Smart little black and orange satin frock from the 1920s.

I have always loved the combination of orange and black. It's such a fun combination. This darling little 20s dress is done in black crepe backed satin. The wide collar and cuffs are hand embroidered and appliqued in orange satin with a wonderful arts and crafts style design. The dress has a straight bodice, dropped waist and knee length circle skirt which flutters ever so nicely. The edge of the hem is finished with a border of orange satin piping. The sleeves are long and narrow. It has an open V neckline with broad collar. It is trimmed down the front with tiny orange satin covered buttons. The dress closes on the left side with little hidden snaps. There is no label but the workmanship is excellent so I am assuming it is a private dressmakers creation. The size is Extra Small and it is petite. It  would look best on someone under 5'4", also the shoulders are very small so please note the following measurements.

Bust 34"
Dropped Waist 32"
Sleeve length 21"
Shoulder to shoulder 14 1/2" ( NOTE: this is a very narrow measurement)

Excellent Condition

Romantic chantilly lace and black silk chiffon make up this 1920s overdress. I believe it is a silk lace which would explain its exceptional luster. The silhouette is typical 20s dropped waist with an underlayer of chiffon and lace panel overlays. There are narrow long sleeves and scooped neckline. The original underslip is no longer around. You can easily substitute a vintage or even a modern slip, it does need one. Originally the slip would likely have been a neutral color but that is up to you.

Although the material is delicate this dress has aged well. There were two small holes in the chiffon underlining which I reinforced and an area of lace which I mended. I also mended one place where the sleeve was pulling away from the dress. These flaws are small and not noticeable.

If you are new to older vintage you need to know these dresses must be treated tenderly. When being put on or taken off it is best never to tug. They can be worn but with care. When you asses size you will want to pad your  measurements. Any strain on the fabric could cause damage. The measurements indicate a Med/Lg size with an average shoulder width but again you will want to wear this dress loosely.

Bust and Hips both 44"
The shoulders measure 16" across
the upper arm of the sleeve is just over 15" around.
The length of the dress from shoulder to hem is 46"

Very Good Condition

Mourning dress from the later teens, WW1 era. Post Edwardian.
A bit of history.
The events which took place in Europe during the time of the first World War profoundly effected the world of Western Fashion. The 4 year war took the lives of over 27 million, mostly Europeans and the infamous flu epidemic killed many millions the world over. Europe was at war for three years before the United States joined the Allies in April, 1917. From 1914 until the end of the war in 1918 beautiful Paris, the "Seat" of Fashion was a somber and serious place. It became a city filled with young widows and grieving families. Early on the women of the day threw themselves into the war effort. They worked in factories and hospitals and the confining nature of the clothing from the "Belle Epoque" were no longer acceptable. Corsets, crinolines and hoop skirts gave way to loosely fit dresses with shorter skirts and comfortable higher waistlines. Flounces and full skirts were impractical so the dress became narrow with minimal embellishment. Of course the predominant color worn was black, the color of mourning. Although the U.S. was not fighting during most of the war the Fashions here were changing according to the dictates of the Parisian designers who were creating garments for the circumstances of their land.

The dress.
This somber but sweet little WW1 dress is done in black silk taffeta with black chiffon accents. With such fine fabric and fancy details it would have been considered a dressy garment. The bodice is deeply V'd in the back and front with sequined and beaded insets. Decorative panels drape front to back and are beaded on the edges. The waist wraps with a pleated band. The sleeves are flowing black chiffon ending above the wrist. The straight skirt is just slightly belled and has pleated panels adorning the sides. An attached short "apron" in front has beaded details at the corners. The back of the dress has black chiffon streamers on both sides which fall from the waist to hem. This dress closes at the waist with a complex series of snaps. There is no label, most likely it was done by the dressmaker to the family. All of the work is beautiful from the hand beading to the hand finished seams.
Small/Extra Small in size. You will want to pad your measurements because these dresses chould be worn loosly so as not to strain the delicate fabric. The measurements are as follows.

Bust 35",
Waist 29",
Shoulders (a bit narrow) 15 1/2" 
Length of the skirt is 33".
It is very rare to find a garment from this time that was not utilized. However this dress was never used, the fabric is still strong and it can be carefully worn.

Excellent Condition