1930s Loretta Bias Dress - Poppy
Meet the Loretta, our best-selling 1930s bias-cut dress, here in our signature Poppy print. A dreamy, swishy dress with real vintage drama!
The Loretta is based on mid-1930s fashion drawings, photographs and original vintage pieces, with a few modern tweaks to make her easy to wear. The bias cut, the detailing and the light, floaty fabric are all pure 1930s, and the Poppy print is our signature 1930s print. We love how it looks on this dress!
A high cowl neckline falls in soft folds, with shirring just below it to create gentle fullness under the bust. The sleeves are gathered into the sleeve head, with more gathers at the cuff. The skirt is cut on the bias, so it skims the body and moves beautifully, falling to low calf.
Because of the bias cut there is no zip. The dress simply pulls over your head, fastens with a keyhole and button at the back, and is cinched in at the waist with the sash belt. Our favourite detail is the clasp, a reproduction of a Bakelite original. Bakelite was the world’s first fully synthetic plastic, invented in 1907 by the chemist Leo Baekeland. It was hugely popular in the 1920s and 1930s for clasps, buttons, buckles and jewellery, and its bold, glossy, art deco look defines the era.
The dress is cut from semi-sheer viscose georgette, so it’s light, floaty and comfortable. It is unlined, so we recommend wearing it with a slip. Ours is a bias-cut vintage-style slip with bust shaping, which is something modern slips just don’t have. Choose the 1930s Luxe Bias Petticoat Slip in Black or Sirroco. The slip is sold separately.
Love the Loretta? She also comes in Golden Haze, Liquorice and Blue Velvet, and as an evening gown in Champagne Silk Blend Velvet. Browse more bias-cut dresses and gowns and 1930s dresses. [Keep only the colourways that are in stock.]
Key features
- High cowl neckline with shirring below
- Gathered sleeves with gathered cuff detail
- Bias-cut skirt
- Sash belt with a clasp reproduced from a Bakelite original
- Keyhole and button fastening at the back, with no zip
- Low calf length, approx. 87cm from the natural waist (varies with body shape because of the bias cut)
Fabric: 100% viscose georgette (semi-sheer). Unlined.
Fit: Semi-fitted, skimming the body without being tight. Choose by waist size.
Care: Dry clean, or cool hand wash. Dry flat because of the bias panels.
Made with love in Yorkshire, England.
FAQ
What is a bias cut?
A bias cut means the fabric is cut diagonally across the grain instead of straight along it. This makes it drape and skim the body, which is why bias-cut skirts flow so softly. It was a hallmark of 1930s dressmaking.
Is the Loretta dress see-through?
The georgette is semi-sheer, so we recommend wearing a slip underneath. Our 1930s Luxe Bias Petticoat Slip has adjustable straps and bust shaping, and is sold separately.
Is the Loretta dress lined?
No. It is unlined, because the bias cut and light georgette work best without extra layers.
Does the Loretta dress have a zip?
No. The bias cut means there is no zip. You pull the dress over your head, fasten the keyhole and button at the back, and cinch the waist with the sash belt.
What is Bakelite?
Bakelite was the first fully synthetic plastic, invented in 1907 by the chemist Leo Baekeland. It was popular in the 1920s and 1930s for clasps, buttons, buckles and jewellery, and it’s closely linked with the art deco look.
Is the Loretta’s clasp an original?
No. It is a reproduction of a Bakelite original clasp from the 1930s, made for the sash belt.
What is a cowl neckline?
A cowl neckline is a soft, draped neckline that falls in loose folds. On the Loretta it is high, with shirring just below to create fullness under the bust.
How long is the Loretta dress?
It falls to low calf, about 87cm from the natural waist, though the length varies with body shape because of the bias cut.
How should I choose my size?
The dress is semi-fitted and skims the body without being tight. Choose by waist size.
How do I care for it?
Dry clean or cool hand wash. It must be dried flat because of the bias panels.
What colours does it come in?
