What era is this dress?

[EmmaAlsop]

Hi everyone, I'm new to vintage and I bought this dress from a thrift shop. I was told this was vintage but I think the label looks modern. I can't find any other tags on it, including for washing instructions. love any advice. Is it modern or maybe 80s? Thanks, Emma.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Hi Emma, and welcome to the VFG. You've probably discovered that there is a fashion retailer in Scotland of that name, but they only opened in 2011. "Ruben Rouge" means red ribbon so there are sure to be others.

You're right that the style looks vintage, inspired by the '50s-early '60s I'd say but the top-stitched neckline suggests it's more modern (that's what it looks like, if it's not top-stitched, do let me know). Are there any other labels, say down a side seam? Is it a metal or nylon zipper? Are there any bust darts or is it just shaped into the waist?

If there are no labels, can you let us know the measurements as that can help date: bust, waist, hip and shoulder to waist. Thanks.

 

[EmmaAlsop]

Hi Emma, and welcome to the VFG. You've probably discovered that there is a fashion retailer in Scotland of that name, but they only opened in 2011. "Ruben Rouge" means red ribbon so there are sure to be others.

You're right that the style looks vintage, inspired by the '50s-early '60s I'd say but the top-stitched neckline suggests it's more modern (that's what it looks like, if it's not top-stitched, do let me know). Are there any other labels, say down a side seam? Is it a metal or nylon zipper? Are there any bust darts or is it just shaped into the waist?

If there are no labels, can you let us know the measurements as that can help date: bust, waist, hip and shoulder to waist. Thanks.

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I'm loving vintage at the moment and already have a couple 50s/60s dresses I'm loving wearing to work! The zipper is metal and centre back. I did see the Scottish store but the logo is completely different. The fabric is also odd for a modern dress and the pattern is odd for a modern outfit. The fabric feels like linen. But I am new to dating clothing.

Emma

 

[Midge]

I agree, the print of the fabric looks vintage, but like Nicole said, there are those modern-looking elements. Can you show a close-up of the zipper and zipper pull please? From what I can see it looks modern-ish too, but there's not a lot I can see right now. Sometimes the modern companies do get the vintage look right and an item might look deceptively vintage, so it comes down to the details to help decide what it really is. I had a H&M dress about 15 years ago that was one such example.