In the era of Old Hollywood glamor, the women of the 1940s and 50s were known for their feminine style. Whether it was the playful-yet-sexy look of Marilyn Monroe or the serene, sophisticated style of Grace Kelly, the women of this era made their mark on fashion with full swing skirts, fitted dresses, and pencil dresses. If you’re looking to add a splash of vintage flair to your wardrobe, our navy blue 1950s inspired swing skirt is perfect for you.
Swing skirts were very popular in the 1940s and 50s because they were feminine and fun. They are full skirts that have extra volume because they are made from a fabric cut all the way around to make it into a circle. This creates a full sun-type look and also allows the wearer to move with ease on the dance floor. The skirts are cinched at the waist with a back zipper and a front button closure, with side pockets for convenience.
Many of the skirts are tea length, and they pair well with a wide belt or other decorative belt for added flare. They can be accented with a fluffy crinoline or petticoat for extra volume if the wearer wants it. Some of the skirts have a beautiful novelty print or polka dots, while others may have a solid color for a more traditional and classic pinup look.
The women of the era also loved wearing dresses that could be worn for both casual and formal occasions. For instance, a woman might pair a dress with heels to go out dancing, but then would throw on a sweater and some cute accessories for an everyday lunch date. The 1940s and 50s were a time when money was tight, and dresses that could be worn for multiple occasions were very helpful.
This navy blue lace dress has gorgeous glass buttons that catch the light beautifully. It has a softer 1.5” elastic waistband that is very comfortable and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. The lining of the dress is high quality ponte knit, which is a tightly woven knit that travels well and is resistant to wrinkles.
This dress is in fantastic condition and has no rips, holes or tears. It is a McKettricks label, with no size tag but it measures to be a modern size 8. It has light shoulder padding and has artistic raised quilt stitching on the skirt of the dress. It is a great example of the classic 1940s New Look dress style, modeled after Dior’s 1940s “Cherie” style. This is a stunning vintage dress that will be a favorite with any collector!