Poppy, Golden Haze and Liquorice, plus Blue Velvet and a Champagne evening gown version.
Love this era? Find more information here:-
Meet the Loretta, our best-selling 1930s bias-cut dress, here in our signature Poppy print. A dreamy, swishy dress with real vintage drama!
The Loretta is based on mid-1930s fashion drawings, photographs and original vintage pieces, with a few modern tweaks to make her easy to wear. The bias cut, the detailing and the light, floaty fabric are all pure 1930s, and the Poppy print is our signature 1930s print. We love how it looks on this dress!
A high cowl neckline falls in soft folds, with shirring just below it to create gentle fullness under the bust. The sleeves are gathered into the sleeve head, with more gathers at the cuff. The skirt is cut on the bias, so it skims the body and moves beautifully, falling to low calf.
Because of the bias cut there is no zip. The dress simply pulls over your head, fastens with a keyhole and button at the back, and is cinched in at the waist with the sash belt. Our favourite detail is the clasp, a reproduction of a Bakelite original. Bakelite was the world’s first fully synthetic plastic, invented in 1907 by the chemist Leo Baekeland. It was hugely popular in the 1920s and 1930s for clasps, buttons, buckles and jewellery, and its bold, glossy, art deco look defines the era.
The dress is cut from semi-sheer viscose georgette, so it’s light, floaty and comfortable. It is unlined, so we recommend wearing it with a slip. Ours is a bias-cut vintage-style slip with bust shaping, which is something modern slips just don’t have. Choose the 1930s Luxe Bias Petticoat Slip in Black or Sirroco. The slip is sold separately.
Love the Loretta? She also comes in Golden Haze, Liquorice and Blue Velvet, and as an evening gown in Champagne Silk Blend Velvet. Browse more bias-cut dresses and gowns and 1930s dresses. [Keep only the colourways that are in stock.]
Key features
- High cowl neckline with shirring below
- Gathered sleeves with gathered cuff detail
- Bias-cut skirt
- Sash belt with a clasp reproduced from a Bakelite original
- Keyhole and button fastening at the back, with no zip
- Low calf length, approx. 87cm from the natural waist (varies with body shape because of the bias cut)
Fabric: 100% viscose georgette (semi-sheer). Unlined.
Fit: Semi-fitted, skimming the body without being tight. Choose by waist size.
Care: Dry clean, or cool hand wash. Dry flat because of the bias panels.
Made with love in Yorkshire, England.
FAQ
What is a bias cut?
A bias cut means the fabric is cut diagonally across the grain instead of straight along it. This makes it drape and skim the body, which is why bias-cut skirts flow so softly. It was a hallmark of 1930s dressmaking.
Is the Loretta dress see-through?
The georgette is semi-sheer, so we recommend wearing a slip underneath. Our 1930s Luxe Bias Petticoat Slip has adjustable straps and bust shaping, and is sold separately.
Is the Loretta dress lined?
No. It is unlined, because the bias cut and light georgette work best without extra layers.
Does the Loretta dress have a zip?
No. The bias cut means there is no zip. You pull the dress over your head, fasten the keyhole and button at the back, and cinch the waist with the sash belt.
What is Bakelite?
Bakelite was the first fully synthetic plastic, invented in 1907 by the chemist Leo Baekeland. It was popular in the 1920s and 1930s for clasps, buttons, buckles and jewellery, and it’s closely linked with the art deco look.
Is the Loretta’s clasp an original?
No. It is a reproduction of a Bakelite original clasp from the 1930s, made for the sash belt.
What is a cowl neckline?
A cowl neckline is a soft, draped neckline that falls in loose folds. On the Loretta it is high, with shirring just below to create fullness under the bust.
How long is the Loretta dress?
It falls to low calf, about 87cm from the natural waist, though the length varies with body shape because of the bias cut.
How should I choose my size?
The dress is semi-fitted and skims the body without being tight. Choose by waist size.
How do I care for it?
Dry clean or cool hand wash. It must be dried flat because of the bias panels.
What colours does it come in?
Poppy, Golden Haze and Liquorice, plus Blue Velvet and a Champagne evening gown version.
Love this era? Find more information here:-
| SIZE | BUST | WAIST | HIPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6* | 79cm 31" |
61cm 24" |
84cm 33" |
| 8 | 84cm 33" |
66cm 26" |
89cm 35" |
| 10 | 89cm 35" |
71cm 28" |
94cm 37" |
| 12 | 94cm 37" |
76cm 30" |
99cm 39" |
| 14 | 99cm 39" |
81cm 32" |
104cm 41" |
| 16 | 104cm 41" |
86.5cm 34" |
110cm 43" |
| 18 | 110cm 43" |
91.5cm 36" |
116cm 45.5" |
| 20* | to 117cm to 46" |
to 97cm to 39" |
123cm 48" |
| 22* | to 124cm to 49" |
to 104cm to 42.5" |
130cm 51" |
| 24* | to 131cm to 51.5" |
to 110cm to 44" |
137cm 54" |
| 26* | to 138cm to 54" |
to 117cm to 46" |
144cm 57" |
Delivery
Enjoy free delivery on orders over £150.
For orders under £150, UK standard delivery is 2 to 4 working days — £4.50 EU standard delivery is 3 to 6 working days — £15 USA standard delivery is 3 to 6 working days — £20 International standard delivery is 5 to 10 working days — £20
Need it a little sooner? Express delivery is available.
A little note on duties: any applicable import taxes are calculated and added at checkout. We ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), which means we take care of everything on your behalf — your parcel passes straight through customs and arrives at your door with nothing more to do.
A little note on duties: any applicable import duties are calculated and added at checkout. We ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), which means we take care of everything on your behalf — your parcel passes straight through customs and arrives at your door with nothing more to do.
A little note on duties: import duties or taxes may be applied by your country's customs authority when your order arrives. We'd recommend checking your local customs guidelines before ordering if you're unsure — we'd hate for any surprises to take the shine off your new piece.
Returns
We offer a 30 day return window, just in case your piece isn't quite the one.
For all the finer details, you can visit our Delivery & Returns page.
Customers praised this 1930s-inspired bias-cut dress for its stunning Art Deco poppy print, elegant design, and comfortable lightweight fabric. Most found sizing accurate when following the chart. One customer noted construction quality concerns including loose threads and uneven hems. Shoppers recommend purchasing a slip as the fabric is see-through.
- What a beautiful dress! The devil is in the details, and nothing has been overlooked!
- So beautifully made. I know it will stand the test of time.
- A beautiful and authentically-styled dress with a fabulous Art Deco poppy print!
I absolutely love this dress!!! I was so worried it would be too tight in the waist since I don’t like anything tight at all and I have a 29 inch waist so in between on the sizing but went with the size 10 even tho it lists 28” because I am only 5 foot tall and petite. I did not want to go with a size 12. Well, this worked out wonderfully and the belt is adjustable and it has some give in the waist so it worked just fine. The length was perfect for me even though I am barely 5 feet tall. I had a black full slip so just make sure ladies you have one or you purchase one here because the dress is see-through and you need a full black slip underneath. I am so glad I went ahead and bought the dress!!! now one of my favorites!!! I would definitely buy another one in other prints. I just don’t care for the cream one.
Bought this a size bigger. I'm usually an 18 bought a 20 due to the shaping and it was perfect! So glad you had the size.
Felt really special in it and will wear it to non themed events over Christmas as I loved it! The colours are vibrant but not overpowering. I made a mistake not buying the petticoat ( thought it had one) but managed to find one I had so all was well.
Would recommend this dress, it's beautiful!
This dress is absolutely stunning! beautiful, elegant, and truly a joy to wear.
Wow! What a beautiful dress! Thank you House of Foxy,! The devil is in the details, and nothing has been overlooked! I was shocked by the 6 inch difference in length compared to my Indian Summer version, but it still has the swish, swirl, and knockout look !
La robe est très agréable à porter et magnifique. Le fond de robe va parfaitement bien. Je n'enlèverai pas une étoile pour ça mais à l'usage la ceinture se détend (je pense que le tissu est trop souple), il faut la resserrer pour que la taille reste joliment marquée.
Honestly, at first I was reluctant to spend so much on a dress, but boy am I SOOO glad I did. It was worth every single penny. It's so beautifully made. I know it will stand the test of time. I have worn it twice so far and have gotten so many compliments on it. I wish it came in more colors (like solid black or red) because I would immediately buy both.
Couldn’t be happier. Love this dress/slip so much. Was worried about sizing (used to US sizes) but went by the info on the sizing chart and especially by waist size as suggested and it was perfect. Quality is beautiful too. Will definitely be a returning customer. I’m 5’4”, 125 lbs and bra size is 34c. I ordered a size 14 and it looks like it was tailored for me.
I really like this new print, the fabric is a beautiful thin viscose (semi see through) and it is very reminiscent of original 1930s gauze fabrics. It is unlined and I like that I will be able to manipulate the color by the color slip I choose (nude or white) which will affect the accessories I choose. I ordered a size 14, which is one size larger than my measurements (I am a straight size 12 according to the HoF measurement chart). The sizing info states: „Fit class: Semi-Fitted skims the body so that is follows shape but is not tight.“ The 14 fits perfectly, I don‘t like a tight fit and I prefer to go with the more authentic looking looser style (a tighter fit gives it a more contemporary look). I think I could even have gone with the size 16 especially since the label states 3% shrinkage is possible (I hope not, will definitely only handwash cold).
Great length (I am 5‘8“).
I am a repeat customer of HOF and love everything I've purchased. This dress is gorgeous and truly looks like something from an exclusive vintage shop. The cut and material looks so authentic. You can't go wrong buying anything from House of Foxy. Have a cart with things in it now, just waiting for payday. Buy from HOF for all your vintage looks.
Sorry, it’s a cute dress. But it looks like it was made for Temu. No threads clipped, so there’s loose thread ends 5cms + hanging all over, the button loop doesn’t align with the button, raw elastic ends left to fray, hem is just overlocked and turned up and totally uneven and not even caught in places. Some seams the thread has run out and the stitcher hasn’t gone back over the seam so there are just random parts left unsewn. I expect more for the steep price - the fabric and design is nice but it is not worth $346 AUD plus postage.
Also in general there is no seam allowance in House of Foxy clothing. Like overlocking width only so 5mm. The seams bust easily and it means nothing is alterable… Please, please consider giving more seam allowance - the beautiful designs deserve being made in a quality that will last. Till then I’m not gonna purchase any more, sorry :(
Dear Charlotte,
Ouch indeed — a Temu comparison is a real sting for our small hand-made business! We're so sorry to hear this as this is certainly not the Foxy standard, and not what we’d expect from one of our lovingly handmade pieces.
We’ve had no trace of any reach-out to our customer services lines since about this issue since your order in May 2024, so we’re sorry to see you’ve sat on this for so long. This really does sound like a faulty Loretta that we'd have accepted full responsibilty for repairing or refunding.
Please do pop us a message at hello@thehouseoffoxy.com - we’d love the chance to make it right and investigate this further for you❤️
With warmest wishes,
Team Foxy
This dress works well. It fits as expected given the size chart and fit advice. Really nice set, I just wish it were offered in other colorways for the extended sizes. I love this fabric print, but I have two other outfits made from it and would love more variety.
A beautiful and authentically-styled dress with a fabulous Art Deco poppy print! Perfect for summer parties! Perfect fit and made of light, airy fabric!
Looks elegant and is so light and comfortable, perfect for warmer days, and has a lovely movement to it.
All payment information is protected by secure connection
Split the cost into 3 interest-free payments with PayPal
International Delivery available to Europe and the United States