1950s Lord & Taylor Jumpsuit – Joyful Polka Dot Style

This 1950s Lord & Taylor jumpsuit is a playful example of mid-century American leisure and novelty dressing. Made in vibrant red fabric with oversized cream polka dots, it features a dramatic ruffled neckline, sleeveless bodice, relaxed legs and gathered frill cuffs. The one-piece silhouette can be styled as resort wear, a statement party outfit or a theatrical vintage look.

Condition:
Good used vintage condition. The original Lord & Taylor label, internal size and style label, and metal back zipper remain present. There are several very small marks, light fabric pulling and minor signs of wear visible on close inspection. Some cream polka dots show light age-related discolouration. The inner labels and seams also display wear consistent with the garment’s age. These details are generally unobtrusive when worn and are shown in the product photographs.

Key Features:

• Dating: Late 1950s to early 1960s
• Brand: Lord & Taylor, Fifth Avenue
• Line: Sports & Country Clothes
• Colour: Bright red with cream polka dots
• Material: Feels like a textured woven cotton or cotton-blend fabric
• Design:
  • Wide ruffled neckline extending over the shoulders
  • Sleeveless, relaxed one-piece construction
  • Loose cropped legs with gathered ankle sections
  • Decorative frilled cuffs at each leg opening
  • Original full-length metal zipper at the back
• Style: Mid-century resort wear, novelty dressing and circus-inspired fashion
• Provenance: From Doreen Willis Bailey’s private wardrobe

Background of the Brand/Fabric/Style/Era:
Lord & Taylor was a long-established American department store closely associated with polished New York fashion and its prominent Fifth Avenue location. The garment’s label identifies it as part of the store’s “Sports & Country Clothes” range. During this period, the term “sportswear” referred broadly to fashionable clothing for leisure, holidays and informal occasions rather than clothing intended specifically for exercise.

The 1950s Lord & Taylor jumpsuit reflects the growing popularity of relaxed one-piece garments during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Jumpsuits, playsuits and hostess outfits became increasingly fashionable for holidays, poolside dressing, country weekends and informal entertaining. Bold novelty prints and exaggerated details allowed these practical silhouettes to feel cheerful and glamorous.

The oversized polka dots, cascading neckline frill and gathered cuffs give this piece a theatrical quality reminiscent of Pierrot and circus costumes. However, its clean sleeveless bodice and relaxed construction also connect it to the era’s American resort-wear tradition. The original metal zipper, paper-style internal label and period construction support its estimated mid-century date.

Provenance – Doreen Willis Bailey:
This piece comes from the wardrobe of Doreen Willis Bailey, a Canadian-born TWA hostess during the 1940s and 1950s who later worked with the American government to promote international travel in the UK. Known for her cosmopolitan lifestyle and carefully chosen wardrobe, Doreen attended numerous formal and international occasions and encountered many notable public figures. Her collection offers a personal glimpse into twentieth-century fashion, travel and social history.

Size Information:

• Garment Measurements:
  • Front length to crotch: 72 cm / 28.3 in
  • Chest: 94 cm / 37 in
  • Back length to crotch: 74 cm / 29.1 in
  • Crotch to hem: 44 cm / 17.3 in
• Estimated Modern Sizing Equivalent:
  • UK: 10–12
  • US: 6–8
  • EU: 38–40
• Model Reference: Model is 168 cm tall and usually wears a modern size M.

Please note: The estimated modern size is for reference only. Vintage sizing and jumpsuit proportions can differ significantly from modern clothing. Please use the exact chest and body-length measurements to determine the best fit.

Materials:
No fabric composition label is present. The material feels like a structured, textured woven cotton or cotton-blend fabric.

Care Instructions:
Professional dry cleaning is recommended because of the garment’s age, bright colour and original construction. If hand washing is attempted, use cold water and test a hidden area first. Do not bleach or tumble dry. Iron from the reverse on a low setting.

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Order online with worldwide delivery, or visit us in-store at Gong Nong Bing Vintage,
68 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0BB, to try on and collect your items (£1 admin fee applies).

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Explore More
Discover more pieces from Doreen’s Wardrobe or browse our collection of vintage overalls and jumpsuits.