Dating an antique dress and what exactly is it?

[acceber]

I can gather that it’s an antique, at least. The collar and cuffs are silk. It’s small in the shoulders and huge everywhere else. There is a belt attached at the sides. I can’t tell if it’s supposed to close in the front or in the back. The snaps are at the very end of the belt too. The dress snaps down the front. Maybe it’s a dressing gown or something maternity-ish? It has two pleats down the center front and on the back.

 

[pastperfect2]

I am thinking a late 1919-1920-1921 day dress. You have it correctly on the form. The belt would also close in the front. The size would indeed be determined by the shoulder width and the armhole.

 

[acceber]

Thank you! I wonder if it’s possible to determine how the belt would go? I have it here tied rather loosely in front and thought to tuck the fabric back at the sides. It seems to work as it turns out there are seams just where it folds on either side, and then of course it enables you to see the front pleats clearly so that makes me feel I might be close. I’m just curious about the snaps on the belt. They must be there for some reason. The entire thing needs to be ironed and there is the remains of a spider nest too, blech. lol

 

[Jonathan]

I suspect it has a very straight silhouette and the belt snaps together for a matronly silhouette - and I do think this is made for an older woman.

 

[GemGem]

It may not be quite right but it reminds me of a maids dress (under the pinny) for a fancy house.

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

I agree with it being for someone with "an ample figure", so a larger length belt that snaps in the front

 

[pastperfect2]

I think it snaps as well - a very straight cut for an older gal.

 

[acceber]

I did wonder if it was for a larger person. Thank you very much!