The Thrifty Six Step Back in Time
“All that makes earlier times seem simpler is our ignorance of their complexities.”
Thomas Sowell
When Emma announced this month’s Thrifty Six theme, Back in Time, my mind went immediately to this vintage houndstooth sheath dress that I found on a thrifting adventure a few months back in time. I am not certain of the era of this specific dress. It may not actually be vintage at all. Although, according to the industry definition of vintage clothing, any garments from 2001 and earlier would be considered vintage.
The brand is Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit Designs which is a contemporary brand carried by JCPenney. I did some internet digging to see what I could learn about this clothing brand and there is not much out there to be found. I did find a few Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit Designs clothing listed for resale on vintage sites that date some of the garments back to the 1980’s.
In any event, whether this dress is truly vintage or not, it still gives me all sorts of Back in Time vibes. I am thinking Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. Although I would never even try to pretend that I have their same impeccable and timeless style.
I paired my vintage-ish sheath dress with a more modern blazer also in a houndstooth print. I really liked the contrast between the two houndstooth prints. Splashes of burgundy in my accessories added a bit of color interest to this primarily black and white look. I also added a combination of vintage and thrifted jewelry with some newer, modern accessories.
And now it’s time for a brief fashion history lesson on the sheath dress. A sheath dress is a straight cut, fitted garment that is often nipped at the waistline and has no waist seam. This style of dress emphasizes the waistline, generally has short sleeves or is sleeveless, and usually is knee length although sheath dresses are available in a variety of different lengths and patterns.
While the sheath dress can be dated back to ancient Egypt based on artistic depictions from that time, there is no evidence that this style of garment actually existed during ancient times. Scholars in this area have hypothesized that ancient Egyptian sheath dresses were more likely to have been wrap dresses secured with straps rather than the garment that we recognize today as a sheath dress.
In the late 19th century, the Princess Sheath Dress became highly popular as it was associated with Queen Alexandra, aka Princess of Wales. This dress was constructed with the bodice and skirt cut in one with a gored skirt. It was worn by replacing the bustle with a small pad and ribbons were attached to the back interior of the dress in order to tighten the front of it.
During the early 1900’s, Americans looked to Paris for the latest trends in fashion. Paul Poiret, a French designer, is credited as the first designer of the modern sheath dress. He also is responsible for the development of the rubber girdle to replace the uncomfortable boned corsets of the day. (I am not sure how a rubber girdle is any more comfortable than a boned corset though. They both sound pretty awful to wear.)
In contrast to the emphasized curves of the Victorian Era, this modern sheath dress offered a sleeker look that also revealed the legs in a more daring way with a moderate slit in the back. This style of sheath dress reached American women in 1908 and became an instant classic that is still relevant in fashion today.
“A page of history is worth a pound of logic.”
Oliver Wendall Holmes
By the 1950’s, sheath style dresses were the look of the day for the modern woman. In 1950, Christian Dior introduced the “Vertical Line” which catered to the natural curves of a woman’s body. Vogue Magazine referred to Dior’s “Vertical Line” and the sheath dress as the “most important single day fashion.” The sheath dress was also called “the slim look for five o’clock on”.
Styled casually, the sheath dress was often paired with a matching short sleeve bolero style jacket. Styled for business, a boxy jacket could be added over both the dress and bolero. Over time, this style of dress became easier to construct and then designers began adding different textures and adornments to create more variety in sheath dress design.
One of the most notable sheath dresses in fashion history is the sleeveless black Givenchy dress donned by Audrey Hepburn in 1961 in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Not only did this one dress cement the sheath dress as an iconic American classic style, it also was the dress that epitomized the “little black dress” that was first introduced by Coco Chanel in the 1920’s. This is a really interesting Vogue article about the dress, The Story Behind That Little Black Dress Worn by Audrey Hepburn In ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’.
On May 19, 1962, when Marilyn Monroe sang Happy Birthday to President John F. Kennedy, she wore a Jean Louis nude and backless sheath dress that was adorned with crystals. To ensure the tightest fit possible, Ms. Monroe was sewn into her dress for this historical occasion. This iconic Jean Louis dress sold in 2016 for $4.8 million.
