Can you please help me date this unlabeled tuxedo dress?

[LeAnne Lerner]

There aren’t any labels, the original owner had many of her clothes custom made and most are from the 50s-70s.

The fabric itself has stripes and it is unlined. The neck and bow are satin. There aren’t any zippers or buttons, snaps, or anything. It’s a true pull-on style. There isn’t a slit in the skirt so it’s more of a wiggle dress.

There is a fake left breast pocket.

Thank you so much for any help!
LeAnne

 

[denisebrain]

Hi LeAnne,

I'm trying to picture how this would pull on without any fastener. Is pinned to fit on the mannequin? Is the fabric at all stretchy?

 

[LeAnne Lerner]

It’s crazy, there’s no fastener of any kind and the fabric is not stretchy! The front doesn’t open, there are no side zippers or anything. I’m totally stumped.

 

[LeAnne Lerner]

It is not pinned at all to fit the mannequin. It measured: 38-32-37. The original owner was smaller than that, her waist was usually closer to 25”.

 

[denisebrain]

Interesting. It really isn't fitted at the waist then, so it is not a sheath. Do you know what the fabric is? Are there shoulder pads?

 

[LeAnne Lerner]

I don’t know what the fabric is, but I suspect there is wool in it. There are really thin shoulder pads.

 

[denisebrain]

And the shoulder pads, what are they made of?

 

[LeAnne Lerner]

Just fabric, satiny, maybe an extra layer of fabric inside of them.

 

[denisebrain]

Last question: Do you have a photo of the inside (shoulder pads, inseams)?

I'm getting a (gorgeous and well-made) 1990s vibe but you seem to be saying it must be earlier. It would help to see the inside.

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

I, too, immediately thought 90s.
Very nice!

 

[CatsLikeUs]

My vote is 90s too.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

90s here as well.

 

[Midge]

My thought as well... 90s. It's gorgeous!

 

[Vinclothes]

Marilyn Monroe, it is said, was sewn into a dress?! I'm puzzling over no openings. I see 1990's, too.
Marian