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Assistance With Dating this Dress - 30s or 40s?

Discussion in 'PUBLIC Vintage Fashion - Ask Questions Get Answers' started by QVintage, Jan 23, 2020.

  1. QVintage

    QVintage Registered Guest

    Hello all!

    I would love your help dating this piece. At first glance, I thought "well, this is clearly 40s," but now, I'm not so sure.

    There is no metal zip, closes with hook/eyes and buttons only.

    I've included many photos and a shot of the seams.

    I'm working so hard at improving my dating skills, but I know the real secret is time and experience. I'd love also please any dating resources/books you've found helpful.
    unnamed-4.jpg unnamed-1.jpg unnamed.jpg unnamed-2.jpg unnamed-3.jpg
    I so appreciate your time and input. Thank you.
     
  2. Vinclothes

    Vinclothes Alumni +

    Does it have shoulder pads? The hem seems very wide, where would the skirt fall on a person of average height? Interesting dress.
    Marian
     
  3. Rue_de_la_Paix

    Rue_de_la_Paix VFG Member

    Could be late 1930s. Love to see it on a real person or dress form. And know the length. I like the way the skirt is styled. Material looks like a rayon crepe or silk crepe.
     
  4. vivavintageclothing

    vivavintageclothing VFG Member

    Any chance that it is on your mannequin backwards? It looks like it could be the case, if the draped section is intended to be more like a peplum/bustle. It does look circa late 1940s, to me, especially is the draped section is meant to be at the back.
     
  5. QVintage

    QVintage Registered Guest

    Hey here it is on me, it's pretty long and I'm 6 feet tall! (Ignore my pretentious expression!) unnamed-6.jpg I'd also love to hear if yall think it's on backwards, as I struggled with that decision myself. Only reason I did place the buttons in front was because on what I'm wearing as the back, there's a line across the middle of the upper back (or chest, if backwards) that looked out of place.

    Thank you all so much!
     
    themerchantsofvintage likes this.
  6. QVintage

    QVintage Registered Guest

    Thank you so much for your response -- I posted another picture of me actually wearing it in this thread, I'd so appreciate your input on the "is this backward or not" vote -- I too struggled with that.
     
    vivavintageclothing likes this.
  7. QVintage

    QVintage Registered Guest

    Hi there, thank you for your help. There are no shoulder pads, and on me (6 feet) the skirt falls below the knee, mid-calf. On a more normal sized woman (lol) it would maybe be at or close to ankle length.
     
  8. MagsRags

    MagsRags VFG President Staff Member

    The longer skirt length and side seam buttons would suggest 30s.
     
  9. Luna Junction

    Luna Junction VFG Member

    Just a thought: anyone see late teens/Edwardian, but hemmed shorter?
     
  10. Jonathan

    Jonathan VFG Member

    I have to say it looks like the buttons and bustle should be at the back to me too, in which case the dress is c. 1948ish
     
    QVintage likes this.
  11. Lady Scarletts

    Lady Scarletts VFG Member

    I agree with Jonathon Late 40's. Bustle should be in back.
     
  12. northstarvintage

    northstarvintage Administrator Staff Member

    It looks great on you!
     
  13. Midge

    Midge Super Moderator Staff Member

    I'd put the buttons and bustle-like thing in the back too. Happened to me with a 30s dress... wore it back to front because I thought that the buttons should go in the front. Wore it to work like that :hysterical:.
     
  14. QVintage

    QVintage Registered Guest

    Thank you so much! Personally I think it looks fun both ways but obviously don't want to misrepresent it on a professional level. I think the general consensus is that I have it on backward. So appreciate the input!
     
  15. QVintage

    QVintage Registered Guest

    Thank you, Susan! Being in front of the camera isn't comfortable for me so I'm trying!
     
  16. QVintage

    QVintage Registered Guest

    Thank you for your input!
     
    Lady Scarletts likes this.
  17. QVintage

    QVintage Registered Guest

    Thank you, Jonathan. It seems as though 40s is the consensus here, as it the reversal. I so appreciate it!
     

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