Random question what age is this vintage dress?

[stayathomegardener]

I was given this dress about 20 years ago but no nothing about it.

The local auction house thinks it may be around 1915 and possibly a christening dress.

I'm not convinced as can just about squeeze into it.

I'd love to know more about its history if anyone has an interest in vintage fashion.

Good question @AdaColeman
The zip when I look with a magnifying glass is opT with an exaggerated tail to the T.

Material is cotton embroidered with what I would describe as "sprigs"

The skirt is lined with a yellowish strong papery fabric.

Got great images but just can't post.

Now I've seen a photo of the front I'm more sure that it's a bridesmaid's dress, and the fact that it's got a zip makes it much less likely to be as early as 1915.
Is the zip metal or plastic/nylon?

You could take it along to your local museum, they might be able to help. I'd guess at homemade in the 1970s.

So it is a zip?

Because to the best of my knowledge (and please someone shout if I've got this wrong) zips weren't around in 1915. It was late 30s/early 40s before they appeared.

However if I know that and I'm just a punter, I I find it hard to believe an auctioneer wouldn't know it too. So I'm more inclined than ever to think that it's been altered, possibly more than once.

Are there any vintage stores near you would take a look at it? You'd need one that knows a bit about pre war stuff. Or you could take it to a vintage fair? Normally vintage dealers are really into their stuff and very happy to talk about it.

You beat me to it Ada

1970's or later. It has a machine stitched hem.

I’m really surprised that hem is hand sewn.

Opti is the mark of Optilon zips, which are part of the Costs group I believe.

I agree that the cut of the bodice doesn't seem right for a christening gown, for all they were made very adjustable. (our family has 2, one early one late Victorian. The early one is amazing for hand embroidery and lace - especially when you find out that it was just one of a set of "day dresses" and only later became repurposed as a christening gown! Was too small and fragile for my children to use by the time I organised their christenings, but we were able to use the other one)

I also don't think a christening gown would have had an integral lining - I made a separate petticoat to use under ours.

I know nothing apart from the fact that I love it!!!

Thanks for all the thoughts, you have all made me look at it in far greater detail than before and I will try to take it to a vintage fair or similar.

Please come back and tell us what they say - I'm invested now

I'm sure its from the early 70s. Empire line maxi dresses were really a thing. There are loads of 1970s pattern on pinterest

Like PestymcPestFace, I suspect the 1970s. Perhaps a formal or bridesmaid's dress for a teenager or young girl?

The yellow facing suggests a later dress. If the hem is hand sewn it might be a homemade job. Many moons ago, when I actually sewed things, I'd often hand stitch a hem.

I think it's newer - maybe inspired by the BBC's Pride and Prejudice. The braid and the condition of the fabric are what make me think that. Coats' products are commonly found in haberdashers.