Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: worn, full length
Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: worn, front
Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: worn, with the skirt in motion
Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: detail of the cuff and dots
  • Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: worn, full length
  • Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: worn, front
  • Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: worn, with the skirt in motion
  • Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: detail of the cuff and dots
Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: worn, full length Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: worn, front Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: worn, with the skirt in motion Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s: detail of the cuff and dots

Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s

$245.00

Example piece.

A 1950s shirtwaist dress in rayon satin, white dots on warm red, with a full gathered skirt that opens when you turn.

One of one.

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Red polka-dot shirtwaist dress, 1950s

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The story

A shirtwaist dress from the middle of the 1950s, in rayon satin printed with round white dots on a warm red. It has the sheen of a ribbon. The bodice buttons to the waist, the collar is a proper shirt collar, and the sleeves close at the wrist with a single button. Below the waist the skirt is gathered generously, so it opens when you turn and settles again when you stop. It is a cheerful dress, but not a loud one. Wear it on a bright morning with white gloves, or simply with sandals and your hair up.

Details

DetailValue
Decade

Material

Rayon

Color

White, Red

Condition

Very good

Condition notes

The left collar point is slightly softened from pressing, and one button has been replaced with a close match.

Estimated modern fit

About a modern S, US 4 to 6 (approximate; please check the measurements)

Bust (flat)

18 in (46 cm)

Waist (flat)

13.5 in (34 cm)

Hips (flat)

Free

Shoulders

15 in (38 cm)

Sleeve length

22 in (56 cm)

Length (shoulder to hem)

41 in (104 cm)

Fit notes

The skirt is full, so the waist decides.

Label

None

Construction

Rayon satin with a soft sheen. Shirt collar; long sleeves with buttoned cuffs. Buttons to the waist. Full skirt gathered at the waist. Shown with a pearl belt, not included.

How we measure

Dresses are measured flat, seam to seam, in inches with centimetres; double a flat width for the full round. Compare with a dress you own that fits you well.

The condition scale

Excellent: worn or used with care; no flaws we can see.
Very good: light signs of age, each one named in the details and shown in the photos.
Good: visible wear or an old repair, named and photographed; still ready to wear or use.
Fair: clear flaws or a repair it needs, named and photographed; chosen for its beauty or its history.

Shipping and returns

Shipping and returns details will be published before the store opens.

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