A Basic 1920s Frock

Lace Collar on a 1920s Frock - American Duchess Blog

“Frock” is exactly what I should call this dress, even though I don’t really like the word.

I found this -frock- on Etsy for an excellent price, and was so pleased to find it in amazing condition when it arrived. It’s wool and neither has moth holes nor stinks of mothballs! The interior is unlabeled, with hand-overcast raw edges, some french seams, and clever use of selvedge. It retains some basting stitches, and even has a quick nip in on the side seams to slim it a bit through the waist (which I have totally done on my 1920s projects!).

Original 1920s navy wool and lace dress - American Duchess Blog
Some interesting and typical seaming on the skirt makes this more than just a sack.

This -frock- is just so…straightforward. It reminds me of the dress Roxy Hart wears to court in “Chicago.” And I love it! Even though it’s a little scratchy to wear, and is basically a lace-trimmed sack, I LOVE it! There’s something so satisfying about an original 1920s -frock- in that it’s unquestionable. Yup, that’s the silhouette alright. No question there. It’s huge and waistless and quite long and scratchy and demure and utterly correct.

Look for this one in a future Royal Vintage photo shoot. ๐Ÿ™‚

1920s navy blue wool dress with lace collar - American Duchess Blog

20 Comments

  • Emileigh

    May 18, 2015 at 7:52 PM

    Ha, I love your description of the 20s silhouette. It's so true! And yet… it's so fantastic. This one looks new, and you're rocking it! Your cloche is perfect, too!
    I just bought two of my first 1920s pieces, and I can't wait til they arrivev! I've never really tried the silhouette out, but I think I'm going to love it. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Lauren Stowell

      May 18, 2015 at 9:18 PM

      You will enjoy them! I'm not sure why, but I always feel like original 1920s stuff is super precious. The materials they used seem different somehow – maybe they are! maybe they are some kinds of fabrics not produced today. I'm just rambling, lol. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    • Lauren Stowell

      May 18, 2015 at 9:19 PM

      Thank you! I couldn't believe the condition – no fading, no holes, no tears, no sweat evidence. A treasure!

      Reply
  • Eleonora Amalia

    May 18, 2015 at 9:24 PM

    DARN I'm super jealous! That's about the prettiest lace-trimmed sack I've seen so far! Um… I mean… it's not like I've seen lots of sacks decorated with lace. But this one rocks!

    Reply
  • Esther

    May 19, 2015 at 2:24 PM

    I'm in love. This >frock< is gorgeous, and it looks absolutely perfect on you!! I'm not always a fan of the '20s, but this is perfect.
    Can't wait for Royal Vintage Shoes!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Lauren Stowell

      May 19, 2015 at 9:21 PM

      There can be some very unflattering styles in the '20s. I was worried about this dress when I pulled it out of the bag, but it somehow looks good on a person ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  • Lally

    May 19, 2015 at 7:20 PM

    Oh it's wonderful!! I love the little lace collar and it looks utterly perfect on you, especially with that delightful cloche!

    Reply
  • Kara

    May 20, 2015 at 8:41 AM

    So beautiful! I love the 1920's stile, even though I've never worn anything like it myself. I can't belive how well it has kept.

    Reply
  • L. R. Stern

    May 20, 2015 at 7:08 PM

    I love that it has a little nip in at the waist! I'm also guilty of adding that to my 20s dresses–nice to know it's totally period ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  • L. R. Stern

    May 20, 2015 at 7:08 PM

    I love that it has a little nip in at the waist! I'm also guilty of adding that to my 20s dresses–nice to know it's totally period ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  • M'lady

    May 26, 2015 at 3:53 PM

    Its the kind of 20's dress I'd probably wear. Is there any chance of showing the seam lines, inside construction details? I'm tempted to try to sew my own. Is it stright up and down or does it accomodate for hips?

    Reply
    • Lauren Stowell

      May 26, 2015 at 10:04 PM

      It's very straight up and down. There is a slight curve in at the waist, which was added later, and no fabric was cut from the seam. In its original construction it was literally just a giant rectangle hanging from the shoulders.

      Reply

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