Description
This 2-piece, navy blue and white early 1940s dress, perfect for spring, combines a slightly flared, knee-length skirt and a blouse trimmed with crochet floral lace. Both pieces of the set are made of lightweight, semi-sheer rayon crepe, and the lace trim appears to be cotton or a cotton blend. The blouse has small shoulder pads. The notched, high neckline is faced inside with white cotton pique, which peeps out a bit above the crepe fabric. The appliquéd lace trim is widest at the top, just above the bust, with 3-dimensional flowers. Small covered buttons decorate the lower part of the lace trim from underbust to waist. The fabric is shirred or gathered at the center front waist, between the 2 rows of lace. Both the short sleeves and blouse hem are finished with a scalloped hem—so cute! The matching, multi-gored skirt has a fitted waistband fastened with hooks and eyes, and a side seam metal zipper. Freshly dry-cleaned and ready to wear, this early 1940 dress is in very good condition with some very faint discoloration to the inner side of the white pique trim at the neckline (not seen when worn) and 1 small mend in the skirt, a few inches above the center front hem (see photos). The mend should not be very noticeable when the set is worn, and appears stable. I estimate that the dress will fit best for an extra small petite, since the blouse is about 1-inch shorter waisted than is typical. It was a junior size, when originally sold. The lace trim and scalloped hems give this 1940s dress a double dose of feminine charm!
SIZE: XS, probably best for petite.
BLOUSE
- Bust: 34 inches flat to fit approx. 32-33.
- Waist: 26 inches flat.
- Length: 19 inches from back of neck to hem.
- Underarm to waist: 7 inches.
- Underarm to hem length: 11 inches.
- Sleeve: 10 inches long, with 10-inch flat opening.
- Shoulder to shoulder: 13.25 inches.
SKIRT
- Waist: 26.5 inches flat to fit approx. 25-26.
- Hip: 37 inches flat, to fit 34-35 max.
- Length: 24.5 inches.
LABEL: An Original Marlene Jr.
