Shimmering Copper Cocktail Dress and Bolero Jacket and Dress Clips (c. 1940s)

$825.00

An outfit worthy of Old Hollywood powerhouse starlets like Ava Gardner, step into mid-century elegance with this show-stopping 1940s copper-toned beaded evening ensemble. Designed to dazzle, the fitted silhouette and intricate micro-beading reflect the era’s emphasis on sophisticated femininity and meticulous craftsmanship. The cropped jacket adds structured glamour, highlighted with removeable gold winged dress clip embellishments at the neckline that echo wartime style motifs. Whether worn as a full set or styled separately, this ensemble exudes refined vintage allure with a dramatic Art Deco touch.

Features:

  • Authentic 1940s vintage two-piece ensemble

  • Warm copper base fabric with allover micro-sequined beading in swirling patterns

  • Cropped bolero jacket with pointed hem and shoulder embellishments

  • Sleeveless underdress with gathered sweetheart neckline and curve-skimming fit

  • Bolero is fully lined for comfort and features strong dramatic padded shoulders

  • Zips up the back with a metal zipper

  • Mid-calf length perfect for evening elegance

Dress Measurements:

  • Bust: 35-36 inches

  • Waist: 27-28 inches

  • Hips: up to 42 inches

  • Bodice length: 9 inches

  • Dress length: 40 inches

Bolero Measurements:

  • Shoulders: 16 inches

  • Sleeve length: 24 inches

  • Length (shoulder to hem): 14 inches

Notes:

  • This vintage ensemble is in good vintage condition. It has some fading from sunlight. It was missing some beads for which I have sourced replacement.

A Brief History of 1940s Women's Fashion:

The 1940s marked a transformative decade for women’s fashion, shaped by the austerity of World War II and the elegance of post-war glamour. Early in the decade, clothing was heavily influenced by wartime restrictions—fabrics were rationed, leading to practical, streamlined silhouettes with minimal embellishment. Utility wear dominated, featuring tailored suits, padded shoulders, nipped waists, and knee-length skirts designed for functionality and movement.

As the war ended, fashion shifted dramatically. With the return of peace and prosperity, women’s clothing embraced a renewed sense of femininity and luxury. Eveningwear, in particular, reflected this change: silhouettes became more fitted and hourglass-shaped, and garments featured rich fabrics, elaborate beading, and ornate details. Designers like Christian Dior led this shift with his 1947 "New Look," emphasizing small waists, full skirts, and romantic styling.

The ensemble shown here—a beaded, form-fitting dress with a cropped jacket—exemplifies late 1940s glamour. It captures the era’s transition from wartime practicality to the ornate and sophisticated styles that would define postwar fashion for years to come.

An outfit worthy of Old Hollywood powerhouse starlets like Ava Gardner, step into mid-century elegance with this show-stopping 1940s copper-toned beaded evening ensemble. Designed to dazzle, the fitted silhouette and intricate micro-beading reflect the era’s emphasis on sophisticated femininity and meticulous craftsmanship. The cropped jacket adds structured glamour, highlighted with removeable gold winged dress clip embellishments at the neckline that echo wartime style motifs. Whether worn as a full set or styled separately, this ensemble exudes refined vintage allure with a dramatic Art Deco touch.

Features:

  • Authentic 1940s vintage two-piece ensemble

  • Warm copper base fabric with allover micro-sequined beading in swirling patterns

  • Cropped bolero jacket with pointed hem and shoulder embellishments

  • Sleeveless underdress with gathered sweetheart neckline and curve-skimming fit

  • Bolero is fully lined for comfort and features strong dramatic padded shoulders

  • Zips up the back with a metal zipper

  • Mid-calf length perfect for evening elegance

Dress Measurements:

  • Bust: 35-36 inches

  • Waist: 27-28 inches

  • Hips: up to 42 inches

  • Bodice length: 9 inches

  • Dress length: 40 inches

Bolero Measurements:

  • Shoulders: 16 inches

  • Sleeve length: 24 inches

  • Length (shoulder to hem): 14 inches

Notes:

  • This vintage ensemble is in good vintage condition. It has some fading from sunlight. It was missing some beads for which I have sourced replacement.

A Brief History of 1940s Women's Fashion:

The 1940s marked a transformative decade for women’s fashion, shaped by the austerity of World War II and the elegance of post-war glamour. Early in the decade, clothing was heavily influenced by wartime restrictions—fabrics were rationed, leading to practical, streamlined silhouettes with minimal embellishment. Utility wear dominated, featuring tailored suits, padded shoulders, nipped waists, and knee-length skirts designed for functionality and movement.

As the war ended, fashion shifted dramatically. With the return of peace and prosperity, women’s clothing embraced a renewed sense of femininity and luxury. Eveningwear, in particular, reflected this change: silhouettes became more fitted and hourglass-shaped, and garments featured rich fabrics, elaborate beading, and ornate details. Designers like Christian Dior led this shift with his 1947 "New Look," emphasizing small waists, full skirts, and romantic styling.

The ensemble shown here—a beaded, form-fitting dress with a cropped jacket—exemplifies late 1940s glamour. It captures the era’s transition from wartime practicality to the ornate and sophisticated styles that would define postwar fashion for years to come.