Please help with dating on this cute dress

Well I'm back from my cross country road trip, helping my sister move to Florida and I picked up this cute dress along the way! The bright color and pattern on this dress really caught my eye. I'm not sure if it's 40s or 50s, but I'm leaning towards 50s. Can someone confirm? It has a side metal zipper and it is ankle length. I always get confused with styles like this. Also, what would you call it? A housedress,hostess dress, sundress?

Thanks Theresa

Blue Velvet Vintage

 

Hi Theresa,

I would call it "Patio Party Sizzle! Knockout 50s Summer Dress!"

Love, love, love this! The colour, the print - and that
full, full skirt and tight bodice styling (my favorite!).

I'm leaning towards a cusper on this - late 40s, early
50s.

Super find!

Sue

 

I thought earlier rather than later too.

Have you noticed we've had a few dresses lately that look like tablecloths or drapes?

Brenda

 

I think it's earlier than 50s, too. Late 40s, or maybe even very late 30s through 41?

Lizzie

 

That is so nice! I agree. I think you would be safe in saying 40s.

 

Oh, that is a great dress!! What a nice souvenier ;) Glad to have you back, btw........

Gail

 

Finally able to get back here. Wasn't able to log in for a while but it's fixed now! Anyway, thanks everyone for your advice. I like the term patio dress. Now could someone please tell me what elements of this dress make you think it's 40s rather than 50s. Please bear with me as I'm trying to learn. Dresses like this always confuse me. So if someone more experienced with dating could tell me what to look for to help narrow it down I would be eternally grateful! Is it just the overall style or are there individual details you look for?

Thanks Theresa