Help Dating Sailor/Nautical Dress - 40's???

thevintagebungalow

thevintagebungalow

VFG Member
Help Dating Sailor/Nautical Dress - 40\'s???

Hello,
I found this great dress at an estate sale today. There weren't many things earlier than 60's (though someone could have beat me to those things). I found this dress in the basement and quickly grabbed it. I assumed it wasn't an early one but liked the style anyway. When I put it on my dummy, I changed my mind. I think it might be 40's. I believe it is gabardine. It is quite fitted, has a drop waist with a lip(?) and the skirt is pleated. It also has shoulder pads. The top button is MOP and looks quite old. I believe the bottom three were later replacements. Anyhoo, any info you could offer would be great. I'd like to get is listed as soon as possible unless you think listing it this time of year would be a mistake...
Thanks bunches,
Carrie
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Wow! I like the dress but I'm still a novice and the only help I can offer is in the way of vintage pearl buttons. If you'd like to replace the plastic ones with some mother of pearl of similar size let me know! I just took several days and sorted out thousands of buttons by material and I've got my pearls handy. Just let me know the size if you're interested!

Patti
 
Carrie - I've got thousands upon thousands of buttons (not including the actual collectible ones!) and I'll try my best to find a complete set for you for the other one!

patti
 
The only thing that would make me question the 40's date is those little threads on the side of the dress to keep the belt attached while it was still at the store. When did they start putting those on clothing.

Those loops are actually meant to be clipped off once you buy the dress and bring home, they were used only to keep the belt with the garment before being sold.
 
You have keen eyes! Yes, their are belt loops. The crazy part is they are completely cockeyed. One is much higher than the other one. The lady whose estate this came from was a dancer. She had square dance outfits and lots of dresses with full skirts and dance shoes. I'm wondering if she found this dress and wore it as a costume and made some adjustments, although I can't imagine why someone would move the belt loops. I'll definitely clip them off before listing. I believe the material is a gabardine. I'm terrible with fabrics but this is what it feels like to me. It is quite heavy but smooth. This is one of those dress styles that has come back so many times its hard to date. I'm still leaning towards the 40s though. Thanks everyone!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot! I was excited to hear that the belt strings are meant to be removed. I can't tell you how many times I've felt guilty about removing them when the belt was missing. Now I don't have to feel bad!

Carrie
 
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