The Dress, opens up with Dallas and Alex in the modern day, on the hunt for a dress for the dance that will be taking place later in the novel. But not just any dress, a dress that stands out, something that's different from the typical trends they would find on other girls at school. Then, after they find a dress that catches their attention, or seems to suit - at least for the time being. We then jump timelines to the dressmaker' Francine, in 1940s Chicago. We then learn the story of her coming into success as a dressmaker, and a designer and how over time she's given the chance to open her own business by Mrs. Prentice-Hall. Mrs. Prentice-Hall's connection brings so much more than just a business opportunity.