Category Archives: dressy

Let’s Go to the Formal Dance 1953 – Here’s the True Vintage Prom Dress, Pretty in Pink

It’s the real deal, which belonged to a family member. With ruching on the bodice and tulle overall it looks confining but the full skirt and midi-length let her rock around the clock to her heart’s content. This was an off-the-rack confection to make her special day perfect. It was probably the Prom, but could easily have been a for a St. Valentine’s Day event. A shawl or little bolero jacket would have carried her through to midnight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Two True Vintage Sophisticated Early1960’s White Frocks – for a Modern Wedding?

These lovely dresses are so similar that they should be shown together. Gorgeous dresses with beautiful textured fabric, fitted sheath style with unique bodice design and impeccable tailoring. Both so flattering with body-skimming fit and defined waistlines. So non-traditional, but perfect as wedding costumes – don’t you think?

Unusual and wonderful finds!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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True Vintage Early 1960’s White Formal Gown – Wedding Alternative?

With lots of lovely embroidery, this gown could go to the Prom or the church. The layers of sheer fabric over opaque, bell-shaped skirts and sheath styles carried over from the late 1950’s to the 1960’s. Very much a Barbie-style dress.

Elegant and sophisticated, but this one was also priced in the mid-range – available to the average gal. Up through the mid-century decades – stay tuned . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Another Frothy 1950’s – Early 1960’s Formal Dress

I’ll keep jumping around here a bit between formal and special occasion dresses and wedding costumes. In some cases there’s such an overlap that the archives are mixed. This very pale green frock is notable for the unusual bodice treatment which makes it look like an earlier version from this time frame. Look how the sheer fabric is ruched around the neckline and makes cap sleeves. The huge front bow is very Fifties.

However, some of the more conservative styles or those targeting younger buyers tend to look older than their more modern counterparts even when they were made at the same time. Otherwise, the tailoring and general style puts it right in the Post-war/Kennedy era time frame. It all adds to the mystery.

This dress is just too sweet for words and, I’d guess, was designed for teenagers. Might have been a Prom dress or an early ’50’s party dress. It could even have been worn by a bridesmaid. Although it might have been worn in the winter, looks to me like it’s definitely for Spring. Back to the mid-century weddings tomorrow, if that’s your fave. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Sweet 1960’s Long Dress for a Special Occasion – Wedding?

A really pretty formal gown with a wasp waist, cummerbund effect, scooped neckline and short sleeves. I’d put it in the 1960’s, but could be slightly older or slightly newer. Very classic. I’d also guess that it was made for a Teen or young woman, but who knows. Bridal, Prom or other special event – there’s no other clue; just absolutely beautiful tailoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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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 Silk Dress – The Holidays with Marilyn Monroe?

A little bit of Va-Va-Voom and a lot of emerald green luxury. This baby went to a lot of parties and maybe should have been part of my Christmas line-up. It’s probably a little newer than the 1950’s, but reminds me of the white dress Marilyn wore in her iconic photo standing over the subway grate. It’s a classic style, harking back to Grecian gowns and should be included in any vintage party dress run-down. Must have been gorgeous when it was new.

After this little digression, we’ll return to mid-century frocks that are ready to rock tomorrow. 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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True Vintage Early 1950’s Party Dress in Pure White

This could also have been a bridal costume. I’ll be showing more of these in the near future. Here’s the sheer overdress again. The sheer bodice around neckline and shoulders was a common feature of dressier frocks in the 1940’s and early ’50’s, in my sleuthing experience. White dressy dresses were often seen, too, during the months after the Holidays when minds are in the midst of icy winter but thinking about Spring.

The sheer fabric overdress with embroidered design shows up again and again across decades. This frock has an attached crinoline to give the iconic pouf skirt profile. What more can I say – perfection. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM