1930s Formal Frock

The perfect frock for graduation, a prom, any festivities that a young woman can attend! This lovely formal gown from 1937 features a long flared princess-seamed skirt, lightly fitted bodice, shirred shoulders and cuffs on the puff sleeves, and graceful sash ties. So pretty!

In Search of Style: A Dreamy Formal Gown

Prom dresses are in the fashion news right now, so I think this is a great time to post this clipping I found in a pattern that I listed in my shop this week.

Here is what our later 1940s seamstress was looking for, a tremendously dreamy, gorgeous gown. Note the details:

• Full skirt topped with a froth of net
• Snug strapless top with contoured princess seams and front button closing
• A mere shrug over the shoulders with deep cuffs

Here is the pattern that it was tucked into, Butterick 4872 from 1949. It comes amazingly close, don't you think? Check the details and compare:

• Very full skirt is separate from the top. 
• Top is dart-fitted and strapless, with front button closing
• Very cropped bolero that borders on being a shrug, with deep wing cuffs

 

 

Also tucked in the pattern was a special bonus - two receipts! One for 5 yards of net (she definitely wanted that luscious, gauzy froth), and the other for two spools of thread.

 

On the reverse side of the dress clipping is this rather stunning weskit-styled top, with fabulous lacy-crocheted wing collar, matching lacy-crocheted points at the waistline, and 3/4 length sleeves with beautiful wing cuffs. Totally spell-binding style.