1970's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Lightweight Wool Plaid Dress

Yves Saint Laurent was only 21 years old when he became Creative Director at Christian Dior in 1958. Through an unfortunate turn of events, Saint-Laurent was only there for 2 years. However, this turn of circumstances may very well have been critical in the development of his own style, which by the 1970s arrived in full Technicolor.

This dress is an excellent example of his focus on pattern and texture, predicting some of his later work. A perfect blend of school girl and chic, the dress playfully prints plaid onto lightweight wool at a 90 degree angle. A front placket with 3 functional buttons starts at a close neckline with turned collar. The yoked bodice has gentle gathers at the front and box pleats at back, making the garment as beautiful from the back as it is from the front. All edges are topstitched in black.

The luxuriously ample cut of the dress is accentuated when the matching fabric belt is tied to compress the fullness at the waist. Sleeves are gathered at the cap for fullness, and at the buttoned cuffs. A tiered knee-length skirt swishes charmingly while you walk. Carefully crafted, this unlined Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dress is delightfully prim and looks stunning with boots, wedges, or flats.

Size estimate: S/M

Size 38

Measurements:

Shoulders: 15 inches

Sleeves: 24 inches

Bust: up to 42 inches

Waist: up to 42 inches

Hips: up to 42 inches

Length: 42 inches

This 1970s era Yves Saint Laurent dress is in excellent condition. Made from lightweight fine wool, it is unlined and slips over the head, closing in the front with buttons. A matching fabric belt provides a more controlled fit. The rich color palette is brought to life with a jauntily angled plaid. A turned collar and half-placket frame the face, and a yoked bodice adds fullness at both the front a back.

Full length sleeves close with buttoned cuffs. This dress features a beautifully gathered tier, which drapes to knee-length. Professionally 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.