Women's Vintage Day Dress 50s 60s Novelty Plaid Pastels Large VFG Penney's Brentwood
In the late 1950s and into the early 60s, these "housewife" dresses were popular, and with good reason. Comfortable and feminine, perfect for any woman channeling Donna Reed or Beaver's mom. This one is shirtwaist style, with gently fitted bodice, flyout collar and short sleeves. The full skirt is designed with soft inverted pleats. The skirt was shortened about 2" at some point - the extra fabric is folded up and available if needed.
SIZE: Labeled size 20 1/2
| Measurements | Inches | Cm |
| Bust | 45" | 114.25 |
| Shoulders | 17" | 43 |
| Waist | 36" | 91.5 |
| Hips | Free | Free |
| Bodice length from shoulder seam | 16" | 40.5 |
| Skirt length | 23" | 58.5 |
| Sweep | 76" | 96.5 |
FABRIC/COLORS: Lightweight woven cotton plaid, in pastel shades of aqua, chartreuse and brown, with a bit of white. There is a textural lattice-style effect woven into stripes of the pale yellow/green - see closeup.
TAGS: Penney's Brentwood Frocks
CLOSURES: The bodice closes with six small plastic shank buttons, arranged in two groups of three each. There is a snap at the waist, and another snap closing the short skirt placket below. The dress has thread loops for a belt, but belt is gone. I have shown the dress with a white belt from mt closet in some photos - it is not included with purchase.
CONDITION: No stains, holes, tears or other issues noted.
I measure the outside of garments, unless stated otherwise.
For menswear, the chest is measured at armpit level.
For womenswear, the bust is measured a little below armpit level, including the room created by darts or gathers.
Waist will be measured if there is one, and hips are measured about 9" below waist level. Sleeves are measured from shoulder seam or an approximation in the absence of a shoulder seam. Garment length is measured from the back of the neck, unless otherwise stated.
The measurement numbers refer to the garment, not the body inside. For best fit, measure a similar type of garment which fits you well and compare.
If the garment is shown on Josephine, my mannequin, her measurements are 31/24.5/34". Sometimes she wears a padded bra. My live models measurements vary depending on the day and year, and I don't ask them to share that.