This is a great piece from a quantity of glamourous clothing I found at an estate sale for a woman who had been both an avid collector and entrepreneur with shops in the southwest. Most of the clothing had been stored for some time; just about everything survived well.
This is a beautiful 2 piece winter or off-white wool suit that the collector had tagged as a "wedding suit" from the 50's. I can agree with that, first of all from the styling, and secondly because there was a trend in those years toward afternoon non-formal weddings where the bride wore a suit, a tiny hat, gloves, and a corsage. Lots of family pictures reflect this!
The suit is made in a simple sleeveless sheath style with diagonal bustline darts and metal side zipper. One lovely touch is that of the back skirt darts, the center ones are actually little pleats. That gives just a hint of formality to the back! The scoop neckline has a touch of beading with silver bugle beads (which have turned dark), pearls and clear rhinestones. The neckline and armholes are bound beautifully in satin.
The jacked is elegant. Also bound in the matching satin, it has covered satin buttons as well. The front bottom edges are turned up in a sort of "flap" with matching beadwork. There are turned back cuffs as well. The back of the short jacket is nicely fitted with a bit of a flair and a center vent. It is completely lined except for the sleeves.
It looks as if the tag says a size 12, not sure. Measurements include an 18-1/2" bustline lying flat, 13" waist, 19-1/2" hips, 16-1/2" shoulder to waist, 29" waist to hem on the dress, 24" sleeves (from collar to cuff), 14" across waist, and 22" bustline. It's in excellent vintage condition, but it does need professional dry cleaning...my steamer wasn't able to get the skirt and lining to work together just right. Also, at some point in its storage a moth has visited several tiny places; they are not as a rule noticeable (one place is covered by the jacket), but if you are interested in keeping this lovely outfit for the future, a bit of judicious darning would be in order.
This is a totally lovely piece of the past...wouldn't you like to know the history of this outfit? Just looking at it makes your imagination take flight!