Dating etc Miss Rita of California peony print 70's? maxi

Robin of Frocksley

Registered Guest
I consistently see dresses like this referred to as "boho" or "prairie" dresses. Is this 70's? Something about it seems 60's to me. Wondering if anyone has any info on Miss Rita as well. The fabric is pretty sheer and lightweight cotton, is it voile? Thanks so much!
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I find prairie dresses tend to have insert lace, boho tend to have flowing sleeves and/or voluminous skirts. I wouldn't apply either of those terms to your dress personally. I actually see a pilgrim style to your dress from the white collar and matching cuffs.
The waist seam shape is unusual, it would be interesting to see how this changes the shape of the dress when worn.
 
Mid 70s for dating on your cute dress, Robin. I had a dress nearly exactly like this in '74, although mine wasn't a Miss Rita label. And, yes, I would call those peonies, too.

I would refer to that as a shaped empire waistline; the cut of it would be flattering for the bust-line.

while yours does have neckline detailing, (btw, i would refer to that as contrast collar and cuffs, rather than pilgrim) I wouldn't categorize it as prairie dress, either.

Prairie dresses typically have a bit of a "country" look, often with tiered, ruffled hems; often with attention at the neckline of the bodice, lace ups, sometimes a bit lower cut. And, although some prairie dresses do have insert lace, that is not a requirement for prairie dresses, at all. these would be good examples of "prairie dresses" (btw, not my images, these are just from a google search):

vintage-70s-gunne-sax-dress-floral-prairie-hippie-boho-xs.jpg
Gunne_Sax_Corset_Dress_large.jpg
pink-9-13.jpg



I could see it as boho, though, which is short for bohemian, of course, and refers to the lifestyle of a person who would wear that sort of garment, rather than a set of details of a garment that designate that description. (bohemian: having informal and unconventional social habits.) although some garments can be boho and have flowing sleeves and voluminous skirts, that doesn't mean they have to include those details to be described as such.
 
I find prairie dresses tend to have insert lace, boho tend to have flowing sleeves and/or voluminous skirts. I wouldn't apply either of those terms to your dress personally. I actually see a pilgrim style to your dress from the white collar and matching cuffs.
The waist seam shape is unusual, it would be interesting to see how this changes the shape of the dress when worn.
Finally got this on my model:)
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