1950s Three Piece Outfit, Part Two

Last week I posted about my navy 1950s suit, where I showed you my new jacket and matching narrow skirt. Today I'd like to show you the other half of this ensemble. How pleased I was to find that three coordinating garments can give me 4 different looks!

 

So this outfit is a dress with contrast that matches the jacket, which has contrast that matches the dress. That makes a nice layered look at the neck and sleeves, which I like.

 

I did really like the width of this skirt, and how it creates a tailored look without the super slender lines usually paired with a tailored outfit.

 

And of course, the jacket can be removed and the dress worn on its own.

 

I used this dress pattern, which had long been on my to do list but got bumped up to the top when I realized that instead of pleats at the top of the skirt, it featured my favorite inside tucks.

 

The neck was a little challenging but would be easier to make again now that I know what I'm doing. And the fit was not perfectly to my liking, but again, not bad enough to make me not enjoy wearing it.

 

But other than a few challenges with putting the bodice together, the dress was easy to make and a flattering style - I'm definitely going to sew it again at some point and see if I can tweak the fit more to my liking. 

 

The one lesson I learned from this dress was to pay attention when a pattern says "not suitable for fabric with diagonal print or weave" - because they mean it! I didn't realize until this was cut out that it had a diagonal print, and thought I'd sew it up anyway. Well, the directions of the print is a little wonky. But thankfully the print is tiny and subtle enough that it's not super noticeable. Lesson learned!

 

Details:

 

The wool blend suiting I used for the dress doesn't drape quite as well as anticipated but it has a nice weight to it, and yet the short sleeves of the dress make me feel like it's a nice multi-seasonal garment that I can certainly get some wear out of.

 

It's funny...though it's not a circle skirt, I still feel so very 1950s when wearing this dress!

Comments

[Jodiebodie]

I love the versatility of your ensemble and admire your sewing skills. Did you get very cold modelling outdoors on a winter's day without your jacket? It was worth it - your photos are beautiful and the snowy backdrop complements the colours in your outfit. :-)

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thank you so much for the lovely compliments! I love the versatility of the outfit as well.

No, I didn't get very cold. The sun is so warm here when it shines that I am usually comfortable for at least short periods of time, even if it's still cold enough I can see my breath. Of course, on a cloudy day it is much colder - but spring is on the way! My snowy backgrounds will disappear, but then, I'll also be able to be more creative with them since right now there is too much snow on the ground to take pictures anywhere else. :-)