This 1940s novelty cold rayon skirt suit is tailored to a pretty and feminine tea-dress style, typical of this era. Both pieces are tailored from a midnight blue cloth which looks almost black, patterned with gardening tools - very unusual! Printed in green, cream and fuchsia rose, it shows watering cans, wheelbarrows, birdhouses, shovels, baskets and plant pots, alongside flowers and shrubs. This top has short-sleeves and a nipped-in waist. It is detailed with soft black silk velvet across the collar, cuffs and buttons. The neckline is cut in a V-shape and is finished with a tie at the neck. The skirt is cut to a high-waisted fit. It is detailed with a few soft pleats which add a flippy, playful feel. It fastens at the rear with a hidden zip and magenta coloured plastic button which is probably a thoughtfully matched replacement as the buttons on the blouse are velvet. Both the top and skirt are unlined.

This matching suit is in very good to excellent vintage condition for an original 1940s set. Both pieces are very wearable together, or as separates and are a great choice for the Goodwood Revival. I noted the following with the garments in hand only; three very well executed repairs to the rayon on the right shoulder which we have photographed. And, the skirt has been let out down at the side seams, I barely noticed as it has been done so well. The zip is a good quality, modern replacement in brown and the button moved to the very edge, leaving a small indentation at the previous site. You will also see a few areas where there are some minor brown markings, almost impossible to spot when worn due to the darker background colour and the interesting print. These observations are very minor and do not detract from an outfit that has been carefully preserved for 80 years. No labels are present so please check our below measurements carefully as the fabric has no stretch. We believe this would best fit sizes up to a UK size 12 or a US 8.

MEASUREMENTS TOP

BUST - 43 in. (109 cm)

WAIST - 34 in. (86 cm)

LENGTH - 21 in. (53 cm)

MEASUREMENTS SKIRT

WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)

HIP - 46 in. (117 cm)

LENGTH - 25 in. (64 cm)