Vintage Tailored Dresses

Why To Wear: To have that "fits like a glove" feeling is absolutely divine.  And tailored vintage dresses can get you there with minimal (or no) alteration.  Also, many tailored styles are superior quality.  You can find a reasonably priced dress with a small dress shop's label made of imported fabrics with couturier details.  You get the ooh la la factor without the visit to Paris (and without the extravagant cost!).

Alternatives: Buy a shift dress and tailor it to you.  If your figure is a difficult fit, or if you find a dress that needs a nip & tuck, you can add darts at the waist, shorten the torso, change the sleeve style and alter the hem with a good seamstress.

What To Look For: Careful measurements provided online will give you an excellent idea of fit, and when you're talking tailored, fit is king (or queen, we ought to say).  In 1950s tailored dresses, the under arm of the sleeve often has a seamed gusset.  Look here for fraying seams or weak fabric.  Likewise, check out points of stress for fray, like the waist darts or the holes/grommets of a belt buckle.

Also note that tailored dresses are often dry-clean-only fabrics, which means they might've been cleaned less often.  Observe carefully for stains due to this.

Favorite Finds: A tailored dress in your precise measurements is always a favorite find.  We also love seeing all-business looks with brilliant, rich colors, which provide creative options that far surpass the rigid color palette shown each particular season today.  Vintage tailored dresses from the 1940s & 50s can be found in cobalt blue, deep emerald green, maroon and the like.  Tailored 1960s dresses are sometimes bold or pastel colors like chartreuse and tangerine.

Best Labels: Any couturier will be known for their precise tailoring, but lesser known labels like Suzy Perette, Nathan Strong, and Luisa Spagnoli are top picks.

View All Vintage Tailored Dresses | Back To Vintage Dresses Buyers Guide | Back To Free Fashion History & Clothing Care Info