Victoria's 50s Dress

This is Victoria's 50s-era dress, made from a pattern that was actually made in the 1950s.  I invariably forget that the armholes and necklines are too tight.  This time I remembered to cut the armhole and sleeve bigger, but forgot about the neckline.  Did 1950s-era ladies have scrawny chicken necks, or did they just like to go around feeling strangled, or what??  Fortunately, Victoria doesn't have a very big neck.  The low-waisted skirt has box pleats.  The bow is tied around a stay that is sewn on under the collar.