Classic Staples: 1940s Print Blouse

This blouse has been on my to-do list for years. Long time readers may remember me mentioning it several years ago on an upcoming project post. Well, it has finally become reality!

 

It took a while though even once I got started! I actually cut it out while still pregnant, because it has no waist darts or shaping, so my idea was to wear it untucked while pregnant, and tuck it in to shape it afterwards. Well, it never got done before the baby, and I did zero garment sewing for the first month or so.

But I finally was motivated to get it done since I have an outfit planned for an upcoming wedding, which meant I had a deadline. But I wanted to clear the decks first since this was already cut out, so I took a few hours and put together this fun blouse.

 

The print is a quilting cotton I got on clearance at JoAnn years ago. I'm not quite sure how vintage-y it is...my eye wasn't trained as well back then. But it's still cute, and close enough to work I think.

Since it is predominately orange - NOT my color - I hoped to make it work by accenting the navy blue, and putting the blue next to my face. I'm pretty pleased with how that ruse worked. At any rate, it adds a splash of unusual color to my wardrobe, and is certainly suitable for early autumn!

 

It was really quite simple. The only detail is the shoulder tucks, which are a fun touch though they mostly get lost in the print, but they are cute if you notice them - and handle the bust fullness nicely. Tucks, then side and shoulder seams, and it was already ready for the collar and sleeves.

 

I had a bit of trouble with the collar, and I'm not 100% happy with how it turned out in the end, but it's good enough for an everyday blouse.

I broke up the busy print and tied in the navy by topstitching narrow bands on the sleeves, which I really like!

 

I happen to have a terrible lack of navy blue buttons, I discovered. These were literally the only ones in my vast stash that would work, but they work quite well. 

 

Minimal hand work and machine buttonholes meant that even with 2 small children in the house, I finished it easily in 2 days, thanks to some nice long nap times and a little late night sewing when I was energetic. It goes so perfectly with this asymmetrical 1940s blue skirt - in fact, it coordinates so well it could be intended to go together! Though of course I will likely wear them with other separates also.

 

The blouse was made too late to be worn for hot weather, but it's likely to be a summer staple next year, worn with a belt, or tucked in like with this outfit. I do prefer blouses with waist shaping normally, but since this was intended to be also maternity friendly, I decided to leave it a tuck-in style to keep the versatility. At some point, if I want to change that, waist darts are relatively easy to add.

 

My Remix wedges would probably have gone better with this outfit, but I was dying to give my new Rocket Originals an outing! Such a lovely, period correct, casual style for fall. The dark brown tooled leather is scrumptious, and exactly like some extant pairs I've seen photos of.

 

While I still prefer any excuse to wear heels, this style of shoe is ideal for shopping trips, or other times when doing a lot of walking but wanting to maintain a vintage aesthetic. 

 

I'm really happy to get my sewing motivation back, and have some exciting new projects coming up which I can't wait to share...once I get them finished of course. Which will hopefully be in a timely manner, now that I am in a sewing mood once more.

 

Meanwhile, I'm glad to have this loooooong-time project off my queue and in my closet. Classic 1940s separates in my wardrobe are something that get a lot of rotation and actual everyday wear (instead of once or twice a year), and never go out of style.

Comments

[Jodiebodie]

I do love the blue bands on the sleeves too. Very smart.
They also give me the feeling of a nautical look, especially with the collar's shape.
Anyone would think it was designed to go with that skirt.
I'm no expert on vintage fashion (or any fashion), far from it, but I do enjoy the well-coordinated ensembles you create and today's is no exception.

[Lynne Johnson]

What a pretty and practical outfit! The bands and collar pull the whole look together. I'm sure you'll get a lot of wear from the outfit. Do you ever wear jeans or pants?

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Lynne -
No, I never wear jeans or pants, other than insulated snow pants sometimes in the winter. If necessary I would wear a split skirt, but I prize my femininity too highly not to glory in it at all times. :-)