Chloé Printed Silk Strapless Leaf Print Sheath Dress, 1981

Karl Lagerfeld’s creative direction of Chloé in the 1980s gave the brand an unexpected twist. Using slightly more atypical silhouettes and patterns, the Fall 1981 collection presented a version of Chloé that offered a vintage charm with a crafty almost folk aesthetic. Strokes of yellow, red, teal, and cobalt form the shapes of leaves printed on a deep black silk. These bold colors give this dress a tropical feel.

At the top, the dress has a straight strapless neckline that is fitted to the body with elastic giving the dress an easy, relaxed fit throughout the rest of the body. The neckline is done in an accenting striped border that is also at the hem. These border panels are slightly stuffed giving them a puffy dimension. The print and sheath silhouette give this dress a casual, beachy vibe but can definitely be styled up with a light jacket for a business casual or cocktail look.

Size estimate: Small

Measurements:

Bust: 30-33 inches

Waist: 34 inches

Hips: 36 inches

Length: 42 inches

Fitted at the top with elastic, this dress does offer stretch and can fit to slightly different sizes. Three hook and eye closures are also located at the top to secure the dress. Unlined, this dress is in excellent condition, professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.

* the Hattie label is an old boutique by Hattie Belkin that was known for being a first-to-market retailer of certain French designers in the US.