Two dresses - dating help

[dollsntrolls]

He will until you start finding him things he wants to keep and then you can't sell! And then he'll realize how lucky he is.

 

[plousia]

LOL he's a very plain guy - doesn't like wearing anything "different". If I found a nice flannel shirt or jeans, he'd wear them, but not because they were vintage :D

I've taken a couple photos of the mystery dress being worn, in the hopes that this may help clear up the mystery!

 

[JennieRage]

This is a Mennonite dress.

 

[plousia]

This is a Mennonite dress.

Ah ha, yes, that could be as well. That did occur to me. Is there anything in particular that makes you think so?

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

I don't believe it is Mennonite since it is a shiny fabric. They use only cotton.
And never pleating, that I have seen.
The same for the Amish.

I am in the part of the country with many Amish and Mennonite people.

 

[JennieRage]

Ah ha, yes, that could be as well. That did occur to me. Is there anything in particular that makes you think so?

The construction of the bodice is an Old Colony Mennonite ( aka Mexican Mennonite) style, as well as the pleats.
I am attaching photos of a dress that looks like yours with similar fabric & 2 snaps on the front panel.
Also adding a pic of a more colorful and lightweight one that has snaps on both sides of the panel.

 

[plousia]

The construction of the bodice is an Old Colony Mennonite ( aka Mexican Mennonite) style, as well as the pleats.
I am attaching photos of a dress that looks like yours with similar fabric & 2 snaps on the front panel.
Also adding a pic of a more colorful and lightweight one that has snaps on both sides of the panel.

Ah ha! I think we have finally cracked it. This explanation makes the most sense to me. Unless anyone comes up with a better one, I think we've solved this very puzzling dress. Thank you, although I don't imagine there's much market for Mennonite dresses and now I'm not sure what to do with it! It is beautifully made, anyway. This makes sense of the synthetic fabric and elastic waist, I think. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

 

[JennieRage]

I don't believe it is Mennonite since it is a shiny fabric. They use only cotton.
And never pleating, that I have seen.
The same for the Amish.

I am in the part of the country with many Amish and Mennonite people.

I am also in an area with a substantial population of Amish and Mennonites.
The ones here definitely use synthetic materials. In fact I see more polyester than cotton on them!
Maybe it is a location difference? I am in Ontario, Canada.

 

[plousia]

I am also in an area with a substantial population of Amish and Mennonites.
The ones here definitely use synthetic materials. In fact I see more polyester than cotton on them!
Maybe it is a location difference? I am in Ontario, Canada.

Oh me too!* We also have a lot of Mennonites but the dresses are a bit different, I think ? Although now that I know this I'll be surreptitiously observing them for their fashion!

*Also in Ontario, that is

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

I am in the US. Pennsylvania and old order Mennonite.
I see colorful prints, but, only in cotton.
So the location and order makes a difference.

Thanks for solving the mystery.