Tag Archives: semi-formal

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s – 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s - 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

Here’s pretty, floaty frock of satin and chiffon for a dinner-dance or any semi-formal party.  It does have stiffening in the skirt, but doesn’t have a huge crinoline, like many made a few years later .

I just die with delight when I discover one of these!  It reminds me of the classic movies that I love, where there’s always a dance in the plot somewhere.

This one is not haute couture – just an average lovely gown that any middle-income woman might have selected.  I’m not complaining!  It makes me think of France, where I’ll be in a couple of weeks!

With the mid-calf length, this one could go to the Prom, and maybe it did, once.  You just never know . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

This one is just about my favorite.  I love the camellias (or whatever flower) at the waist and the contrasting sash that flows down the front.  The length is just below the knee on me (I’m 5’6″).

There is a size tag inside, so it was commercially made.  Seems to be of rayon chiffon over a rayon/acetate liner.  There is no stiffening in the skirt. It’s such a pretty pale peach color, and an easy-to-wear style.  Perfect for dancing and very graceful.

I noticed recently that J.Crew made a very similar dress in silk chiffon.  Of course, it is nice, but not “original” – 1. there is no ornamentation (you could add your own)  2. the dress is available in several different colors, but no contrasting sash which, to me, adds so much to this original vintage one  3. since it’s mass-produced, you could see your dress on lots of other women.  However, for $250.00 you can have the modern version.

I’ll take true vintage any time. True, it had some spots on it when I found it, but I was able to make them disappear – POOF!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SILK DINNER – DANCE – COCKTAIL DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SILK DINNER - DANCE - COCKTAIL DRESS

Here’s a lovely mid-century silk dress in a classic style, perfect for a dressy date, a dance, dinner or cocktails.  It’s too sophisticated for afternoon shopping, though it could be dressed down for a day on Fifth Avenue – just don’t take the dog to the vet. (even the Yorkie, with their sharp little claws)

In printed silk, with a full skirt (but no attached crinoline), wasp waist, center back vintage nylon zipper and a sweet little bow right at the bottom of the bust-line.  Mid-calf length.

I found this one in a little out-of-the-way place where several things were hiding. It always pays to look, because you just never know … . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS 1950s OR EARLY 1960s

TRUE VINTAGE PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS 1950s OR EARLY 1960s

Now we’re getting really serious about special events which may be taking place this month.  This party gown is a little too demure for most Proms or whing-ding parties, but perfect for a social dance, someone in a wedding party, a dinner event, anniversary party, a recital or other celebration that is somewhat formal.

It looks almost white in the photo and is actually a very pale pink, with a sheer over-dress and opaque lining.  The neckline and sleeves are edged with satin binding. Of course, a crinoline attached.  Aside from the subtle embroidery, it is not fussy (no bows, ribbons or decorative buttons).  Doesn’t need them!  Very elegant.

When I find a dress like this, I always wonder where it was originally worn, by whom and where it was purchased or made.

Another surprise discovery, and they usually are.  I know what I’d like to have, but I rarely go hunting with just one thing in mind and, I guess, that’s mostly because I’ve put together such a collection of true vintage that I don’t have to go looking for an outfit when some event comes up.  With patience, skill and know-how you can do that, too.

I have the most fun looking for what will turn up!  Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s EASTER EGG OF A PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s EASTER EGG OF A PARTY DRESS

Okay, this one is a little longer and it could probably have gone to the Prom – but – have you ever seen anything that looks more like what to wear on a date with the Easter Bunny? These poufy frocks in sherbet pastel colors were all over the place about 50 years ago and.

Lovely coral-pink taffeta with a huge sash that ties in a bow behind.  The skirt under is stiff, but not like netting.  A crinoline could be added.  What could say Spring more than this one? Well, maybe some of the others coming up . . . . .

Every girl and woman in the ’50s loved party dresses like this.  (With apologies to your grandmother who always wore black from Chanel)  I have discovered many dresses of this type, with slight variations in the style.  Watch old movies from the late ’40s and early ’50s and you will see many similar.

When I hunt for true vintage, I sometimes feel like I’m a designer going into the costume warehouse of a huge theater, looking for just the right clothing for my characters and enjoying all the different costumes that I see.  If I want to, I can take hours just being in the fantasy of all the eras and style trends that I can find.  If I want to use my time wisely, I can zero in on the best, most wonderful things in a few minutes.

Sleuthing for true vintage is one of the most fun things I do.  It’s always an adventure, because you just never know . . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s & ’60’s MEN’S NECKTIES

TRUE VINTAGE 1950s & '60s MEN'S NECKTIES

Here’s a collection of neckties that span from the early ’50’s to the late ’60’s.  Brand names include Wembley and others (which I’ve forgotten at the moment).  Some are of silk, some of rayon blend and some of polyester.

Although the widths vary a lot from decade to decade, I don’t think that I would let that keep me from wearing the one I wanted to if I were a man.  They can all look sharp and interesting or fun.

It’s not difficult to find these now.  Once in a while I check for them.  They even make nice belts for women’s clothing sometimes, and women did wear them as ties, too, in 1967 when the British Carnaby Street fashions were really in.  You can wear a skinny one for an Annie Hall look, or whatever.

When it comes to wearing vintage fashion, anything goes . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SO SWEET – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

SO SWEET - TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

OK, all you aspiring debutantes out there – here are a pair just for you! So sweet, and proper, and ladylike (but, they’re RED!). VERY 1960’s.

Also quite elegant – wearable with almost everything almost anytime. Shoes like this have always advertised the wearer’s good taste and sophisticated fashion sense.

But, hey, they’re also pretty cute! Imagine finding a 50-year-old pair of shoes in this condition – Fabulous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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I WAS RIGHT – A PERFECT FIT!!

Back at headquarters, for a short break, and finally able to photograph this most recent discovery.  Stella is dainty as a daffodil in her Prom/party frock from the 1950’s.  The neckline scarf is the signature feature of this dress.  Possibly it was for a bridesmaid or a debutante (of sorts – not lush enough for the Country Club set).

Like many(most?) older garments, it is so interesting and tells a story.  The fabrics are not of the highest quality but they are adequate, and this short gown was off-the-rack, though there is no label remaining.  Unless . . . . . . . . . .

It just may have been custom-tailored by someone who REALLY knew her(or his) stuff. The skirt has FOUR layers – a circle skirt of lace overlay with a solid yellow acetate(?) liner, a ruffle of tulle netting underneath and a final layer of white stiffening fabric gathered beneath it all.  This was the standard construction of dressy special-occasion gowns in the mid-century.

No question that this frock was going somewhere really special.  Makes you wonder . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MORE CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE EXAMPLES FROM THE FIFTIES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

MORE CLASSIC EXAMPLES FROM THE FIFTIES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

From the early to the late 1950’s, this was one of my favorite displays at the museum. I can just imagine Grace Kelly wearing the sling-backs in the movie High Society. I’d put them on in a second  . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exquisitely hand-made of premium leather and man-made materials that last for many, many years.

Classic vamp decorations and toe styles all represented here. Such a delight to see these looking like new!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE FROM 1955 – A VERY ELEGANT FROCK FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

FROM 1955 - A VERY ELEGANT FROCK FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

This dress was worn to a semi-formal event in 1955, in Europe. Lace overlay, dropped waist and double-layer chiffon skirt.

No cutesy business going on here – just serious fashion, quality, classic elegance and glamour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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