Category Archives: 1959

Another Mid-Century Bridal Fashion

Was that really a bride’s dress yesterday? Well, here’s what her matron of honor or one of her bridesmaids might have worn. Again we’re in the middle to late 1950’s to the early 1960’s for the date of this costume. The New Look Post-war design and below-knee hemlines are still popular. It’s made from a common, mid-weight synthetic fabric that has a nice gloss, with classic fitted styling and it’s own unique tailoring details. There is an attached netting crinoline layer under the skirt for gentle pouf.

Not designed to steal the bride’s thunder, but still very attractive. The virginal veil headdress, dipping neckline, wasp waist fitting and flouncy skirt in back do make the rear view a bit flirtatious. Some of the best fashion designs have combined both demure and come-hither vibes with genius artistry.

Here’s one other possibility which adds to the mystery – this might actually have been the bride’s dress, if it wasn’t her first wedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stay tuned –

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Mid-Century Party Wedding Prom Dress

A bit of a confusing style – not sure where this frock landed back in the day. The little paper tag peeking out from the neckline in back tells us that it was an off-the-rack garment. Looks like a hybrid cocktail wedding dress. White, with glitzy beaded “cummerbund” effect around the front waist and a short formal length. The shoulder tails are a clue which points specifically to the late 1950’s – early 1960’s when these were having a come-back. Pretty on a wedding or party style but a bit awkward for dancing.

Whatever it was intended to be or ended up being, it’s gorgeous and sophisticated. I’m sure the lucky gal enjoyed it. More to come. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Another Mid-Century Party Frock, This One in Spring Green

Stylistically, almost identical to the one shown a couple of days ago excepting that this one has a different tailoring on the bodice. When sleuthing, it’s been so much fun to find dresses of this type and to notice that they are very individual, even though they come from the same time and the same category. Again, we’ve got the sheer elbow-length sleeves, so I would say that this dress comes from the identical 1950’s – early 1960’s decade.

What a perfect color for this time of year – the pastels always are ready to come out in force after New Year’s Day. Again, an early Prom dress?; possibly. Possibly was worn as part of a bridal party. Bridesmaid, Maid of Honor or maybe even the bride. More to come – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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True Vintage Late 1950’s – Early 1960’s Party Dress with Sleeves!

Such a pretty style and color! In a dark salmon pink, with the unusual sleeve design and waistline embroidered smocking. It’s not an in-your-face sexy style, or even close, but it has all the design hallmarks we’ve been seeing with regard to the fabric, fitted bodice, cinched waist, pouf skirt and tailoring detail. A bit high-waisted, as many of the dresses of the Forties and Fifties tended to be. Perhaps they fit most women’s bodies better at that time. I can never get over the generous hem allowances to die for.

This could have been a prom gown when they were still wearing below-the-knee styles. Maybe even a bridesmaid dress. It’s a real confection, like a strawberry or mid-century powder puff. Makes me think of another holiday that’s coming up soon. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Heading Toward Spring – Another Pretty Party Frock from the Mid-Century

Still from the same genre and general Post-war Mid-century era as the dresses I’ve been showing since before Christmas, but this frock is so much more Spring-like because of the color. Feels like we’re already looking toward Easter or Prom. I suspect that this one might be just a little bit newer than the one shown yesterday, but it has some conflicting clues with regard to the tailoring and fabric. Unlike yesterday’s, it does have attached stiffening in the skirt and a slightly shorter hemline, though still below the knee. Dating it right between 1955 and 1962 would be accurate.

The butter yellow is different but the most distinctive feature is the neckline. Love the drape in front and the LONG tails in back. The wasp-waist fitting is always stunning on those who wear it well. As we begin to get away from the darker colors and heavier fabrics, the undergarments become critical. Stay tuned . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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It’s Still Party Season in Beautiful Mid-century Dresses

Since I tend to sleuth in out of the way places, all my discoveries are happy surprises but I remember this one as being especially so. A gorgeous 1950’s – early 1960’s frock worthy of Grace Kelly. Looks wonderful on Stella, too. Unusual color combo looks great whatever the season.

