1950s Mint Green Chiffon Party Dress

This pale green dress would most likely have been worn in the evening, accompanied by its matching sash, which would have been draped about the neck and shoulders. Made of silk georgette crepe, the outer layer of the garment is like a plain, translucent veil through which can be seen a satin rose underskirt, giving it a slight iridescent effect. The dress is fastened in the back by a zipper along with two hooks and eyes, one at the top and the other at the waistline.

The neckline is low and square, defined by two narrow straps (each about half an inch in width) made from the same mint-colored fabric. The upper portion of the bodice is covered by a second layer of the pale green fabric, which is draped above the chest in a festoon-like manner, and then gathered in the back at the zipper. The bodice itself is fitted and contains princess seams that extend to the waistline and help shape the bust. The waistline, which is noticeably accented by piping, hits at the natural waistline.

The overskirt and underskirt fall into large folds that end just below the knee. Although a petticoat does not accompany the dress today, one probably would have been worn originally, thus giving it the flared silhouette of the late 1940s or early 1950s. The main source of decoration on the dress are the silk flowers, positioned on the upper right edge of the dress and towards the left side of the waist.

Project by Connie Freeman
Professor: Kathryn Rohe
Spring, 1998