The dress design
This is a lovely early 1970s design from John Bates at Jean Varon from what was described as his Wild West Collection. Similar checked 'Wild West sweetheart' dresses were shot for Vogue in 1973 and appear in Richard Lester's superb book John Bates: Fashion Designer on page 105.

The cotton dress has a full checked skirt.
The white collar, pin-tucked bodice and cuffs are contrasted with black and white detailing.
There are five black buttons on the bodice with a concealed 20cms entry zip below. 
The deep cuffs each have two buttons. 
There are two concealed pockets at hip level.
Two belt loops at natural waist.

Note: the belt is my own and does not come with the dress. Easy to buy something similar. I think mine came from M&S!

Sizing:

The size on the label is a vintage size 16 which is more like a current size 12, but please check the detailed measurements against one of your own dresses.


Underarm to underarm, flat across the front of the dress: 49cms


Waist, flat across the front of the dress 39cms


Length, from outer edge of shoulder seam to hem: 148 cms


Condition:

Excellent. Three things to mention.

The dress has been taken up at the hem at some stage - the tacking is still there! But it does not seem to have been trimmed, so could be let down if needed. See photos 8&9.

There is some snagging in a small area near the back hem. Not noticeable when wearing because of the hang of the fabric and the pattern, but please see photo 7.

There is a barely noticeable, small, faint yellow mark on the inside of the collar, so not visible when wearing. See photo 6. The dress has been laundered and pressed, but only using a gentle laundry sheet and a cool wash.


Please take a look at the other rare and top quality vintage dresses I am selling from my personal collection.