what era do you think? I'M STUMPED!

T

theparaders

Registered Guest
This dress is a maxi dress with a very full skirt, metal zipper at the nape of the neck, dotted swiss cotton? (the dots are on the outside of the fabric) with a high collar. I'm so confused on this one. What does everyone think? I originally thought the 50s...but the skirt is too long, the 70s...but there's a metal zipper, the 30s...but the construction seems too late. Hmmmm.
 
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I would say 70s I have a sheer spotty dress with the same 'outline' including small waist, frilled skirt and high neck.
Not sure what you objected to in the metal zip - they're still being made and used today and even if it wasn't so common for the time if it's handmade they probably used an old one out the sewing box.
 
I'm getting a late 60s/early 70s prairie vibe from it, the silhouette and the design elements. Those sleeve frills look to be crystal pleated nylon? I've never seen that used except for lingerie prior to that point. I think it was probably custom sewn, and as Pinkcoke said, seamstresses use what's handy and dating can get more challenging.
 
I feel 70s, home sewn so she used metlal zipper. I agree that likely a costume or "theme" piece. Also the dots (if they are fuzzy/velvety) is called dotted swiss.
 
In 1976 these type of dresses were very popular for the Bicentennial. The pattern companies all sold patterns for Colonial costumes that looked like this. You could also make a long apron to wear over it. The fact that yours is red, white, and blue points to this also.
 
I agree with Jody and with Nicole! Even without the helpful information relating to the Bicentennial and the 1976 reference -I am not from the USA - this reproduction dress is loosely based on a pattern from the 18th century.It's costume.
 
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