The transparent topcoats of the 1950

Women usually start putting on transparent dresses in the summer dog days to keep, or at least to look, cool. But this year sheered materials, like silk and cotton organdy or voile, have come in well ahead of heatwaves as a big spring day and evening fashion. This has caused designers to do something different about what goes under them. To the new sheers display underneaths that can be worn alone or slips cut in such elegant fabrics they are obviously meant to show.

Overdress of cotton organdy (left) opens in back (Emily Wilkins). Striped sheer apron (center) has matching gloves (Bonnie Cashin). Blouse and skirt (right) come separately (Nelly deGrab, $8.95, $10.95).




Transparent topcoats are newest use for sheer fabrics. Left: silk organdy with pique choirboy collar (Ceil Chapman). Right: sheer white cotton (Judy'n Jill). What goes underneath is shown in the next image.












Subsurface of outfits above can be worn alone. Black silk sheath has a bodice boned like a strapless slip, costs $89.95 with coat. Plaid cotton evening gown, copy of a Balenciaga design, is $40 with coat. 











Second layer of dresses at top are: printed calico ($39.95 with overdress); black sheath ($35, apron $18 extra); polka-dot bra and petticoat of tangerine and black taffeta (John Norman, $19.95 together).






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photos and documentation: LIFE Magazine (US) | Zetu Harrys collection.



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