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TRUE VINTAGE 1960s – 1970s PATIO HOSTESS GOWN

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s - 1970s PATIO HOSTESS GOWN

Now that the weather hotter and sunnier we’re all thinking (or dreaming), of outdoor activities.  The idea of giving or going to casual parties (and what to wear) is all part of it.

In the early 1960’s patios and “patio parties” became the big rage.  People built patios onto their houses like crazy and all kinds of decorative lighting, furniture and dinnerware were sold especially for hosting these gatherings of neighbors and friends.

Hostess gowns in very casual styles and materials were all part of this wave, and they persisted into the mid-1970s.  Of course, long casual dresses have been around for a long time and still are, but the “hostess gown” is kind of a separate breed.

This one is typical.  Most of the earlier ones had a defined waist and, often, a belt.  They are a floor-length style that would also look good as a knee-length dress (hint-hint: if you find one you like but don’t want a gown, think about shortening it to a day dress).

I just love finding these dresses.  They really say summer fun in a very true vintage way. Get out the Tiki lanterns and the barbecue grill and have a blast!  If your patio is big enough, don’t forget the cha-cha and bossa nova records.  The girl from Ipanema might show up – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S DRESS FOR SUMMER PICNICS & OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

A TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960'S DRESS FOR SUMMER PICNICS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Between the Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends in the United States – the traditional beginning and ending of “summer” and outdoor fun, there will be lots of picnics, barbecues, fun and games.

This dress makes me think of those times – maybe because the skirt looks a lot like the tablecloths used at Summer events. It’s simple, probably poly/cotton with a back metal zipper. Very casual wear from a time when women still wore dresses and skirts more often than pants or shorts.

In spite of its simplicity (or, probably because of it) it’s pretty and flattering. Trim around the neckline and armholes show that it’s nicely made. The material makes it easy to wash, so that mustard, ketchup, relish, mud and dog slobber will come right out.

Worth hanging onto for those events that come up every year. You just never know when you might be invited to a corn roast, a crab boil, a school picnic, an ice cream social, a parade, . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
blog address: Magicvintagespy.com

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book title: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available at Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s – 1970s PATIO HOSTESS GOWN

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s – 1970s PATIO HOSTESS GOWN.