1960s Lilac and Cream Floral Silk Dress Ensemble

This is a beautifully feminine, early 1960s silk floral print dress ensemble and perfect for more formal occasions. The outer layer is crafted in a loose, shift like shape complete with attached lilac tie scarf and cuffs. It slips on over the head with a single button closure to the front. The inner dress, complete with its own back fastening zip closure, is a sheath style and could easily be worn separately as a dress in its own right. It has been made using the same fine silk chiffon printed fabric as the outer layer, featuring pale blue and lilac flowers and green foliage against a cream background.

The dress has no sewn in label and was probably made by a seamstress – it was purchased in Paris, France. The outer dress of the ensemble has been beautifully handsewn whilst the internal sheath dress has seen some alterations over its life. We note the altered waistband and the bottom hemline is uneven in places. As this essentially is the undergarment, none of these observations detract from the ensemble whilst it is being worn. Otherwise she is in very good vintage condition, with the fabrics of both the inner slip and silk exterior showing very little signs of age. The ensemble would best fit a 8 UK, or 4 US on account of the inner dress being very fitted. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in. (163cm) and this dress was roomy on her. 

MEASUREMENTS
(FOR INNER SLIP)
BUST - 32 in. (81.28 cm)
WAIST - 26 in. (66.04 cm)
HIP - 34 in. (86.36 cm)
LENGTH - 35 in. (88.9 cm)

OUTER LAYER
Bust - 59 in. (149.9 cm)
Waist - 62 in. (157.5 cm)
Hip - 66 in. (167.6 cm)
Length - 45 in. (114.3 cm)
Shoulders - 19 in. (48.3 cm)