DESCRIPTION: This head-turning party dress, ca. 1950s/early 60s, would make a great wedding dress, too. The wide scooped neck has pearl-beaded and sequined floral trim. Dress body is pastel yellow taffeta with a nylon chiffon overlay that has a stiffened hem to maintain its shape. The skirt has a layer of ruffled tulle in between the overskirt and the underskirt, forming a built-in crinoline. Deep ruched waistline is about 6", running from just under the bust to the waist. Metal zipper in back. The bodice is a mid-weight taffeta that feels like rayon, nd the skirt is a thinner, acetate lining taffeta.

Additional crinolines can be worn under the skirt. Photo #1 shows dress with an added crinoline; rest of photos show dress just with built-in crinni.

No labels present. Note that the photos were originally taken against a darker background, so if you see some dark areas in the skirt, it's the backdrop showing through--not in the dress.

SIZE: Unlabeled. Estimated at a modern 4, possibly down to a 2. There's no stretch at all to the fabric, so leave room for fit ease. The armscyes on this are high and small, not uncommon in garments; due to the simple side seams, it would be fairly easy to have gussets put in under the arms for more room if needed. Please use the garment dimensions to determine fit, not my estimate.

* Bust: 35"
* Waist: 28"
* Hip: Full/free
Bodice: Approx. 15" from top of shoulder to waist
Dress Length, top of shoulder to hem: 42"

* Measured flat on outside and doubled unless otherwise stated.

CONDITION: Excellent. I see no stains, holes in the tulle or chiffon, etc. I did not have it cleaned (my cleaner retired, and the firm he sold to doesn't do as good a job), but you may want to have it professionally steamed and the skirt starched for more crispness.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in York, Pa.