In the 21st century, the sheath dress has proven to be a timeless and classic staple in women’s fashion. It is a style of dress that flatters most figures and because it is such a simple design, it lends itself to versatile styling options.
Do you have a sheath dress or two in your closet?
Now let’s look out how my thrifty friends have stepped back in time.
The Thrifty Six is a group of international fashion influencers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here to inspire you to shop second hand!
The Thrifters:
- Emma of Style Splash
- Grace of Graceful Rags
- Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
- Lucy of Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva
- Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
- Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
Emma of Style Splash
“This vintage red polka dot dress is one of my recent eBay finds. Buying vintage online can be hit or miss, but this one is definitely a hit! As this group is all about styling preloved clothing, I’ve teamed it with a bag I bought on eBay a few years ago and a pair of shoes I found in a charity shop for £1!”
Emma
Grace of Graceful Rags
“During my spring break in Las Vegas, I visited my favorite thrift store and stumbled upon this beautiful magenta dress. It fits like a glove and was only $15, so of course it had to be mine! I accessorized with this watercolor-esque hair scarf and this vintage bag I found in my grandma’s closet. Not exactly sure which decade I’m stepping into with this outfit—I think probably the 60s?—but I’m loving the vintage vibes nonetheless.”
Grace
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
“Biba and the Goddess of Bohemia…I’m captivated by this early 70’s bohemian fusion; beatnik meets London ‘it girl’ with a hint of wealthy glamour-puss. The artist, the romantic and the jet-set elite unite in this decadent fashion furore…The quixotic spirit became embodied in 1973 when Biba opened its first store on Kensington High Street. I long to travel back in time; I’d adorn myself in every glorious creation from elegant gowns to curious loon-pants. My true persona would live – I am the Goddess of Bohemia…”
Jane
Lucy of Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva
“This outrageously colourful 60s jumpsuit that makes my heart skip a beat, is a favourite of mine. I got it from a vintage-seller-blogger friend, Joy of @joyouscloset. This lady’s collection blows me away every time. Styling it today for you along with this lavender leather jacket I adore-got this from Sharde of @twiggynchic-another online reseller who’s got my tastes covered.”
Lucy
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
“This is a very beloved preloved dress by Diane von Furstenberg. I adore that woman. Not only is she so beautiful, but her dresses are absolutely gorgeous! Why does this one step back in time? Because I bought it in Lewes a couple of years ago. You have to know that I totally love the UK. I want to live there if I could. I have been there about 30 times and for the last 20 years Gerben and I go there every year, and often twice and sometimes three times a year. But it is now 18 months ago since our last visit and I want to go so bad! So wearing this dress really feels like step back in time, to the time where we could go to the UK whenever we wanted…”
Nancy
And me!
“I thrifted this vintage houndstooth sheath dress a few months ago and it was perfect for this Back in Time theme. I paired it with a more modern houndstooth blazer (also thrifted) and my really old, vintage inspired burgundy bow heels. But this look also has a Back in Time vibe for me because this is how I used to dress many moons ago when I worked on Wall Street.”
Shelbee
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Dress, Blazer, and Green Initial Bracelet-Thrifted / Shoes-Madden Girl / Clutch-Old Navy / Stone Bracelet-Michal Golan / Earrings, Brooch, Black Bracelet-Super old / Sunglasses-Olive Goldsmith
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
26 Comments
Jennifer
I really love this outfit!!! Love houndstooth and the pop of burgundy is nice!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I do love a classic black and white houndstooth print with a little burst of color! Have a fabulous week.
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
Such a classic pattern!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tamar! I do love black and white houndstooth! Have a great week.
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
I just love all these vintage looks!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! I hope you have a fabulous week ahead!
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara
I associate sheath dresses with work/office….therefore not something i would pick out as a first choice…but it kinda works with this print, right? Also, didn’t know Paul Poiret was si revolutionary, corset-wise:)
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I definitely associate sheath dresses with office wear as well. This is exactly how I used to dress back in my corporate days. I like to revisit the style every now and again although it doesn’t fit into my lifestyle these days either. But if ever I get to go out and do stuff, maybe I will find the perfect occasion for this dress. Until then, I will just enjoy playing dress up! I hope you have a lovely week ahead, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Bojana Krienke
Wow, antything prior to 2001 is vintage, I guess I am aging more than I thought. LOL! I absoultely love this dress and I think it’s a classic nod to the vintage look but what I truly love is that you can 100% still wear it and look classy, so that’s a win to me! I also am a fan of the sheath dress for most body types and you look absoultely stunning in this outfit. Take me for a night out husband!
