What to expect from textile prints on day dresses between the 1930s and 40s. What are some of the signature details and how can we date them accurately? All the dresses featured are available in our rentals collection. https://iandrummondcollection.com Dresses on mannequins: 1930s rayon dresses. Patterns: Geometric shadow dot and floral. Details: Raw edge details on collars, ruching, matching belts in the same fabric (sometimes covering the metal buckle with the fabric too), natural waistlines. 1940s: - Early 40s cotton with graphic and floral hybrid print (a combo you wouldn’t have seen in the 30s). - Cold rayon novelty print (abstract brushstroke background with repeated stage scenes in foreground). Peplum waist detail (very 40s). This is a later 40s dress as evidenced by the lower mid-calf hem length, which would only have been allowed after fabric restrictions were lifted in America. Restrictions didn’t fully lift until 1949 in the UK. Hanging dresses: 1930s: - Spring floral print rayon from the early 30s with inset mesh bands in the sleeves- adorable! - 1930s silk novelty vegetable print, which could be mistaken for a floral from afar. - Cotton 1930s summer dress with chevron stripe print and large button details, again with a matching fabric belt. 1940s: - Brown rayon dress with novelty print of a telephone which could be mistaken for hearts and vines from afar. Drop-waist yoke with fine pleating details. Novelty prints were popular during the war as people needed cheering up. - Green rayon mid 40s dress with floral print. Another peplum waist as well as shoulder padding and a shorter skirt- all details which help to date it. Visit our shop: www.iandrummondvintage.com