks this year, Tina!

That is gorgeous and I would agree with 1940s on this one. It's difficult to say about the gold ribbon on the bottom if it is original.
Is it very well sewn on? Personally, I think it might look better without it. Let's see what others have to say.
 
Just realised my photographs arent the best! Was trying to get them down before the sun set! I feel the dress would look better without the gold trim too. The more I look the more I think it's not original. The dress has black threading while the gold trim is hand sewn in gold thread. Do you think I should try to remove it (it's attached by very wide loose stitching) or leave it alone?
 
I made an executive decision and removed the gold threading and I could almost hear the dress thanking me as I was pulling out the stitches! Looks so much better and your eye is completely drawn to the bodice now instead of the gold band.
 
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