Prettiest Early 1970s Oscar de la Renta Floral Printed Halter Dress w Crossed Strap Open Back designer-oleg-cassini The braided piping detail that

The braided piping detail that runs around the waist and adds to the illusion of a nipped in waistline is utterly fantastic

The top is a poncho like

The skirt is top stitched so it has a quilted/padded appearance and machine cotton lace edging is applied to the bottom hem and the tiered seam just below the knee

Bust: will stretch from 16-18" when measured from side seam to side seam

Elastic waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam

Prettiest Early 1970s Oscar de la Renta Floral Printed Halter Dress w Crossed Strap Open Back designer-oleg-cassini The braided piping detail thatThe Oscar de La Renta boutique label first appeared in 1967 which makes this one from one of the very earliest collection for this line. His boutique label is important as is marked the first ready to wear line for a Seventh Avenue designer to be launched. These early pieces have lots of hand finishes and are just stunning example of his work during these early days of his career. I suspect that this dress is from either Spring 1970 or Spring 1972.