#simplicity9699

Tiny Waist, Big Hips: Simplicity 9699

This re-issued separates pattern in modern sizes captures several of the key features of 1950s women’s fashions. It has the tiny waist and big hips that first debuted with Christian Dior in 1947 with the New Look and remained popular through the 1950s. It was a look that emphasized the hour-glass figure and used a generous amount of fabric, a sign of a longing for an end to war-time austerity and a move towards abundance.

Many dresses appeared with this silhouette, while these is separates with a sleeveless, fitted blouse to tuck into the wide, pleated skirt. Notice there is no obvious opening to get into the blouse; a side zipper gets you in. Then, it is darted and worn tucked into the skirt. Many skirts in the 1950s were literally rectangles with pleating or gathering used to reduce the circumference at the waistline. This means you can use striped fabrics turned sideways as you see here on the left. Then, we have the little jacket. This one is cut very, very short in order to show off the tiny waistline. It has cut-on sleeves, darts at shoulder and the waistline to fit it to the body, and a small shawl collar, as well as buttons.  

For fabric, they recommended practically everything: cotton, silk, wool, and velveteen for the jacket. Crisp fabrics will give you the wide flare to the silhouette although a stiff petticoat will probably be needed to create the flare of the illustration.

With a belt, it appears like a neat look, but in practice, it would need adjusting as you moved in order to keep blouse tucked and the belt in place. You would have an easier time without the belt.