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Black and white pen and ink illustration of three women in fit and flair dresses wearing sunglasses and talking to a man with a saxophone.
flat lays of front and back of each view of this dress with three neckline options and a stole to knit.
Young woman standing in front of trees and shrubs wearing a white and pink floral print dress with a v-neck.
Young woman smiling wearing a below-knee length white and pink floral print dress with a v-neck and 3/4 length sleeves and black shoes. She is in front of a white background.
Young woman wearing a below-knee length white and pink floral print dress with a v-neck and 3/4 length sleeves and black shoes. She is in front of a white background and her hands are in the skirt pockets.
Young woman with her back to viewer is wearing a below-knee length white and pink floral print dress with a v-neck and 3/4 length sleeves and black shoes. She is in front of a white background.
Young woman wearing a blue long sleeve, jewel neck, calf-length dress outside in front of shrubbery. She has on a green a white beaded belt and black shoes. Her right hand is on her hip.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Black and white pen and ink illustration of three women in fit and flair dresses wearing sunglasses and talking to a man with a saxophone.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, flat lays of front and back of each view of this dress with three neckline options and a stole to knit.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Young woman standing in front of trees and shrubs wearing a white and pink floral print dress with a v-neck.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Young woman smiling wearing a below-knee length white and pink floral print dress with a v-neck and 3/4 length sleeves and black shoes. She is in front of a white background.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Young woman wearing a below-knee length white and pink floral print dress with a v-neck and 3/4 length sleeves and black shoes. She is in front of a white background and her hands are in the skirt pockets.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Young woman with her back to viewer is wearing a below-knee length white and pink floral print dress with a v-neck and 3/4 length sleeves and black shoes. She is in front of a white background.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Young woman wearing a blue long sleeve, jewel neck, calf-length dress outside in front of shrubbery. She has on a green a white beaded belt and black shoes. Her right hand is on her hip.

241 Fifties' Fit and Flair

$29.00
$29.00
Sold out

Misses XS-2XL

Our Fifties’ Fit & Flair sewing pattern creates the typical dress shape so successful is has resurfaced decades later.  Aside from teenage fads like poodle skirts and saddle shoes, fashions of the 1950’s were remarkably clean, simple, and flattering. After the fabric-conserving war-time styles, skirts became longer and much fuller, beginning with Dior’s New Look in 1947. American designers were challenging Paris by producing well-made, affordable ready-to-wear collections which responded to women’s needs for femininity and practicality.

Dolman sleeves, fitted waist, and a gored circular skirt compliment most figures now as then. For all-season day and night versatility we offer three neckline treatments: a refined jewel neck to show off your favorite necklace (in the 50’s, pearls!); an elegant wide V; and a classic turtleneck. Jewel or turtleneck versions go through fall and winter in wool crepe, jersey, challis, or other soft fabrics. The V neck dress is picture perfect in a flowery cotton print for summer, or in taffeta for holiday parties. Your favorite wide belt or self-covered belt (instructions included) created the perfect accent.  There are even pockets hidden in the front gores.  To echo the original retro feeling, exaggerate fullness with several stiff petticoats; for a contemporary look, let the skirt swing free!

Outdoor summer concerts or winter warmth require a six-foot long knitted stole. Make ours in a rib stitch fashioned from mohair yarn. Knitting instructions are included.

Suggested Fabrics:  Dress: Soft wools such as crepe, challis, jersey; medium weight taffeta, cotton, and blends. 
Stole: Blend of mohair, wool, and nylon (approximately 630 yards worsted weight).

Yardage chart (.pdf)

The PDF pattern has files for copy shop (36” and A0), print at home (A4 and 8.5”x11”), as well as instructions, and stole knitting pattern.

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