Help dating cotton dress - center metal zip is throwing me off!

[DaisyandStella]

Hi all,
I have vintage cotton print dress with princess seams and a slightly flared aline silhouette.
A lot of 60s dresses have this type of silhouette, however, the center metal zip closure and ruffles are throwing me off a bit. The lace trim at neckline was added at a later point, but I still am getting an older vibe with this dress. Maybe it's the lace playing tricks on me. Any help dating would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Brooke

 

[Pinkcoke]

can you see any evidence of a previous side opening? (different thread/stitching to either side) does the zip stitching/thread match say the inside neck seam?

 

[DaisyandStella]

can you see any evidence of a previous side opening? (different thread/stitching to either side) does the zip stitching/thread match say the inside neck seam?

The stitching / thread matches on both sides, with exception to lace collar which has larger cream hand stitches on inner side.
I don't see anything resembling a previous side opening. I do have a picture of the cotton backing a small part of zipper - could the dress have been older and re-worked later on to add the zipper?

 

[TangerineBoutique]

could the dress have been older and re-worked later on to add the zipper?

I was wondering that myself.

 

[Vinclothes]

I agree that it may have been redone. My first thought when I saw it, was that it was a costume. The center front zipper would make it easy to get into and out of. The print certainly looks older, maybe even 1930's.
Marian

 

[DaisyandStella]

I agree that it may have been redone. My first thought when I saw it, was that it was a costume. The center front zipper would make it easy to get into and out of. The print certainly looks older, maybe even 1930's.
Marian

Thank you Marian! This makes more sense as I do believe the print / fabric is older than the updated styling.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Like many home made garments, this is a tricky one to date but I'm getting a '60s feel and here's why:

• 1950s metal zipper
• cotton bias binding trim on ruffles and sleeves has been top stitched (an earlier dress would have been sewn differently)
• the bright print and the light cotton - could be earlier but I'm getting a '60s feel.
• I agree that the lace collar is an addition and I think it's throwing the date off even though we know it's not original.

The key to this dress is the construction: can you please tell us how the seams and hem have been sewn or better still, provide a photo. Thank you.