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.

1949

1948

1950

1951