1970s-80s | Purple Poly Blend Mini Dress - 12

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Description:

Item: Late 1970s to early 1980s long sleeve mini dress in a polyester blend. Solid purple throughout. Wide collar, short button placket with self-fabric covered buttons, twin chest pockets with button flaps, elasticated waist, and long sleeves with zip-fastened cuffs. A structured, utilitarian-influenced design with a strong silhouette.

Era: Late 1970s / Early 1980s

Brand: —

Condition: Very good vintage condition, with light wear consistent with age and use.

Provenance Note: The safari or utility-influenced dress was a recurring form in late 1970s and early 1980s fashion, the twin chest pockets and covered buttons borrowing from workwear and military references that ran through the period's design vocabulary. In a single strong colour like this purple, the construction details become the design: the covered buttons, the zip cuffs and the elasticated waist all doing their work quietly within a coherent, well-resolved whole. The zip cuffs in particular are a considered functional detail that give the sleeves a clean finish. A confident, unfussy piece from the transitional moment between the two decades.

Measurements:

Size on garment: N/A

Our modern sizing estimate: 12                                                                                                        

Shoulders: 20"

Bust: 36"

Waist at garment: 30"

Nape to waist: 15"

Hip: 17"

Inner sleeve: 19"

Nape to hem: 32"

Condition Notes:

Please be aware. All our true vintage items come with a history, and minor signs of age, wear, or character should be expected. Any notable marks, damage, or repairs will always be clearly mentioned. This natural wear is part of what gives genuine vintage its individuality and authenticity. True vintage should not be confused with modern second-hand clothing

We photograph all garments using a professional, studio-grade imaging system designed to show colour, texture, and shape as accurately as possible. This setup was built specifically to give a true representation of each piece and avoid misleading presentation; however, we do not take photos of inside the garment. While we take great care in inspecting every piece, with true vintage it is always possible that a minor detail may be missed.

Sizing Notes:

Please compare these measurements to a similar item you already own, laid flat (rather than measuring your body). Start with the bust measurement, then check length. Vintage sizing runs small and cuts vary significantly from modern equivalents, so the measurements listed are the best guide to fit.

Our modern sizing estimates are based on bust measurements using the following sizing scale:

UK 6 (30–31")

UK 8 (32–33")

UK 10 (34–35")

UK 12 (36–37")

UK 14 (38–39")

UK 16 (40–41")

UK 18 (42–43")

UK 20 (44–45")

For jackets, knitwear, sweaters, and padded outerwear, we grade one size down to allow for structure, lining, bulk.or layering.

Buying true vintage clothing:

When buying true vintage clothing, you are buying a piece of clothing as an investment. We believe most of our true vintage items will hold or increase in value in years to come. We hope you will cherish your purchase.

Returns:

We are an independent micro business and return postage costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

For UK orders, you have 14 days from delivery to exercise your right to return, and a further 14 days to send the item back. For Europe and International orders, returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.

Please see our returns policy page for full details.