What was this eyelet dress used for?

[zannew]

Is this a slip or a dress? I found it at an estate sale next to a 1940s eyelet wedding dress and originally thought it was meant to be worn under it but now I don't think so. Any ideas?

 

[Catbooks1940s]

it's a dress. is there a zipper up the back?

 

[zannew]

No, there is just a hook and eye at the waist in back.

 

[Lady Scarletts]

Looks like a dress to me . Most likely it had an underslip . A real beauty!

 

[zannew]

You think 1940s?

 

[Better Dresses Vintage]

That is so pretty!

 

[MagsRags]

My first thought was a dress worn with an underslip too, but I've never seen one that was open in the back.

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

Are you sure it doesn't open in the front?

 

[MagsRags]

The bodice darts suggest not

 

[cotmyey]

They could also be back darts. IF the last picture is shown on the mannique front, the shoulder seams seem to sit to far forward, and the neckline is terribly high. I would like to see pictures of it on the manni the other way around.

 

[Pinkcoke]

Yes I'm inclined to agree with Gayle it may be on the manni backwards, there are no bust darts on the side you have shown from the front, causing the arms to gape somewhat. I take it there is no fastening at the top of the neck too?
I have a 1950's dress that has a chiffon overdress that fastens at the front with only a hook and eye (and then a matching belt goes over this).

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

That is what I thought with the sleeves and darts. An over dress that opens down the front.

 

[zannew]

I believe you are right! Those are back darts. I have pictured it with the "back" in the front now, and with a periwinkle blue slip underneath. It looks right to me now. What do you think? I found it with an eyelet wedidng dress from the 1940s. I wonder if this could have been her "going away" outfit? Do you think it's from the 40s as well?

Thanks!

 

[Vinclothes]

Yes, I think it could be from the 1940's.
Marian

 

[MagsRags]

That looks much better!