help with dating a circa 1940s tulle and lace dress

[laurenm]

Hello everyone,
Would this be an over dress of some sort? I'm assuming it is not a slip because of the buttons at the back. I am also wondering if there is a term for those inset triangular almost muslin like pieces. Sorry about the photos not being on a model, this was the best I could do today. the skirt is very full.
thanks in advance.
Lauren

 

[Linn]

Lauren - this is lovely! I am seeing 1930's - and it definitely would have had a full length slip.

Linn

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

So pretty! I am not 100% sure, but the muslin inserts might be referred to as godets.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Lauren, I think it's an advantage to see the dress as you've displayed it, because it's easier to see through the fabric and get an idea of what's going on.

I agree with Linn, in that you have a late '30s evening gown. Originally it would have had a matching petticoat - but I think there have been some changes made to it, so that it could be worn without the petticoat.

The triangles in the bust look designed for modesty and hence, wearing without a petticoat - this alteration would have happened in the post-petticoat era I think, so '70s onwards, as our grandmothers would not have worn this dress with sheer panels.

Where ever this fabric has been added (and it would be easy enough to tell, if you could show a photo of the interior), an alteration has been made - so I think that some clever godets have been inserted around the hips and waist, probably to increase the size of the dress. The top was probably already quite loose, so didn't need inserts. The lady who did this was quite skillful.

I think something has been done with the sleeves too, and I don't like the way it hangs low under the arms - I almost wonder if pieces were taken out of the skirt and added to the bodice, perhaps that's how the bodice was enlarged in size?

It's quite lovely, and quite wearable - many laces of this era are too delicate to wear or wash.

 

[laurenm]

Thank you both for your info. It seems quite large...would it be worn quite loose?

 

[laurenm]

just bumped into you Nicole as we were posting...so thanks to you too! I'll get some photos tomorrow when the sun is back out here in this part of the world....it must be shining on you currently.

 

[foofoogal]

Exquisite.

 

[sewingmachinegirl]

Lauren that dress is SO beautiful, what a find!

 

[Jonathan]

It looks c. 1930-31 to me and it may have had a matching lace jacket and rhinestone buckled belt to go with it. I suspect there would have been a pink, form fitting (bias cut) slip underneath so there would be an illusion of layers of filmy chiffon and lace.

 

[laurenm]

here are some shots of the lining....Nicole....you are so right..I would have just thought it was part of the original construction, it almost looks like a cheesecloth of exactly the same shade: It looks great on....I love that about those 20s/30s dresses...they grab the body lines....thanks everyone for your help.