#simplicity9736

Variations on the Date Dress in the 1950s: Simplicity 9738

At first glance, the green and the red-orange versions of this dress from the 1950s seem identical. Both create the hour-glass silhouette which was so popular during the decade. Both use princess seams to shape the fitted bodice and waistline and then flare to a long and wide hemline, over 2 yards in diameter. Both have ties at at shoulders to hold the dress up and both can be worn with the the little bolero jacket with cut-on 3/4 sleeves, with a small, rounded collar.

But the green version offers the slightest bit more coverage. See how instead of the notched front alone at the top center of the bodice, a little strip of contrast fabric runs along the top of the front and back underneath the notch. It is such a small change, and yet for a woman who felt self-conscious about how the notch might expose more than she liked, it would make a difference.

The designer imagine this dress in a range of woven fabrics. So cottons, linens, even rayons, which strike me as having too much drape were recommended. So, cottons and lines are perfect for a summer dress that was not too fancy. But then, you might also use fancier silks, including taffeta which has a stiffness which works well for a flared skirt. The jacket could match, of course, but it could also be dressier and warmer in brocade or velvet which are much thicker.