1930s Pale Blue Chiffon Evening Dress

This garment is a floor-length evening dress dating from between 1936 and 1940. The dress is made from a pastel blue chiffon. The dress fastens on the left side with a zipper and appears to have had an accompanying belt, as there is one belt loop on the side.

The neckline is low-cut and V-shaped, but the V is very rounded. The dress has no collar. The sleeves are short and squared at the top, thanks to a series of shaping darts at the top of the sleeve. This squared shape is further emphasized with shoulder pads, characteristic of the period. The sleeve hems are softly ruched. The dress is decorated by gathered sleeves and extensive beading on the upper bodice.

The decorative beading is created by silver glass beads sewn onto the fabric along the shoulders and bustline. The beads make a swirling flower pattern that widens at center front.

The skirt is narrow through the hips, yet flares to a width of 72". The dress is unlined, and was thus probably worn with a floor-length matching slip, due to the sheerness of the chiffon.

Project by Liz Oswald
Professor: Kathryn Rohe
Fall, 1996