A B O U T 

This striking 1950s Claire McCardell dress is a refined example of her ability to balance feminine drama with practical American sportswear principles. The dress is executed in a rich coppery auburn silk taffeta with a subtle sheen, structured yet fluid, giving the skirt its beautiful architectural volume. The bodice is cleanly tailored with a high, rounded neckline and long, slim sleeves, creating a streamlined upper silhouette that contrasts elegantly with the fullness of the skirt.

Black cording  frames the neckline and encircles the natural waist, a graphic detail clearly visible in the photos and used here to emphasize proportion rather than ornament for ornament’s sake—very much in keeping with McCardell’s modernist sensibility. The skirt is generously cut with deep volume, falling to a classic mid-calf length, and is subtly sheer at the hem where the light reveals the fabric’s layered construction.

At the waist, McCardell’s signature functionality appears in the form of an adjustable side tie belt, allowing the wearer to customize the fit—an innovative and highly characteristic feature of her designs. The dress fastens with a side zipper, maintaining a clean and uncluttered line, while hidden side pockets provide practicality. The back mirrors the front’s simplicity, letting the cut and fabric do the work. 

Dating to the 1950s, this dress reflects McCardell’s mature period, when she had fully established her philosophy of elegant independence in American fashion. Pieces like this are increasingly rare and highly collectible, valued not only for their beauty but for their role in redefining how women dressed—comfortably, confidently, and without reliance on European couture traditions.

M E A S U R E M E N T S *

 Bust: up to 36"

Waist: up to 26"

Hips: open 

Length: 45” 

Fits like a small 

Label: Claire McCardell for Townley
Material: silk 

Condition: overall excellent, freshly dry cleaned and ready to wear. Minor signs of wear typical of age. 

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All of our pieces are thoroughly inspected and repaired by our in house professional seamstress prior to shipping to ensure your garment is in ready to wear condition upon arrival. 

*Please compare measurements to a garment you currently own to ensure proper fit! Please note: most of our pieces are clipped to fit our dress forms (bust: 34"; waist: 23").


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