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Bo! It really does make me feel old when the clothing I wore in my 20’s is considered vintage. So crazy! And I do like to throw back to some classic styling every now and then. It would be nice to have somewhere to go all dressed up though, wouldn’t it?! Husband definitely needs to take you out for a night on the town! Have a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
This dress looks just fabulous on you! And loving the print! It looks so good with the burgundy shoes/bag too, and it’s a dress that would look stunning paired with any color!
What a great find!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ellie! I am really happy that I snagged this dress when I did because I am certain I will find somewhere to wear it! One day. When we can go places freely again. I hope you have a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
I adore houndstooth and the two together is perfection for me. I one took sewing lessons and those dresses were about the only I could sew. So I had quite a few, lol.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! Gah, I wish I had stuck with my sewing lessons! I get so many ideas in my head but I never know how to create them myself. Because I never learned! LOL. This was a fun theme! I think it’s Jane’s turn next for May! I am excited to see what she chooses.
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
Lovely outfit, Michelle – I like how you’ve mixed the two scales of houndstooth, and the burgundy accessories are perfect! That dress is probably in the late 90s to early 00s range – that square neckline was popular then, as was the loose sheath cut of it. The shoes are also from that era, maybe a bit later, around 2002-4 – I had turquoise ones just like them! The swing cut of the jacket – that was last popular around 2007-8, so it’s likely from then.
Some awesome outfits here!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Yay, Sheila! Thanks so much for sharing your vintage knowledge with me! I almost emailed you a photo of my outfit before I wrote the post to ask you if you could date these pieces for me but then I waited until it was too late and had to get writing! But I knew you would share in the comments and I am so happy that you did! The shoes I bought new and it was probably in the early 2000’s when I got them. So they are almost vintage in their own right! That still blows me away that styles from just 20 years ago are vintage. I still don’t like that definition! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking so very “Mad Men” and classic.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Classic and classy! A really sophisticated look. Well done! And thanks for the history lesson. Can you imagine being sewn into a dress? Ugh. Not to mention bone corsets and girdles.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Michelle! And, no, I cannot imagine being sewn into a dress like that! I get claustrophobic in regular old shape wear! Bone corsets and rubber girdles are not for me either. Although I do like the sassiness of corset styles. At least they are much more wearable these days. I hope you are having a wonderful week so far!
xoxo
Shelbee
Grace
Shelbee, I absolutely adore this outfit!! One of my favorites of yours! Pairing the bigger houndstooth dress with the smaller houndstooth blazer is genius… So high fashion. I didn’t even think to do research into the brand of my own dress, but that’s such a fun idea! I will definitely have to do that now. And the history of the sheath dress is super interesting, too. Love this post!!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Grace! I do love to add an interesting pattern mix to outfits when I can and I think keeping with black and white makes it way easier. Whenever I can’t find what I want about the era of a piece or the brand itself, Sheila seems to always have the answer for me! She is so knowledgeable about the styles from each decade. She generally shares al the little bits in my comments when I post vintage or preloved pieces. I love learning this stuff and find it so interesting as well! I guess that’s why I share it! This was a fun theme and everyone looks amazing!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
Oh Shelbee you are so well versed in fashion history- I should have you as a guest speaker for my students- you make it so interesting!! And you nailed it- it really does have all the vintage flavour! Love this group!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lucy, thanks so much! I actually am not very well versed in fashion history at all! I just go do some minor research for these posts so I can sound like I know what I am talking about! Haha. Actually, I am just super interested in all kinds of history and so I enjoy researching these random topics and sharing what I find here. I love this group, too, with all of our creativity and unique takes on each theme! So much fun!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
I love the double houndstooth pairing. I have a couple sheath dress and I like how they are flattering.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mireille! I find that whenever I wear houndstooth, I almost always end up combining at least two houndstooth prints. I like it, too!
xoxo
Shelbee