Back to School - College Fashion from 1949

Check out this wonderful back-to-school fashion for the college-bound, straight from 1949 and Woman's Day magazine. This gal is starting the school year with a fine collegiate wardrobe of tea-length skirts, snug jackets with weskit points, and fun boxy toppers.

This boxy topper (with a belt or not) has a wind-breaking collar and useful big pockets.  I love that pose. :)

Perfect for all uses - a suit made of a jacket with weskit points and a trouser-pleated skirt in wool.

Here is the same jacket & skirt in cotton velveteen, making the perfect "date suit". Her college date is wearing a suit too. ;)

 

This fabulous, sporty jerkin of bright wool felt  is made by leaving the sleeves out of the boxy topper pattern and adding a martingale belt in back. It makes a great warm addition to layer over sweaters and a wool skirt.

This shirtwaist dress in rayon is a "campus classic" for every day. So demure! Note the flash of color with the handkerchief in the breast pocket - nice touch!

1950s March Fashion - Neutral Tones Carry the Day

The pearly look of pale tones are featured in this collection of spring styles from March 1952!

 Pale beige flannel suit - a collarless neckline, pleated skirt, "domino" closing.

 A beautiful double-breasted coat of white fleece, lined with black silk, worn over a black silk suit.

 A double-breasted white fleece topper over a slim navy dress - perfect to wear spring or summer.

A neat round-collared suit in oatmeal tweed flecked with red and green, and accented with a big wool tassel.

February 1973 - Taking Up the Slacks with Vogue Fashion!

Stay warm in a squall with this great fashion from February 1973 and Vogue!

On the left, Vogue 2814, Yves Saint Laurent's topper with outsized flap patch pockets, combined with a belted tunic top and wonderfully wide pants. On the right, Vogue 8475, a blouson jacket with raglan sleeves, tailored shirt, and flared wide-leg pants. Fab!

1950s Refashion - Another Fur Remodel Yields Cute Results

While this refashion involves a real fur coat, don't let that stop you from consider faux fur fabrics for a fun and very 1950s short coat!

The refashion started with an old "dyed beaver coney coat" that was out of style. For those not familiar with it, coney is another word for rabbit. :)

 

 

The coat was turned into this wonderful boxy topper, with easy fullness, a natural shoulder, and perfect for wearing anywhere! :)

 

1950s Refashion - From Outdated Topper to a Fresh Box Jacket

It's time another refashion from 1950! In this one, an old "topper" was converted into a fashionable box jacket by working with its existing lines.

As shown in the diagram, the box jacket was created from the topper by doing the following:

• The shoulder line was narrowed, lowered, and rounded
• Sleeve width was reduced
• Roll-back cuffs were made by turning under a wide hem and top-stitching the new sleeve edge
• Lining was cut off to meet the raw edge inside the sleeves
• Back fullness was taken in
• Patch pockets were cut from the bottom of the topper and the edge hemmed. Pockets were set at the hemline.

And here is the final result!

A belt adds the finishing touch! And don't forget your gloves. ;)