How about a little break from the coats right now? I promise, there will be more coming. 2 piece dresses like this were all the rage in the early mid-century and many women who lived in the Southwest United States or had the leisure to travel there had a dress like this hanging in their closet. The color combos varied across the spectrum and this black and gray one is somewhat unusual.

What I love even more than the ease and comfort of the lightweight cotton and circle skirt freedom are the design elements of the garments made in that era. The blouse closes with a side zipper from waist to near the underarm on the left – a feature rarely seen. There’s also a side zip just below that, on the left side. 3/4 sleeves and a high neckline make it very easy to wear and also provide some sun protection. Not surprising that would have been important in the Southwestern states. Women living there often wore these dresses everyday, just as women in the northern states wore their cotton shirtwaist frocks.

Yes, it was a very middle-class thing, but so much of the best-loved and iconic true vintage wardrobe was just that. Perfect for the agent who takes care not to leave a trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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