Jumpsuits - The New Hot Thing?

I was reading in the "Style & Travel" section of the October 16, 2014 edition of The Wall Street Journal that jumpsuits are becoming a "must buy" fashion, from casual to tailored! I know, I know - The Wall Street Journal as a source for fashion news? Well, they always cover fashion on Thursdays, and it is newspaper that is available at work, so I try to pay attention to it, at least on Thursdays. ;)

So, jumpsuits? Well, if you want to find really cute jumpsuits, you can't do better than vintage! For best fit and preferred fabric, sewing your own seems like a no-brainer.

Jumpsuits become regular wardrobe items in the 1940s, especially (though not exclusively) as work apparel for women working in manufacturing plants that supported the war effort.

1950s

In the 1950s, the jumpsuit emerged as a trending sportswear (and so cute!), but not common. 

1960s & 1970s

The most popular decades for the jumpsuit were the 1960s and the 1970s.  Hip and groovy, they expanded to include a wide range of styles, suitable for both casual and formal wear: from the uber-slim "cat suit" to the delicious fullness of palazzo pants. 

   1980s

Jumpsuits lingered in the 1980s, but definitely not as popular an item as in the 1970s. 

 So what do you think? Do jumpsuits in general have appeal? Would you sew one for yourself? Do any of the patterns above appeal to you?

1930s Sporty Frock - Golf Anyone?

Here is a delightful frock from 1937, apparently the perfect garment for outdoor fun. It appears to be cut on the bias, which always provides graceful flare and movement. I love the top-stitched center box pleat in the skirt front, the shaped yoke with wing revers, and that sporty action back. Wow, did you notice that she is wearing gloves to golf? How professional! :)

Scraps from the Past: 1980s full flirty shorts in nylon

This "scraps from the past" features the pattern Simplicity 6249 from 1983 - for pants, culottes, and short shorts. You may not care for the "Hammer" pants, but the culottes and shorts have a fun, very skirt-like fullness. The pattern has a very nifty design for the waistband, which is really two waistbands, with the front yoke-style band overlapping and fastening to the waistband beneath it.

The fabric our mystery seamstress tucked in the pattern is soft and sheer - plenty of movement for those full gathered skirt-like shorts. Swish, twirl! Can you visualize it? Or do you think she tucked in blouse material to go with the shorts?

Scraps from the Past - 1950s Casual Ensemble in Soft Summer Green

Sometimes a pattern illustration inspires us to sew the pattern just the same (as in my previous Scraps from the Past post). And sometimes we have a favorite fabric and look for a pattern that meets our need.

McCall's 4822 from 1958 is a great mix-n-match pattern for blouse with varying sleeve lengths, shorts in two lengths (short and Bermuda), and tapered ankle-length pants.

The original seamstress tucked this durable, yet soft, cotton fabric inside this pattern. It is a lovely shade of green. It has an almost-like-linen type of weave, but is much more pliable and softer than linen. Based on the pattern pieces that were cut, it looks like she sewed the Bermuda shorts in this fabric.

It makes me think of the pattern differently - in greens and blues and other colors, instead of the earthy browns and reds used on the pattern drawing. Lovely. I'm ready for green!

Before and After Hit Parade - 1930s Girl's Overalls - Retro Romper

Seamstress: Elizabeth
Pattern: Du Barry 2259B

Almost a year ago, Elizabeth sewed up this cute pair of overalls for her adorable and fashionable daughter. Dating from the late 1930s, it's classic cute sportswear!

The Result:: Created in a somewhat stretchy denim with eye-popping bright colors straight from the late 1960s - early 1970s, this pair of overalls is easy-care fashion that Felicity loved wearing! Didn't it turn out great? Of course, it doesn't hurt that Felicity makes such a superb model, right?

 

Check out Elizabeth's blog Peanut Butter Macrame to read all the details of her struggles with sizing this pattern for her growing daughter, as well as her current sewing accomplishments!