1950s Atomic House Dress

Time to show you a brand new dress and a brand new look! I made this house dress a few weeks ago, another addition to my everyday wardrobe.

 

It was the first time I made this pattern, so it was a sort of a trial. I rarely am excited by late '50s patterns, but this one caught my attention and I had to buy it. Such cute neck detail, with the band and pleats!

 

The band at the neck turned out to be a headache, and I never did end up getting the seams even, but I just left it at that. Not being a perfectionist. The vintage button was a perfect fit, I thought. I love it when I can use up a lone button on projects like this.

 

I usually don't wear this color of light tan, but the red accents make it more becoming. And I just had to get this fabric. Though the printed name on the selvedge makes me think it was actually part of a rustic collection, when I first saw it I thought "1950s atomic print!" and rapidly paired it with this pattern. I got 3 yards of the 45 in. fabric and had more than enough for this dress, which is a definite plus! 

 

  

The little pleats at the neck are mirrored in the skirt. I shortened these, but otherwise did not change anything other than doing a narrower hem than called for in order to lengthen the skirt, and taking liberties with the sleeve band assembly. The belt I made with a "self interfacing" method I made up, which is when I cut the fabric wide enough that after the seam is sewn and pressed open, the seam edges are exactly as wide as the belt. Saves a muslin interfacing which makes it so much easier for me to turn.

Have any of you made a belt like that?

 

Altogether it only took a few hours to put together. Once I was past the neck band, which was one of the first things and the most difficult part, the rest of it was a breeze, except for some adjusting with the skirt tucks to get them a shorter length and even.

 

I do love it for an everyday dress. It feels trim and flattering, yet comfortable, and despite the neck being cut a little lower than I usually wear (I can slip it over my head without unbuttoning it), the band's tapered shape keeps it in place quite well. I have another version in mind already - hopefully the 2nd time the neck band will be easier.

 

It pairs perfectly with my "new" well worn red slingback vintage heels. They are comfortable and a good walking heel height - and my favorite color of red (not bright red, not burgundy, just a nice retro cherry red that goes with everything).

 

I'm feeling like a slightly new person, since not only have I given my hair its semi-annual trim (so much more manageable now!), but also I've switched to wearing contacts after 17 years of glasses! It was rather an adjustment, but now that I'm used to contacts I'm happy with the change so far. 

 

And one of the best things about wearing contacts is now I can collect and wear those awesome vintage sunglasses! (Like these pretty green ones, probably 1960s? garnered for only 99 cents and needing some easy TLC.)

 

 

With a glorious spring like this one, it's a good time for new beginnings!

 

Comments

[Esther]

There's only one word for this whole look; stunning!!!!
My oh my, what a gorgeous dress! I'm not normally a fan of the late '50s either, but this is absolutely beautiful. And both the fit and style are perfect on you!
You are such a gorgeous lady!! :) Thanks for sharing pictures of this beautiful, amazing outfit.

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thank you so much, Esther! I'm glad you like the pattern too. It's one of those patterns that are simple yet special, and turn something basic like a housedress into something classy.

[Leya Delray]

I love all the red accents. Red is such a fun color to use! Particularly for vintage outfits when you'll be wearing red lipstick anyway.

And no glasses! I couldn't figure out why you looked slightly different until you finally said so in the post. (I'm chronically unobservant when it comes to things like that!) But I like it. I think not having the glasses accentuates your eyes more, as well as those perfect brows of yours!(Jealous sigh.)

My hands-down favorite picture is the the 3rd from the bottom, where you're standing at the fence looking off into the distance. SOOOooo pretty! Really, it's totally frame-worthy!

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

I like red accents too. In fact, it's amazing how many outfits a little red hair bow or a red belt will go with!

And of course your compliments are always appreciated, Leya! :-)