1930's Women's Pants: Polka Dots and Sailor Styles

Wide leg pants are showing up in fashion again, affected by the 1970's influences currently affecting trends. The sailor styles we saw during the 1970's had their origins in the 1930's when women began to wear 'beach pajamas' and men's tailored trousers.

The women's beach pajamas illustrated here date from the early 1930's (some are dated 1931), and show how women were able to choose from a wide variety of style details and looks. Most interesting to me is the white double breasted suit. Who says YSL was the first to put women in pant suits? Here's a great example from nearly 40 years earlier!

So be inspired, this silhouette has alot to offer and is a great change of pace from the skinny jeans we have seen for the past few years.

1950's Vintage Fashion: Little Cover Ups

Little cover ups for spring and summer dresses during the 1950's came in many styles that included bolero and small capelets. The looks shown here are from sewing patterns that give both the dress and cover up views. There is an amazing variety of styles that were worn over dresses during this decade. From simple shapes to trims with buttons, collars and turned back cuffs. Today we tend to wear cardigans over dresses, but why not plan to sew a cover up when you make your next vintage styled dress? It's such a cute look!

Top view: Butterick 7243
Middle view: Simplicity 2501
Lower view: McCall's 9330


The little bolero shown here features turned back cuffs on the short sleeves and a winged collar. Mock buttons on the front are a cute accent. For most outfits, this shape really is figure flattering, creating a nice hour glass silhouette.

Black bolero with matching skirt