1940s Patriotic Colorblock Dress

I am not very adventurous with color, but this year I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try a color block dress for the 4th of July. Color block clothing was especially popular in the 1940s, as an ideal way to use small pieces of fabric that would not be enough on their own for a garment, combined in ways that could make a whole garment and a fun fashion statement. Designers became very creative with color blocking, even in odd combinations. Browsing vintage images on Pinterest is fascinating.

 

For this dress, I used some JoAnn quilting cotton that had been on my shelf for a year or so, in just the right blue and red color scheme. I paired it with a simple 1940s dress pattern, and when I realized how the pattern could lend itself to color blocking, decided to go for it.

While I was stitching the dress, I realized that the red flowers are poppies - which makes it perfect for this type of dress since poppies have been the flower in remembrance of the fallen since WWI.

 

Although, it was ironic to me that while the idea may have originated to use up leftover pieces of fabric, I had to go out and purchase matching cotton in both blue and red, since the only red on my shelf looked rust colored next to the red of the print, and the blue fabric I had was a texture and yardage that I promptly turned into a skirt instead. 

 

Next time I try color blocking, it may be best to match up pieces of fabric I already have and then decide what to make with them!

 

The dress was very simple, with the only detail being outside darts on the bodice. Using different colors of fabric did mean I had to switch out thread on the machine a few times. I majored on the blue since that color is more flattering for me.

 

I made a blue tie belt to match, and used some vintage red-white-and-blue buttons from my stash, deciding to go all out patriotic since the combined colors made me look like a walking flag anyway.

 

Since this project, I've been noticing a myriad of ways to introduce different colors into a lot of my patterns, and I think it's made me more likely to try more color blocking in the future. Honestly, there are a million possibilities! And this was kind of fun!

 

It turned out to be a very lovely day and not too hot, but my 2nd day curls weren't behaving so I ended up going with a good hot-weather hairstyle to attend our small-town parade and BBQ.

 

My sister also enjoyed our local July 4th festivities 1940s style, borrowing most of her clothes and accessories from me. She was so happy with how her outfit turned out that she wanted pictures too, and I have to say she looks the part!

 

My newest pair of Remix reproductions (found used on eBay) arrived just in time to wear with this outfit, so we had matchy shoes as well!

 

Last year I was 7 months pregnant for the 4th of July, so my outfit was a maternity dress. This year it's nice to have the baby (now an adorable 9 1/2 months old little cherub) on the outside instead, and to be able to wear normal clothes!

 

While this is probably not my favorite new dress, it was fun to make and wear - I got a lot of compliments on it too - and a good stretching experience for me. It's very unusual, so it certainly adds interest to my closet.

 

Plus it looks so very 1940s!

Comments

[April Henry]

Love this one, Kristen! And the shoes! 😍

[Dee]

Love the 1940s color blocking...your hair looks great too--the bows are a sweet touch! Your sister looks lovely in red, white and blue :)

Best wishes, Dee

[Ms. Sam Doss]

Hello! I have admired your blog for ages, but never have been confident enough to comment. Your dress is absolutely lovely. And I love that your sister is in the post- you all are the cutest things! I wear vintage most every day, but my sewing skills are limited to very basic day dresses. I envy your talent! And I was admiring the adorable shoes you were wearing, so thank you for telling me the brand. I have never posted any of my outfits on my blog because I have been shy to. You have inspired me to be more brave! I am determined to put up one of my dresses this very week. Thank you for your inspiration, and giving a girl so much prettiness to enjoy!
Sincerely,
Ms. Sam

[Esther]

I really love this dress! I can see where it would definitely be stretching to try something new like this but the results are beautiful!! :)

[Carol]

Another lovely set of photos. You both look impeccable! I really enjoy these posts. Carol