This dress was a favorite of my mother-in-law's when she was young, and a while ago she gifted it to me. It is so cute! Of course, I always am a sucker for polka dots. Despite the fact that I rarely wear yellow, I had to try it once spring came.

Many times a throwback dress still has a giveaway element that just doesn't look quite right. This one, other than the slippery polyester fabric, really does look period accurate for the 1940s. The button front, polka dot fabric, sweetheart neckline, and peplum are all lovely 1940s elements.

It had a few marks on it which faded with treatment, and a small burn near the hem, which I covered by adding trim to the hem area. Otherwise I didn't do a thing.

I wore it with a jewel neck undershirt (also a common style for dickeys back then), white gloves, replaced the string tie belt of fabric with a purchased belt, and paired it with a black 1940s tilt hat, purse, and my new Nitas.

Reproduction brands are spoiling me for real vintage footwear. These are so comfortable and sturdy, and I don't have to be so careful of them when wearing out doors. I love the soft suede, toe detail, and how classy they look. I have a few quibbles with the way the ankle strap fits, and probably should have sized down a half size to avoid the shoe bed showing in the back, but overall I'm so pleased! I had made up my mind to get these, but right before I went to purchase, Royal Vintage had a sale – so I'm delighted I waited!

I think they will go with everything, as well as be perfect formal wear, so I expect to wear them a lot. And they added the perfect 1940s touch to this outfit, with their quintessential silhouette.

Oh, and I have to mention dress clips! I collected a few pairs after seeing what a common accessory they were in their day, only to find that I hardly had anything I could wear them with. Since this neckline would accommodate them, I had to wear some. These dainty beauties add a touch of color to the yoke edge, and of course can be omitted for a different look.

I have to admit that I like yellow (this shade, at least) better on me than I expected. And it feels so springish!

So while the 1970s and 1980s are not my favorite fashion eras, this dress is one of later vintage that actually is my style and I really expect to enjoy.