1940’s Lord & Taylor “Young New Yorkers” Dress, Silk Gloves, and Leather Dress Shoes

Dress Measures:  36.5” long, 16” across chest, 28” waist.  Gloves – 19” long, 2.5” across wrist.  Shoes – 9” long, 3” wide.

In the 1940’s, Lord & Taylor President, Dorothy Shaver established a line of clothing to appeal to young consumers aged 12-16.  The line later became known as “Young New Yorkers Dresses”.  This is one of those first dresses.  I found the outfit all together at an estate sale here in Maine.  The dress is made of wool, has beautiful, simple embellishments at the neckline and on the sleeves.  The buttons down the back are all covered in matching material.  Much care was taken in the making of this dress.  The label in is place and reads, “Lord & Taylor Young New Yorkers Shop Fifth Avenue”.  The dress has very few flaws, there is one small hole on the front as pictured and some small holes near the hem.  Truly, it could be worn today!  The gloves are ivory silk, opera length.  There is some fraying at the fingertips and a hole at one of the thumbs, as pictured. The snap closures at the wrists work well.  The shoes were her favorite!  They are leather with leather soles, little kitten heels and pretty lacy adornments at the toe.  There is a dark spot on a bit of the lace, as pictured.  This outfit was worn for more than one special occasion!  And can you just imagine the excitement of going shopping at Lord & Taylor as a teen in the 1940’s?