1940s Poppy Print Dress

I actually made this dress last summer, and only just now got pictures of it. It was the final version of the same pattern that was used for my 1940s polka dot dress, only with a different sleeve option.

 

It has the same side pleat detail on the skirt, and the bow sash - this time I did interface it and it behaves much better. The sleeve buttons were added just for fun, and because they were a perfect match.

 

The cotton print, with its cheerful poppies, is much more summer or fall appropriate, but I wanted to wear it again before the weather gets too warm. Instead of a snowy background, I feel like I should have sunny, green meadows. Oh, well - they're on their way!

 

Brown accessories were the right color for it since the buttons are brown, so I paired it with my 1940s brown hat and spectator pumps and a favorite brown gabardine 1940s purse that isn't huge to carry but definitely is roomier than some of my other vintage purses. (You've seen them all before.)

 

And, in keeping with most of my pattern illustrations that show white or light colored gloves most of the time no matter what color the other accessories are, I wore wheat colored gloves with pretty detailing, which I believe may be from the 1940s as well but I'm a little hazy on my glove dating.

 

 

This is one of those patterns that could easily be a tried-and-true go-to pattern, since the fit is good and it's very simple to make, yet without looking too plain or boring to sew. Switching out the 4 choices of sleeves, and with an endless variety in combination of buttons, fabric, and sash choices, could make it a ready candidate for everything from a house dress to a street dress to a cocktail dress. Honestly, this dress could be made in a few hours from start to finish, except for perhaps the hand work. 

 

 

It behaves very well in a semi-heavy cotton, not needing the draping quality of rayon or a limper fabric. And this cotton, while an unusual color scheme for me, was quite pleasant to work with. I have enough left to make a blouse - on the to do list.

 

I tried out a more coral shade of lipstick with it - again not my usual color for costume wear, but though we often think of 1940s or "retro" lipstick as a cherry red, most color illustrations or photos from the 1940s show lipstick with an oranger tint. (My spell check says "oranger" isn't a word, but it should be since "greener" and "redder" and "bluer" are, don't you think? :-)

 

Wearing this dress again made me realize again how much I like it, so I'm sure it will get more outings in the future.

Comments

[Esther]

Another favorite!!!! ;) This dress is so gorgeous! I love the print of the fabric; it's so unlike a lot of what's available in the store, and so vintage-looking! I also love the way you use a sash instead of a belt- I need to try that sometime!
Beautiful job! You look just lovely as always. :)

[Kate-Em]

This is another lovely dress, such a nice shape. The print is very pretty too.

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Esther, I think the fabric is out of print now but not very vintage. I agree - it's hard to find large printed fabric, especially cotton since most cotton goes to quilters now and they use small prints. What I really want to find is a large, scattered print. Lots of 1940s dresses used fabric like that and I haven't had any luck finding anything similar so far, but I'll keep looking.

[bonita]

That waist bow is darling, and I agree ~ the poppy print is great ~ this dress definitely deserves more love! ❤

xox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill

[Sarah A.]

One of my all-time favorites! I love this dress! :) The style and the fabric and the details, all just lovely. I'm afraid I'd be wearing the thing to death no matter what the season, I like it that much. :) It reminds me of dresses I saw in an old movie ages ago, but they always stuck in my head for inspiration. Excellent job once again!

[Linda]

It is really beautiful! Lovely photos.