Like many of the dressier dresses of this time, it has a sheer layer over an opaque liner. This skirt could accommodate a crinoline but doesn’t have one attached. From the time of WWII, with slacks for women becoming popular, women began having more freedom in their choice of clothing and how to wear it.

What a beautiful example from that Post-war decade! We’re on a roll – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A Lighter Brighter Rosy Red Party Dress from the Kennedy Era Mid-century

This little frock has the hallmarks of being from the Kennedy Era – the 4-5 year period around the transition from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. It still has some of the fussy tailoring of the Fifties, but is simpler. The fabric is heavy, though not true taffeta, and the A-line skirt still has a somewhat stiff underskirt to support the all-important shape. Elbow-length sleeves are great for the season and are a little more informal than sleeveless designs. Could be worn to a cocktail party, though very different from the usual LBD.

The bow detail is iconic of the time and emphasizes an empire waistline, still with the wasp waist fitting. If you look closely at the photo of the back, you can see one of the best styling features, in my opinion. the bow has LONG and WIDE tails that extend to the hemline and add a bit of sophistication and very interesting movement to the design. Again, very demure and tiny but could have been styled for and worn either by an older Teen or by an adult woman. Only a size label or, less likely to be found, a brand label will help answer this question. I’m sure this was an off-the-rack garment, so best guess is you’d be lucky to find, if they haven’t already been removed, a tag with size and/or inventory info and/or a Ladies Garment Worker label. Valuable clues all!

An interesting time for ladies’ dressy garments. So much change happening. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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True Vintage 1950’s to early 1960’s Semi-formal Special Occasion Dress

Powder pink frock for a special occasion. Love the long sleeves with our current weather and I’m happy with the color that doesn’t feel like Winter. It’s not a Prom dress, but could have been worn to any dressy dance party, a recital or . . . . . . . . . . . . . Very demure, but gives a nod to formal wear with a sheer bodice and scooped back. Of course, it has the 3-layer pouf skirt with stiff attached crinoline, acetate/rayon opaque layer and a gauzy synthetic overskirt that was iconic in the Fifties, up to the very early Sixties. Naturally, the stiletto pumps are mandatory.

Despite it’s tiny size, I believe that this frock was sold in the Misses Department (probably size 10) rather than as a Junior size. Just goes to show how our Misses sizes have changed over the decades. A modern size 10 now would hang like a tent on Stella – a 1950’s size 10 is equal to a current size 2. Perplexing, but the clues all fit together. Go figure (no pun intended) and stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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UNIQUE AND NON-TRADITIONAL MID-CENTURY 2-PIECE COCKTAIL DRESS

Late 1950’s – early 1960’s cocktail/dinner 2-piece dress in a surprising cadet blue color. How could I not have collected this one? It’s not eccentric at all, but I love the original and surprising vibe when a black frock would have been expected. In a substantial knit fabric and with a flattering pencil/wiggle cut that accentuates the figure but is also very “proper”. It ticks all the boxes for lower to mid-priced elegance. No jewelry needed excepting some stud earrings and perhaps a cocktail ring.

Many well-dressed women during the Kennedy Era could have worn this ensemble with confidence. While not a garment for those socializing in the “highest circles”, an average gal might have gathered some lingering looks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Unique 1950’s True Vintage LBD Cocktail Dress – Party On!

Any time there’s a special event or holiday, a true vintage little black dress will never let you down. This one is so unusual, I had to slip it into the line of bright and colorful frocks that I’ve been showing. Not an easy fit for everyone, but if you’ve got the shoulders to support the neckline and a tiny waist like Stella, it’s absolutely stunning. The drape of the bodice is genius and the fabric flower at the waist adds even more interest without any need to be flashy.

Jewelry should be sophisticated but simple. Diamond stud earrings or gold, or pearls. Absolutely NO statement necklaces to detract from that beautiful neckline and maybe no necklace at all. If more bling is desired, a delicate but luxurious bracelet or watch would be nice. Back in the day beautiful tiny watches in gold or platinum with diamonds were not unusual for those who could afford to splurge on them. Of course, a cocktail ring is always acceptable with a dress like this but, again, the jewelry should not overpower the dress, which is the star of this show. And, the show must go on. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM