1940s Veda Peplum Dress - Lapis Blue Jacquard
We're feeling so Film Noir right now and decided our 1940s collection deserved that iconic, resplendent and sultry dress that only the dark side of the forties can do. Veda has arrived and she means business!
This design was inspired by an original 1940s dress that had the hallmark peplum skirt, shoulder pads and pin tuck bodice. We've taken some of our favourite authentic features and enhanced or altered others to bring you a dress that slots into our catalogue perfectly.
The details! Take the neckline - an elegant sweetheart shape so flattering and a well known 1940s favourite. The extra detail of the tucks at the sides enhance it further. Bodice is fitted below the bust using diagonal pin tucks down into waist. Pin tucks are very narrow stitched folds that shape the bodice. These pin tucks are super authentic details we haven't yet used - so we are delighted to bring these level of detail into this new dress.
A peplum is a short, flared overskirt attached at the waist that adds shape over the hips. It sits here over a pencil skirt, a straight skirt that follows the line of the body to the knee.
. Shoulder pads give the square, structured shoulder line of the 1940s.
Grown-on sleeves (which are cut in one piece with the bodice, with no armhole seamsoften the shoulders) and the shoulder pads add extra drama. Addition of self-covered belt adds extra finesse to the outfit.
Made in viscose floral jacquard with a beautiful drape that lets her shaping do the talking. Jacquard is a fabric with its pattern woven into the cloth on a jacquard loom, so the floral is part of the weave, not printed on top.
Dress has back zip. Unlined.
Key features include:
- Fitted bodice with grown-on sleeves
- Shoulder pads
- Sweetheart neckline
- Waist-flattering peplum over a pencil skirt
- Self covered belt
- Back zip
Made with love in Yorkshire, England.
Fabric: 100% Viscose throughout
Care: We recommend dry clean
Length from natural waist to hem: Approximately 27 inches
FAQ
What makes this a 1940s dress?
The silhouette is typical of the decade: padded shoulders, a fitted waist, a peplum and a narrow pencil skirt that ends near the knee. It is based on an original 1940s dress, with pin-tucked shaping and sleeves cut as part of the bodice.
Why does a 1940s dress have shoulder pads?
Square, padded shoulders defined 1940s tailoring and dressmaking. They balance the narrow skirt and nipped waist, giving a strong, structured line.
What is a peplum?
A peplum is a short, flared overskirt attached at the waist. In the 1930s and 1940s it added shape over the hips and emphasised a small waist. Here it sits over a straight pencil skirt.
Why film noir?
The page names film noir as the inspiration. The crime films of the 1940s are known for dramatic lighting and elegant, tailored costume, and this dress shares that sharp, structured glamour.
What is jacquard?
Jacquard is a fabric woven on a jacquard loom, so the pattern is woven into the cloth itself. This dress has a floral jacquard in lapis blue.
What are grown-on sleeves?
Sleeves cut in one piece with the bodice, with no seam at the armhole. They are a common 1940s feature, and they are why this dress has a smooth shoulder line.
How does it fit?
It’s fitted and sits close to the body, so choose your size by waist. Sizes run from UK 8 to 18. See the size chart for exact measurements.
Love this era? Read our 1940s Vintage Style Guide
We're feeling so Film Noir right now and decided our 1940s collection deserved that iconic, resplendent and sultry dress that only the dark side of the forties can do. Veda has arrived and she means business!
This design was inspired by an original 1940s dress that had the hallmark peplum skirt, shoulder pads and pin tuck bodice. We've taken some of our favourite authentic features and enhanced or altered others to bring you a dress that slots into our catalogue perfectly.
The details! Take the neckline - an elegant sweetheart shape so flattering and a well known 1940s favourite. The extra detail of the tucks at the sides enhance it further. Bodice is fitted below the bust using diagonal pin tucks down into waist. Pin tucks are very narrow stitched folds that shape the bodice. These pin tucks are super authentic details we haven't yet used - so we are delighted to bring these level of detail into this new dress.
A peplum is a short, flared overskirt attached at the waist that adds shape over the hips. It sits here over a pencil skirt, a straight skirt that follows the line of the body to the knee.
. Shoulder pads give the square, structured shoulder line of the 1940s.
Grown-on sleeves (which are cut in one piece with the bodice, with no armhole seamsoften the shoulders) and the shoulder pads add extra drama. Addition of self-covered belt adds extra finesse to the outfit.
Made in viscose floral jacquard with a beautiful drape that lets her shaping do the talking. Jacquard is a fabric with its pattern woven into the cloth on a jacquard loom, so the floral is part of the weave, not printed on top.
Dress has back zip. Unlined.
Key features include:
- Fitted bodice with grown-on sleeves
- Shoulder pads
- Sweetheart neckline
- Waist-flattering peplum over a pencil skirt
- Self covered belt
- Back zip
Made with love in Yorkshire, England.
Fabric: 100% Viscose throughout
Care: We recommend dry clean
Length from natural waist to hem: Approximately 27 inches
FAQ
What makes this a 1940s dress?
The silhouette is typical of the decade: padded shoulders, a fitted waist, a peplum and a narrow pencil skirt that ends near the knee. It is based on an original 1940s dress, with pin-tucked shaping and sleeves cut as part of the bodice.
Why does a 1940s dress have shoulder pads?
Square, padded shoulders defined 1940s tailoring and dressmaking. They balance the narrow skirt and nipped waist, giving a strong, structured line.
What is a peplum?
A peplum is a short, flared overskirt attached at the waist. In the 1930s and 1940s it added shape over the hips and emphasised a small waist. Here it sits over a straight pencil skirt.
Why film noir?
The page names film noir as the inspiration. The crime films of the 1940s are known for dramatic lighting and elegant, tailored costume, and this dress shares that sharp, structured glamour.
What is jacquard?
Jacquard is a fabric woven on a jacquard loom, so the pattern is woven into the cloth itself. This dress has a floral jacquard in lapis blue.
What are grown-on sleeves?
Sleeves cut in one piece with the bodice, with no seam at the armhole. They are a common 1940s feature, and they are why this dress has a smooth shoulder line.
How does it fit?
It’s fitted and sits close to the body, so choose your size by waist. Sizes run from UK 8 to 18. See the size chart for exact measurements.
Love this era? Read our 1940s Vintage Style Guide
| 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
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