1960s Ethereal Evening Gown

Long and languorous, this lovely Gerard Pipart for Nina Ricci evening gown from 1965 has an ethereal and long-ago look. Gown features a misty moiré skirt, cloud white silk chiffon bodice, and a haze-blue satin sash.

Featured in McCall's magazine, December 1965.

Scraps from the Past: 70s Designer Sundress

The pattern: Vogue 1638, a flowing sundress or evening gown from 1977 and Diane Von Furstenberg.

The scrap: This piece of charming cotton floral print was left in the envelope, giving the hint that the original sewist took her inspiration from the pattern photo, and sewed the sundress version on the left.

1960s Mod Neutrals from Young Designer Gerald McCann

Neutral colors are huge this winter season, so these two Mod fashions from London designer Gerald McCann and the late 1960s seem especially timely. Even down to the contrasting plaid revers and peek-a-boo pleat on the dress. I love the buttons and bow. Designed for Butterick patterns, both are very "Carnaby Street" in their style and totally hip. And look at their shoes - now are those fun, or what?

1937 Glamorous Couture Fashion from Paris and Vogue

Shirred to a high waistline, this exquisite lamé-topped dress has the allure you need for cocktails and dinner! The black crepe croisette fabric is molded to you - seductive and slim. Note that the inspired turban matches the frock. Such sophistication - it's a movie star pose and movie star glamour. :)

Cigarette not required. ;)

1950s Couture Dress from Givenchy with Artful Curves

This slim dress in the sketch below was designed by Givenchy in 1955. It is loosely fitted with a high bust band that curves and swings to a back, low-placed button. Short sleeves and a collarless neckline. Note the tea length. Such intriguing fashion!

 

Here is the dress as developed by manufacturers for the American market. I'd love to see what that matching jacket looks like!

Spotted in a Shop Window - Retro Flapper Style

This eye-catching cocktail dress is very evocative of the Flapper era, especially with the decorative fringes. I love the pleated and ruffled "fans" on the bodice and hips. Yum!

Spotted in the window of Luly Yang, downtown Seattle.

1973 Vogue Fashion - Evening Ease & Style

1973 evening wear is easy and elegant with these two patterns from Vogue. Vogue 2807 is a full length shirtwaist that adds casual sass and spark to an evening. The stunning dress 2804 is designed by Jean Muir and captures the eye with its flat panels, gathered panels, dolman sleeves, and shirttail hemline. Gorgeous!

 

While I encourage you to visit my shop Etsy shop, Midvale Cottage for lots of 1970s dresses (designer and otherwise), you can find the patterns for the two items illustrated above in the following Etsy shops:

For Vogue 2807:
We Are Vintage Sewing

For Vogue 2804:
Vintage Green Clothing

And while you are browsing Etsy, pick one or two accessories to wear with the dress, like a 1970s hat with net and a 1970s beaded choker!

Rorevie

 

100 Percent Polyverse

 

Vintage Flapper Girl