Summer Dress - 1936

Simply lovely and oh, so romantic!  Navy and white silk crepe dress by Jane Duverne, 1936.

Dresses for the Heat of Summer - 1956

Air conditioning was not mainstream in 1956.  Some public buildings offered it, but at home window units were expensive and uncommon.  Women tried to stay cool by wearing lightweight fabrics, although slips, bras and girdles were still de rigueur.  Today, summer dresses from 1956 that were made to beat the heat.

Pink and white checked cotton lawn is criss-crossed with insertion lace for a light airy effect.  Larry Aldrich.  Sold for $110 in 1956 (about $914 in today's dollar.)

Cotton voile in black with copper colored dots.  Oleg Cassini.  Sold for $70 in 1956 (about $582 in today's dollar.)

A sweet cotton poplin playsuit gets dressed up for town by wearing a co-ordinating floral skirt over it.  Both pieces by Pat Premo.  Sold for $40 in 1956 (about $332 in today's dollar.)

Semi-sheer cotton voile in a cool champagne color fashions a simple shirtwaist dress.  Vera Stewart.  Sold for $95 in 1956 (about $789 in today's dollar.)  Mr. John lace hat.

White pintucked cotton batiste with rows of insertion lace layered over pale yellow lining.  Harvey Berin.  Sold for $175 in 1956 (about $1454 in today's dollar.)

How do you dress to stay cool in summer?

Welcoming Summer in Style

Dear Readers: Your blog hostess is in need of a break. This week, I will be republishing random posts from the last 5 years. As always, your comments and suggestions are very welcome. Thank you for being here!

1951

Ah, the heat of summer. Life is languid, sultry, and hot. You can look hot too. There's no need to resort to shorts and a tank top. Take your cue from these lovely ladies and wear a dress that's a bit bare in all the right places. Choose a natural fiber like cotton, linen, or rayon that will breathe and help to keep you cool. Add an accessory like a shawl or wide brimmed hat to protect you from direct sunlight. Don't forget the sunscreen! Ah, that's better.

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Summer Dressing - 1954

There's a mini heat wave that has been rolling across the US, and we're expecting it here in Boston today, before it makes it's way out to sea. It is certainly a day to consider hints for dressing in hot weather while enjoying summer fashions from 1954.

- Wear something simple, with a minimum of fuss, and a maximum of skin exposure within the bounds of professionalism. Dark buttons give this white dress enough decoration without adding weight or layers. Dress by Jerry Gilden.
- Use an umbrella as a parasol to block the sun. Shade is always cooler than direct sun. And don't forget the sunscreen!

- Opt for a dress or skirt instead of pants, and go with bare legs if you can.
- Bring along a natural fiber shrug sweater, a large silk scarf, or a shawl to cover your shoulders in cold air-conditioned buildings. Dress by Kane Weill.

- Always choose natural fibers for hot days, as they keep you cooler by wicking moisture away from the body. Lightweight cotton, silk, or linen is best, but rayon will also do.
- Choose light colors that will reflect the sun's rays instead of absorbing them. This classic shirtdress by Clare Potter is a perfect choice in off-white silk.

- Opt for looser fitting garments for added breathability and air flow. Simple blousy blue cotton shirt worn with an easy green cotton skirt. Both pieces by Claire McCardell.

- Keep your hair style simple for hot days.
- Wear open-toed shoes or sandals if you can.
Cheongsam styled dress in embroidered cotton by Carolyn Schnurer.

- Wear a wide brimmed hat to shade your face and shoulders. This is another reason to keep your hairstyle simple in the heat! Cotton eyelet dress by Carven.

All photos by Lillian Bassman for Harper's Bazaar except the last, which is by Arsac.

Welcoming Summer in Style

1951

Ah, the heat of summer. Life is languid, sultry, and hot. You can look hot too. There's no need to resort to shorts and a tank top. Take your cue from these lovely ladies and wear a dress that's a bit bare in all the right places. Choose a natural fiber like cotton, linen, or rayon that will breathe and help to keep you cool. Add an accessory like a shawl or wide brimmed hat to protect you from direct sunlight. Don't forget the sunscreen! Ah, that's better.

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Sweet Summer Dresses - 1961

It's the end of January. About this time every year, I start to get tired of cold weather and wish for tropical breezes through open windows. You know, the type of weather that allows you to wear sweet little summer dresses like these from 1961. Take note of the adorable headbands accented with flowers and brooches and the wonderful bouffant hairdos.

I should mention here that the dollar values given are not what the dresses should sell for today on the vintage market. I am strictly comparing what each particular dress cost in 1961 to the amount that cost would equal today using an inflation calculator. In doing so, I am not assigning a value to a vintage dress you may have in your closet. There seems to have been some confusion about that. OK, disclaimer over!

Left: Orange and white gingham check edged in white braid by McArthur. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Right: Black polka dots on white with black velvet ribbon trim by R&K Originals. Sold in 1961 for $22.95 (about $165 in today's dollar).

Country Set separates feature embroidered Maypole dancers on yellow and white striped cotton chambray. Left: Skirt with attached petticoat worn with sleeveless blouse. Sold in 1961 for $20.00 (about $144 in today's dollar).
Right: Embroidered popover top with button back worn over fully lined "deck pants". Sold in 1961 for $15.00 (about $108 in today's dollar).

Sue Brett black and white plaid voile shirtwaist. Sold in 1961 for $17.98 (about $129 in today's dollar).

Juniorite orange broadcloth appliqued with oversize flowers. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).

Left: Pale blue voile decorated with white lace medallions by Betty Barclay. Sold in 1961 for $14.98 (about $107 in today's dollar).
Right: Orange and red diagonal stripes by Jeanne D'Arc. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).