Need help dating lace dress - and advise on repair

[zannew]

Hello,

I have a beautiful lace dress that has some condition issues, especially with the lining. There are numerous tears to the lining, especially the nude color that is at the bodice. Besides that there are tears in the skirt of the lining and a few places on the lace of the sleeves. Would you suggest having the lining replaced? What date would you give this dress? There is a side zipper but I think it is probably a replacement. Thank you very much for your help.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Your dress is likely to be from the early '30s: usually the lace is fragile and they don't have linings. I wonder if yours has been added? In any case, it's too damaged to worry about repairing, if it's been added, you could remove it. The zipper and shoulder pads were probably added in the '40s, most I find are just pop over the head without openings. They were usually worn with brightly coloured slips underneath.