This is one of my favorite Ginger dresses. It's either by Bernard Newman, who also designed the costumes for many of her 1930s movies with Fred Astaire, or by Irene, who also designed the costumes for The Barkleys of Broadway. Both are credited on the movie, but I tend to suspect Newman for this particular gown.
Anyway, I love the layered effect, the lavish use of sequins, and the sheer wrap/cape with the bow-shaped brooch(?) at the shoulder. It definitely fits the glamorous nightclub singer she is playing in the film. Later, to go out, she puts on a cute jacket with shouldamapads and ribbon ties in the front over the gown.
I just recently watched this movie, and I think this dress that Ginger Rogers wears is absolutely gorgeous! It’s such a beautiful 1930′s evening gown. I adore all of the layers of fabric, so it’s much more voluminous than it looks...and the neckline and low back is so cool. And I love her veil! It’s a fun little joke, since she’s James Stewart’s secret bride.