Clothes For You - A Pictorial Fashion Show 1954 - Part 2

5. A plaid dress designed with classic lines may go to the office as well as to college. (Courtesy of Franklin Simon and Co.)

6. This coat dress has slim, youthful lines and will be pleasing for many occasions. (Courtesy of Peck and Peck)

7. A simple top-coat with swinging lines is a good type for the college student. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

8. A small bit of fur worn as an ascot lends a smart, fashionable note to this simple suit. (Courtesy of Fredrica Furs)

9. A jaunty, short coat will look equally well when worn with a slender skirt or a bouffant dress. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

10. A nicely tailored suit which makes an excellent costume for shopping or office wear. (Courtesy of Glenhaven, Ltd.)

Clothes For You - A Pictorial Fashion Show 1954

This week I am going to show you a series of photos From "Clothes For You" by Mildred Graves Ryan and Velma Phillips (Published by Appleton-Century-Crofts, Inc. Copyright 1947, Second Edition 1954) . This was a text book written "as a guide for the young woman who wishes to be well-dressed". They have included some wonderful photos of outfits as suggestions and inspiration. Some are from pattern companies, some from top designers of the era.

"Are you sometimes perplexed when you plan your wardrobe by the variety of dresses, suits, coats, blouses, jackets, and accessories from which you have to choose? In order to help you with this problem, this portfolio of fashion has been included. Here you will find clothes of various types, both classic and high style, that may be worn by certain individuals depending on their age, figure, personality, where they live, and the occasion for which the clothes are to be worn. As you look at these pictures imagine that you are watching a fashion show and that you are selecting costumes that are correct for you. Of course there will be some clothes that will fit your needs perfectly but there will be others that you cannot wear. But perhaps you can visualize the type of person who can wear these outfits. Do try. In this way you will be able to develop discerning taste. If at any time the fashions that are presented here appear out of date, you can supplement them with a portfolio of your own. The captions that you will find at the end of this fashion collection will aid you in your study of the costumes."


1. Two smart costumes achieved by combining a simple skirt with a perky blouse. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

2. The classic sweater and skirt which is always popular with the student is worn with smart distinction. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

3. A checked weskit adds gaiety to the campus suit. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

4a. Blouses give variety to the wardrobe. A simple, tailored blouse looks equally well in the classroom or in the office. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

4b. The tailored sleeveless blouse becomes an interesting part of the suit costume. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

Whimsies by Lietta - 1967

These charming notebook covers and totes use bright felt and imagination. The hands are wood ice cream spoons, the "ballet slipper" bag includes a key ring, and the sewing tote has scissors for a bow, a tape measure on the tree and a thimble in her pocket!

The Victory Vest

For the stylish guy in 1942.

Be Young-Be Gay-Be Smart

"The smart footwear of America's smartest women."
Not the image you get nowadays from Red Cross Shoes!

What could go wrong?

A crocheted bathing suit? Really? I'm thinking sand, sagging, and seaweed.

Bows, Bands and Babushkas!

What's ahead for Fall? The most engaging bows, bands and babushkas to date. There no excuse for going bareheaded now, with these six easy to-make whimsies all in one pattern. You can have a stiffened velvet bow on a 3" comb, a soft velvet bow with a flattering veil, a reversible babushka outlined in fluffy fringe, a wide Chanel bow in sheer organza, a wrapped and tied turban to match any dress, or a wide double bow on an adjustable head-band. We made the babushka in coordinated cotton prints by Fruit of the Loom, outlined in bright red fringe by Franken; the wrap-and-tie turban in Wamsutta's daisy-patterned double knit cotton, Pattern fits any head size. 7559. 50¢.

Our finest "Fluffies"...1940's Sweater Girls!

"Simulated Hand-Knit"?

Barbie has a bad day.

Barbie had a late night...and when she showed up for her modeling assignment there was some short twirp wearing nearly the same dress!

Then she was suppose to stand next to last seasons ruffles!

Then Blondie took WAY to long in the bathroom...

