I guess it’s just the high neckline. Lots of dresses from the early ’70’s (except the hippy/prairie/boho styles that were popular then) have a very innocent, girlish look about them. Have you seen the Prom dresses from that time? Watch the movie Footloose.
This one is unremarkable in its tailoring, but it was just that ’70’s cache’ that made me bring it home. I must admit, it is a very classic style and can be done beautifully if it’s with quality materials and exceptional workmanship. But this one just takes us on a daydream journey back 40 years.
It’s fun to watch old movies from that time (or That ’70s Show, I guess), just to see how awful some of the clothing was. Uh, oh – I’m going to get myself into some big trouble here.
But seriously, the dance scene from Footloose is a good tutorial on ’70’s Prom dresses and a real feel-good sequence, too, if you like dancing. And this is the general style line that both Grace Kelly and Kate Middleton wore as their wedding gowns – but you have to close your eyes to imagine it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
A lovely swing dress, of two layers, with a circle skirt and lace mesh overlay. This is so pretty!
It’s got a v-neck front and back, with a long side zipper. It swings and sways and such a flattering fit. I just love that cafe au lait color.
I believe that the fabric is rayon, at least for the dress underneath. That fabric was SO commonly used during the ’40’s. It can pose some care issues, but it has such nice qualities otherwise that it’s usually worth it.
This is not a Here I am. Look at ME!! dress, but once you’re seen, you won’t be forgotten. Best not to choose it when you’re going incognito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’m not sure where this would have been worn in the late 1940’s or early ’50’s. Probably to a party, dance or some dressy but non-formal event.
It’s beautiful in it’s cut and drape. The back has a low dip (not to the waist). There’s a bit of Grecian feel to it with the folds around the bodice. Just another of those lovely frocks that women loved then.
The fabric is relatively heavy – a polished cotton in medium aquamarine blue. Maybe it’s cornflower blue. The welts across the skirt add to the quintessentially beautiful tailoring we almost always see from that time.
The skirt is almost a full circle, so it’s just made for dancing. There’s no crinoline – so it is from before “that” time, though you could easily put one under, and maybe someone did . … . .. you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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