Vintage 50’s Tan Bobbie Brooks “Bobbie Soxer” Dress. Secretary Office Madmen

“Bobbie Soxer” was a phrase coined in the 40’s to refer to teenaged girls, due to the bobbie socks they wore. I’m dating this dress around the mid fifties, because the company name changed to Bobbie Brooks in 1953. That means this dress is nearly 70 years old! There are 2 pinhole sized holes, one on the bodice, and one on the back hem. I think someone who is skilled could probably repair them invisibly. There is some irregularity in the overall color of the dress. I didn’t notice it at all until I was ironing it, and even then I had to carry it out into the sunlight to make sure. It’s a faint pinkish cast. Initially I thought something red or pink bled onto it. But, after examining it, I think the dress might have originally been a pink or red color. Dyes in those days were not colorfast, so if it was mistakenly washed in hot water, it could have faded enough to result in this lovely fawn color. There is also a small faded area near the kickpleat on the back of the skirt. I was tempted to re-dye it, but I decided against it, as many collectors prefer vintage garments in their original condition. Despite those issues, it’s in remarkable condition for its age. And it’s still a truly lovely dress. (The zipper and snaps are strongly intact, and fully functional, the dress is just too small to fit on my mannequin well.) Measurements laid flat: B: 17 in. W: 13 in. H: 15.5 in. Length from shoulder: 42 in. Length from waist: 27 in. Sleeve circumference: 6 in.