Help dating dress

Vintagiality

Vintagiality

VFG Treasurer
Hi all,

I think this dress is from the 80s, possibly 80s does 40s but wanted to see if the experts agree. What throws me off is the fact that there are absolutely no shoulder pads and that veil/ lace cape which I wouldn't have associated with the 80s. What do you guys think? And how would you describe this dress style?

Thank you
Victoria
IMG_8754.JPG IMG_8755.JPG IMG_8756.JPG IMG_8757.JPG IMG_8758.JPG IMG_8759.JPG
 
Shoulder pads weren't required in the 80s, although frequently found. They may also have been removed by the wearer who felt they didn't need them, or at a later date when they weren't in fashion.
I would agree it's 1980s largely because of the polyester jersey which is so distinctive.
I would call it a cowl neck peplum dress. I think the belt should be the other way around, as the point would be uncomfortable and get damaged at the back.
I think the lace capelet is an addition because it covers the zip opening and it doesn't work with the cowl neck. I assume it's just tacked on? If so I would remove.
 
I agree with Melanie about the belt being back to front, and the mantilla being an unusual addition that would not have been worn with it originally. The dress looks very early '80s to me, prior to the big shoulder pad thing so it might not have them but if we could see the shoulder line it would be helpful - dresses with shoulder pads need broader shoulders to accommodate them.

Also, this one seems to have a topstitched hem. If that's the case, it's probably been shortened in modern times as hems were usually finished off properly in the '80s. The hem treatment should be the same on both hem and peplum, unless the peplum is lined.
 
Thank you all!!! I think you are right that the mantilla has been added later although it seems to to be perfect fit colorwise. The belt positioning is definitely my fault as I frankly had no idea which side was supposed to point up but I guess I am not sure about the back to front comment. Are you saying that the point needs to point upwards or that the buckle needs to be in the back?

I think the finish on the peplum is different from the one on the bottom seam but not sure. Here are a couple of pictures of the hem of both.
IMG_9486.JPG IMG_9487.JPG

On a separate note, has VFG ever considered creating a resource of the names of various aspects of clothing design - things like peplums, cowl collars, ascot ties, blouson tops (which I just learned yesterday) or even what a mantilla is (which I learned just now) :)?. These are the kinds of things I struggle the most with when trying to describe an item with a very distinctive element. I have learned over time the names of some of these but it would be exceptionally helpful if the experts can put together a visual dictionary of sorts. Just a thought :)

Thank you everyone again.

Victoria
 
The buckle would go at the back, with the point facing down at the front, to align with the peplum shape.

Victoria if you search 'dress styles' on Pinterest there are quite a few illustration boards for shapes and styles like that.
 
Is there any evidence at the interior shoulder that pads had been there but were removed? Once the fad for huge shoulders passed, people often removed them (thus, the ubiquitous "drawer full of shoulder pads."

The fabric is totally 80s, as is the zipper placement at center back. A 40s peplum dress will almost always be rayon crepe and have a partial zipper at the left side, like this one does:
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