Vintage 1980s Escapades Black Lace Beaded Puff Sleeve Mini Dress – Size 8

An absolutely gorgeous vintage 1980s mini dress by Escapades, featuring an incredibly detailed all-black design with romantic lace, beadwork, sequins, dramatic puff sleeves, and a beautifully structured silhouette. This is such a special vintage party dress—I love how unusual the short mini length is with all of these elaborate details.

The fitted bodice is covered in intricate black floral lace with delicate beaded and sequin embellishments, creating subtle sparkle throughout. The neckline is beautifully decorated with ornate appliqué and beadwork, while the dramatic puff sleeves can be styled on or slightly off the shoulder depending on the desired look.

The fitted bodice comes to a flattering pointed waist before transitioning into a dimensional lace peplum, followed by the fitted mini skirt. Additional scalloped lace and embellishment around the hem complete the dress beautifully.

The dress closes with a zipper and retains its original Escapades label.

During our inspection, no noticeable flaws were observed, and the lace, beadwork, and overall garment present beautifully for vintage.

Brand: Escapades
Era: 1980s
Tagged Size: 8
Estimated Modern Fit: Approximately XS/S — estimate only
Color: Black
Style: Mini dress / cocktail dress / party dress
Details: Floral lace, beadwork, sequins, puff sleeves, ornate appliqué, pointed waist & lace peplum
Closure: Zipper
Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition. No noticeable flaws observed during inspection.

 

APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENTS 

  

P2P 18

Waist 28

Long 30

 

All measurements are taken by hand and are approximate.

IMPORTANT SIZING INFORMATION

The original manufacturer’s label appears to identify this dress as a Size 8. Based on the garment’s proportions, it appears considerably smaller than what many shoppers may associate with a contemporary Size 8 and may potentially fit approximately an XS/Small.

However, this is only a general estimate and is not a guarantee of modern sizing or fit.

Vintage sizing can differ significantly from contemporary sizing, particularly with fitted formal and cocktail dresses. Please purchase according to the actual garment measurements rather than the tagged or estimated modern size.

CONDITION & EMBELLISHMENTS

This dress presents in beautiful vintage condition based on our inspection, with no noticeable flaws observed at the time of listing unless otherwise shown or stated.

Because this garment contains extensive lace, beadwork, sequins, appliqué, and decorative trim, these elements should be considered delicate and handled accordingly.

Vintage embellished garments can occasionally have tiny irregularities in bead or sequin placement, decorative stitching, lacework, or individual threads that are difficult to detect during a standard inspection.

VINTAGE GARMENT NOTE — PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING

Pre-owned vintage condition. Each garment is carefully inspected prior to listing and we make every reasonable effort to identify and disclose notable flaws, damage, staining, discoloration, alterations, missing components, or other condition concerns observed during inspection.

Vintage and pre-owned clothing is not new and should not be expected to present exactly like newly manufactured clothing. Even when a garment presents exceptionally beautifully, subtle characteristics associated with age, previous wear, handling, cleaning, alterations, and storage may be present.

These may include faint marks, subtle discoloration, small pulls or snags, loose threads, minor seam or hem wear, creasing, subtle fabric variations, minor lining wear, previous repairs or alterations, or other characteristics consistent with a previously owned vintage garment.

With embellished garments specifically, there may additionally be subtle irregularities, looseness, or age-related wear involving individual beads, sequins, appliqués, decorative threads, lace, or trim.

Every garment is carefully inspected prior to listing; however, it is not possible to guarantee that every microscopic, extremely subtle, concealed, or difficult-to-see imperfection will be detected.

Please carefully review ALL listing photographs and close-ups before purchasing. Photographs are an important part of the garment’s condition description. We encourage buyers to inspect the lace, beadwork, sequins, neckline, sleeves, underarms, bodice, pointed waist, peplum, zipper, skirt, hem, seams, interior, and original labels.

DELICATE GARMENT CARE

Due to the age and elaborate construction of this dress, we recommend gentle handling and appropriate professional cleaning when necessary. Particular care should be taken around the lace, puff sleeves, beadwork, sequins, appliqués, and scalloped edges to avoid snagging or placing unnecessary stress on the embellishments.

PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING

If you would like additional measurements or photographs—including close-ups of the Escapades label, Size 8 tag, beadwork, sequins, lace, puff sleeves, neckline, underarms, peplum, zipper, skirt, hem, interior, or any other specific area—please contact us through the live chat on our website before purchasing.

Please make sure you are satisfied with the garment’s vintage condition, tagged size, measurements, delicate embellishments, construction, and overall appearance before completing your purchase.

By purchasing, please make sure you have carefully reviewed the complete listing description, measurements, condition information, all available photographs, and applicable shop policies.

Please refer to our shop policies for complete purchase and return information.