Early '50s Gown

[lapoubellevintage]

Good morning everyone! I'd love some advice on this gown. It's a strapless gown with a boned velvet bodice. The skirt has a layer of taffeta covered with a layer of lace and there's a metal side zipper. My guess on date was early '50s, does that sound about right? Also, you can kind of see in the first photo that the taffeta hangs a few inches lower than the lace layer. I can't find any signs of a hem being let down so I'm wondering if this is a typical style or if I should have it hemmed to be the same length as the lace. Thanks for your help!

 

[Jonathan]

Was it dry cleaned? because bias cut materials often become misshapen when they are cleaned, so the net may have shrunk and the taffeta stretched.

 

[lapoubellevintage]

That's a great point, I didn't think of that. I personally haven't dry cleaned the dress but it's possible that it was cleaned by a previous owner.

 

[Sky Ranch Vintage]

It can also become this way from hanging on a hanger for many years. I would have it professionally hemmed by someone who knows how to handle vintage so that it's even.

 

[lapoubellevintage]

Thanks for the advice, I'll have it hemmed! Would you agree with the early '50s date?

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

I think it might be from the late 40s. Sometimes it's very difficult when you don't have the item in hand. I can actually visualize this as having a matching bolero jacket.
It is gorgeous...I can see Rita Hayworth in this style of dress!