This dress, which most likely dates to the late 40s or early 50s, has so much going for it! The style is sleek and practical, yet stylish and feminine! The sleeveless bodice is fitted with darts - the pieced section that outlines the vee-neck and then becomes a shoulder sort-of yoke is an unusual detail. The skirt acquires most of its swing from the four gores, but there are small areas of gathering on each side of the front, above the oversized cuffed patch pockets.

SIZE: The back of the belt says 16

FABRIC/COLORS: Medium weight gabardine with lovely draping quality in lipstick red. Based on a fiber burn test, it could be either cotton or rayon, or a blend of the two.

TAGS: Jane Jordan Sportswear

CLOSURES: a side seam metal zipper, anchored by a hook & thread eye at the top. The dress has a self-fabric belt with fabric covered buckle and metal tongue.

CONDITION: This dress was described to me when I acquired it as New Old Stock, and I think that's probably true - the fabric feels like it still has its sizing, the belt buckle hole look like minimally used, like for trying on. But the dress isn't perfect. There is an area of spotty discoloration on the skirt front, a little to the wearer's left more than half way down- see close-up. There is a very slightly increased density to the touch within the spots. It seems possible to me that it is a manufacturing defect of some sort, which could explain why this dress would potentially be deadstock. I have not attempted to clean due to my impression that it is New Old Stock.