Object Type: Dress
Design Era: Early to Mid-1930s (c. 1925-1929)
Garment Description:
A late 1920s dropped-waist shift dress, designed in a lightweight, two-piece construction, suitable for day wear or informal summer/tea dress occasions.
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Bodice: The upper portion is constructed from a sheer, lightweight fabric, likely silk chiffon or georgette, in a pale powder blue color. The fabric features an all-over print of evenly spaced cream or off-white polka dots. The bodice is cut in a simple, tubular, sleeveless style with narrow shoulders and rounded armholes. The neckline is a simple, high round neck. The garment is designed to be worn over a contrasting or matching slip (not present) due to the sheerness of the fabric.
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Waistline: The waist is dropped significantly to the hip level (or slightly above) and is marked by a horizontal seam where the bodice fabric is attached to the skirt fabric.
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Skirt: The lower portion is made from a plain-weave, lightweight fabric, possibly a crepe, voile, or lightweight silk, in a contrasting pale cream or beige color. The skirt is gathered or lightly pleated where it meets the dropped waist seam, adding a degree of fullness. The hemline is uneven/ragged, characteristic of the handkerchief or pointed hem styles popular in the later 1920s, designed to create movement. The skirt fabric exhibits a creped or crinkled texture due to the fabric type and/or age/storage.