Blue 1950s Housedress

Progress on my Christmas outfit is slow, but I finally have pictures of the blue 1950s housedress I made weeks ago. I made it right before we moved, and obviously moving and unpacking doesn't leave much time for pictures. Then when I started getting caught up on the work, the weather didn't cooperate and I don't have a good place to take indoor pictures (we'll see how that goes this winter...) But at any rate, here it finally is!

 

I used some nice cotton shirting, in a practical shade and pattern for everyday wear, and this pattern.

 

I've found it to be quite easy care (the cotton blend looks only a tad wrinkly so I usually don't bother ironing it) and comfortable to wear for everyday. It's a dark print, so it can be worn in just about every season; since it's a thin cotton even with the 3/4 sleeves I can wear it in summer, or add a white sweater and wear it just as comfortably in colder weather.

 

It was very easy to make, and I kept it simple. I love the way the skirt is done, with the front fullness that is still nice and trim at the waist due to the inside tucks. This is also the dress that I first used my vintage hem ruler on.

 

In the back, it only has a few darts, and the skirt is fairly narrow.

 

This was one project I didn't need to debate over finding the perfect buttons. These cute nautical thrifted buttons I paired with the fabric almost immediately and was so pleased with how it turned out!

 

The dress may be a tad more constraining than a modern spandex-cotton blouse or sweater, but I've found it certainly comfortable enough to work in without inconvenience.

 

Apart from the buttons, the only trim is a little bias band around each sleeve, and of course the wing collar and shoulder gathers.

 

Keeping it simple for the housedress-style outfit, I only paired it with my Two Old Beans vintage pumps and pearl earrings for these photos. And of course a thrifted belt that I hadn't gotten much wear out of previous to wearing it with this dress, which it matches perfectly.

 

As a little aside...I've also been experimenting with my hair, trying to soften it up so it still will retain the curls and yet not look so frizzy after a hair wash and new curl set. I keep striving for that perfect smoothly rippled look you see in vintage photos, where the hair is well brushed (not ring-letty) yet still well shaped. I tried a slightly different curler size arrangement, and added more conditioner to my hair washings, and think I've succeeded since this day's hairstyle looks softer and better controlled than the 1930s gold blouse photos, which was also a fresh set. Also it's easier to brush.

 

But at any rate, I do definitely enjoy my new housedress (it certainly has been a nice addition to my everyday wardrobe) and feel very 1950s when I put it on. In case you didn't know, daily chores around the house are much more pleasant to do when you're wearing a vintage dress and maybe a cheerful apron, and have your hair styled! If you don't believe me, try it and see. :-)

Comments

[Sarah A.]

Why oh why did ladies ever get away from housedresses?! They are so pretty and practical. :) I really like this one for its simplicity and color....and buttons. Your hair turned out great too! Mine is so long there is no way to "vintage" style it. Oh well. I do love it long. ;) In the fifth photo here you really look like my grandmother. Fun to see!

[Gina White]

Oh...my word! I love your dress! It is so darling, especially with the buttons! How fun! Ok, so now I am going to have to see if wearing a 1950s house dress and apron does indeed help make house work fun! Your hair is really fabulous here. You did a wonderful job on it. It is all soft and happy looking!!
Blessings!
g

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Yes, Sarah, I agree! I think there is no reason for a lady to be sloppy, and only rarely an excuse for not being as feminine as possible. Housedresses are part of that.

I wonder if your hair would be easier to style vintage if you would trim the sides so that it's a U shape in the back. Then the front should be easier to style, and long back hair is easy to put up vintage style, at least for the 1940s.

Thanks, Gina!! I'm so glad you like it. I was happy how it turned out. Yes, do try dressing up and wearing an apron to do the housework! Believe me, it works. :-)

[Esther]

Your dress is SO gorgeous!!! It is simple and yet perfectly elegant, but also practical! The best of both worlds! ;)
Your hair is absolutely perfect! I must confess being very envious of it. ;) What kind of rollers do you use? My hair despises curls and tries to make them go away as soon as possible, so it's always giving me fits. And I'm trying to grow it out, so it's in that impossible stage right now.
In any case, this whole ensemble is gorgeous all the way around! :)

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Hi Esther - I use regular foam rollers. My hair has always taken curls well - I wash it 3 times a week and dry roll it at night after washing, or if it needs a refresher. The hard part is getting the cut right so that it layers properly. Then usually once I get it figured out, some of it has grown out a bit and starts not looking right!

If your hair doesn't take to curls well, you could try rolling it damp, use smaller rollers, or spritz it with a setting lotion before rolling it.

So glad you like the dress! I love the candy dress you just made, by the way!

[Esther]

Thanks for the tips, Kristen! :) I think my hair might just be a hopeless case; I've tried sponge rollers of various sizes, I always use setting lotion, and I had a somewhat correctly layered cut. :/ The only time I get successful curls is with hot rollers, but even then some of them fall out, plus it takes an entire morning to set them because I have to do three batches. Heehee! It's still fun to keep trying though.
I'm glad you liked my candy dress! :)

[Leya Delray]

Oh! I love that color, Kristen. And your hair looks lovely!

I don't know if I've ever tried doing housework in vintage clothes, but I do like to be well-dressed every day. It's so hopelessly unmotivating for me to try and accomplish anything at all in sloppy clothing (or pajamas!). Just makes me feel absolutely "BLAH!"

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Esther, one more thing you may want to try is washing your hair with just shampoo rather than shampoo and conditioner. Finer hair may hold a curl better without the added softness that conditioner brings. It might be worth a try, anyway.

Thanks, Leya! You're right - being well-dressed every day is a great motivator, and of course you don't have to do it vintage style. :-)

[Esther]

I hate to say it, but I don't use conditioner about 99% of the time. Heehee!!
That being said, I put in sponge rollers last night, and by some miracle they actually look fairly decent today. So I guess all hope is not lost!
;) Thanks again, Kristen! Merry Christmas!!