1930s - A Play Suit to Envy

Quick changes are easy with this 1937 two-piece play suit. Now if only I could order this and sew it in time for the trip to Hawaii! ;) I love the buttons on the shoulders, the side button closing in the bodice, and the separate slim skirt. Note the deep V sun-back. So inspiring!

1955 Givenchy Suit - American Style

This suit by Givenchy from 1955 has a back-dipping silhouette, with a distinctive semi-detached band that hangs free from the jacket at center back.

The American adaptation, in linen-like silk, modifies the jacket's back belt dip (you can see it, just look for that small gap) and shortens the sleeves to 3/4 length.

Slim and chic!

Mid-1950s Evening Tunic and Slim Skirt - Exotic!

This tunic blouse from 1955 is sewn in pure silk satin for late day or evening. The slim skirt is of velveteen. Très élégant!

Spotted in a Shop Window - Crisp Sunny Ensemble

This sunny ensemble spotted in the shop window of Brooks Brothers has so many classic elements to love - a pert, slim linen skirt, crisp white blouse with wing collar and wing cuffs, and a navy blue sweater that sets everything off to perfection.

Some style is simply timeless!

1950s Refashion - Trimming a Circle Skirt Down to a Slim Skirt

Before: A tea-length full circle skirt in black bengaline from the late 1940s. Evidently it was "too wide" and "too long"!

The Changes: The original waistband was removed, the skirt turned so that the side seams became center front and back seams. Front yokes, back yokes and kick pleat insert were cut from the rest of the fabric. The illustration shows how easy it was. A cuff was sewn into the seams where the yokes join the skirt pieces. A back zipper closing was inserted at the center back seam of the skirt yoke, and the waist was finished with belting. Easy-peasy! ;)

After: Rather elegant, I must say!

The New Look - Then and Now

You all know the iconic dresses of the 1950s and early 1960s known as the "New Look" - the dresses with a snug bodice and a full skirt or a slim skirt. Here are some lovely examples:

 

 

 

 

The current revival of the New Look is fun to see. Generally the dresses are shorter. I spotted a great example in this pair of formal dresses in the window of Luly Yang, Seattle.The full skirt has soft box pleats, while the slim skirt has soft gathers. Note how the display includes matching shoes and purse. :). Perfect!

And I spotted this pert dress in the shop window of Anthropologie - it has a softly box-pleated short skirt and contoured drop-waist.

 Totally fun fashion!