Need descriptive word for bodice of Emma Domb

[onceoza]

Can you help me please with the name for this bodice? The dress is semi off the shoulder. Found it at a thrift yesterday!

 

[retro ruth]

Gorgeous! What a score!

It's almost looks like a shelf bust, but it's a bit hard to say as it's not being properly filled by the dress form.

 

[onceoza]

I know about my sewing mannequin not being the best. Unfortunately, my home is about 900 square feet and the only place I have to take pictures is in front of a door. There is no place to put a full size mannequin. Shelf bust was my first thought too. It needs a serious pressing. Looks like it was stuffed in a drawer for 40 years!

 

[retro ruth]

I work in similarly confined spaces so I know how you feel.

I do think if that had the right bust inside it, it would look 'shelfy'!

 

[Sky Ranch Vintage]

That's a surplice bodice. Very pretty.

 

[onceoza]

Thanks. I googled surplice and it appears to be it.

 

[retro ruth]

Thanks Amber! I didn't know that term

 

[EndlessAlley]

What a fabulous dress! I was thinking shelf also. But I think Amber is spot on with surplice (new term for me also).

 

[Sky Ranch Vintage]

I always think of a shelf bust like the pictures below.

 

[MagsRags]

Agree with Amber. A shelf bust looks like it's in a sling