80s Two Piece Dress Purple Floral Stripe Print Ruffles By Diane Freis

The designer Diane Freis is best known for creating feminine, comfortable dresses in gorgeous, colorful print fabrics. Many of her dresses are made of lightweight polyester georgette, as is this one. This 80s 2-piece dress set consists of a ruffled top and full skirt, each made of several different patterned fabrics. The semi-sheer, satin-striped floral- and bird-print and geometric print, both in orchid purple, aqua, pink, green, black and beige, form the majority of the dress. The purple and black striped fabric used for the pleated bodice ruffles also trims the edges of the pleated, triangular panels at the skirt hem. The top is full and loose-fitting through the bodice and gathered at the wide, dropped waist panel that ties on the left side like a sash. The v-neckline has narrow fabric ties trimmed with plastic beads, and the aforementioned ruffled trim. The puffed, elbow-length sleeves have large shoulder pads. The skirt is slightly flared from the elastic waist to hem. The top and skirt both pull on, with no zipper or other fastenings except the neckline ties and side waist sash tie. The original waistband of the skirt (probably a shirred self-fabric design, like many Freis dresses) has been replaced with the band of navy blue elastic—perhaps the stretch was gone from the original, and this was the solution? It is not seen when worn, but worth noting. The elastic at the sleeve hems is a bit loose, and could be replaced is desired. This fun Diane Freis 80s dress 2-piece dress is in very good condition, with no other issues.

SIZE: M
TOP
Bust: 42” flat, but intended for loose fit. Best for approx. 38”
Low waistband: 36.5” maximum (tied completely shut at side slit)
Length: 24” from shoulder to hem in front
Underarm to top of waistband: 10”
Sleeve length: 18”
Shoulder to shoulder: 14”
SKIRT
Waist: 30” flat/unstretched, up to 36”
Hip: 52” flat, loose fit for 46” or smaller
Length: 34”
LABEL: Diane Freis Original, 100% polyester georgette