In Search of Style: Cute Mid-60s Swimsuit Fashion!

Are you ready for the water this summer with a cute vintage-inspired swimsuit? I recently posted a swimsuit pattern in my shop that had this page from the May '66 edition of Seventeen Magazine tucked inside.

Here is the pattern, Simplicity 5978! When comparing the two swimsuits in the ad with the pattern, I think the sewist had her eye on the lower suit, as it matches the swimsuit pattern the most closely.As you can see, the boy shorts-style trunks and the curved camisole bra top are not too far from the illustrated swimsuit (minus some ruffles) in the lower half of the ad. :) The only real difference is in the beach coverup - the pattern version actually resembles the bloused top of the upper swimsuit in the ad.

Any way you look at it, the suits are cute! (Not to mention their hair is cute too :) The nice bonus with Simplicity 5978 is that it includes a lovely slim dress with a lacy overblouse..

Simplicity 5978

I've Seen That in Vintage Patterns - 1950s Popular Sheath

Browsing through a September 1955 edition of Mademoiselle magazine, this ad for the synthetic fabric "Arnel" features a dress style that appears from time to time in vintage patterns from the 1950s. Seeing it in "real life" in this photograph, I am surprised at just how flattering this style is, with its peg-top-esque hip pockets. Would you have expected it?

I think, the hip pockets actually work to make the waistline thinner by emphasizing the hips, while the straight line from the hips to hemlines minimizes the hips. Is that a contradiction? At the very least, it is an interesting contrast. :) The dress certainly looks cute on this model!

Here is one version, Butterick 7750, a very close match and a wonderful dress.

Here is a fine half-size version, Simplicity 1458, with button accents and the bonus of a matching coat.

I've Seen That in Vintage Patterns - 1950s Step-In Sheath

Browsing through a September 1955 edition of Mademoiselle magazine, this ad for the women's fashion store Peck and Peck reminded me of a vintage front-button step-in style dress pattern I had recently listed in my shop.

And here it is! Pattern Advance 8620 is a close match, with its dart-fitted slimness and front button step-in closing. Obvious differences are the pattern's collar and set-in sleeves.

This dress clearly shows off the slim figure. But I think I prefer the version from Advance, myself.  The collar adds a lot. What do you think? 

1955 Couture - Chinese Influences

It's not exactly a cheongsam. Adapted from Dior's Chinese line, this superbly elegant silk crepe dress features a long slim tunic, Mandarin collar, and a finely pleated underskirt.

Yummmmmm!