Costume sketch for Audrey Hepburn for "Roman Holiday", 1953 by Edith Head. This ball gown always makes an impact. It's possible to re-create this look with a vintage sewing pattern. The fabric selection should have enough body to create the fuller skirt and smooth collar. Brocade, faille or heavy taffeta would create that silhouette.
Part of the beauty of this design is the overall simplicity. By looking through 1950's and 1980's era sewing patterns, similar dress styles with fitted bodices, full skirts and a bertha or portrait type of collar are available. Because 1950's vintage ball gown patterns are more difficult to locate, we are looking at 1980's styles. It may take a bit of creativity to create the collar shape, but overall, the style lines can be found.
Here are a few examples:
Butterick: 4681, Kathryn Connover
McCalls: 7395, Priscilla of Boston, 1981