But the last straw was that Muu Muu she was expected to wear. Really?

Made Up Gertrudes, Baby Dresses, Ready Made Rompers!

I have no idea why these would be called Gertrudes, But they are dear!

Helen Lee and her Granddaughter

This is Helen Lee...her designs for children are so very charming...I always have liked her patterns and was delighted to find this article about her...and her granddaughter.


The doting grandmother at the left is our own Helen Lee, dean of children's wear designers and creator of most of McCall's children's patterns. The enchanting fur-hatted cherub is her granddaughter, Hilary Ball. Last winter Hilary went to Russia, and the clothes you see here went with her with all of her grandmother's love, creativity and tender care. When Hilary's father, an English newspaper correspondent, was sent to Russia on assignment, Helen Lee and Hilary's mother pondered the question of appropriate clothes for an active 20-month-old moppet in Russia's intemperate climate. They wanted clothes that were suitable for Hilary's tender year s but definitely not babyish. And above all-her clothes had to be warm. A complete young wardrobe had to be made on very short notice, so the designs had to be simplified and easy to sew. Helen Lee went to work ... then went to Russia to supervise photography of the charming result.
All three coats were made from one pattern: a simple, basic cut with easy unmounted sleeves. Searching for fabrics not usually found in toddlers' clothes, Miss Lee settled on bright red chinchilla for one coat, red-bound black and white wool checks for another, and furry beige mohair for the toasty "Teddy Bear" coat. Matching tapered pants to be tucked into high boots accompanied each version. A two-piece play outfit in plaid and plain corduroy, and long-sleeved school and party dresses with matching panties were other parts of the wardrobe. Everything was carefully accessorized for a complete young-fashion look - down to matching hats and mittens. Here, a brief description of the three patterns you see photographed below:
7355: Toddler's back-buttoned top and suspender pants. 6 months, 1-3. 50¢
7470: Child's coat in two versions with matching pants. Sizes 1-6. 50¢.
79717 Toddler's long-sleeve dress with matching bloomers. 6 mos., 1-3. 50¢

You've got talent. You've got taste. How can you go wrong?

Any sewing disaster stories to share?

Over Thirty Clothes for the Person with a Trim Figure

Apparently we are to choose from these four outfits...but we would look great!

Beautiful Bride in a Gown by Gaston Mallet - 1957

"Give yourself a daily spanking..."

"...to reduce those fleshy spots on your hips, thighs, calves, and arms."

Home Arts 1932- New Cape Collar, Apron, Costume Slip, New French Blouse

Come Out And Play - Charming Embroidery from 1949

Baby Animals, all set for frolic, full of mischief and nonsense!

A Fashion Splash from 1937

I bet these would sell today to anybody over 25. Tried to buy a suit lately?

Style Your Own Wardrobe - 1962

Now, make magic. But be sure to avoid "thoughtless color selection".
(Notice that "emphasize your individuality" is the last rule.)


"Always aim for a well-rounded wardrobe which can be used for all occasions. This does not necessarily mean a large one. But it does mean a related one, with a few carefully selected fashions and appropriate accessories.
Color is especially important to a smart wardrobe. Always choose a color with your entire wardrobe in mind. Thoughtless color selection can prove expensive. Begin by choosing a basic color. It should be becoming and combine well with other colors. Usually a color dark in value, creating a neutral effect will be most pleasing. Black, navy blue and brown are favorites. Add another color that combines well with it for interesting touches. Use the basic color for your coat, suit and some of your dresses as well as your expensive accessories. Introduce a bright and unusual color in small amounts through less expensive accessories, blouses, skirts, and dresses. Remember to choose each fashion with line, color, and texture in mind."

Designs Compatible With Larger Sizes - 1940

These gals don't look all that "large" to me. But they do look well dressed!


Also, note the last two are actually a coat and dress from the same pattern...both dashing!

Crochet Your Own Hot Pants!

"Do your own thing!"

What comes first? The project or the fabric?

How do you get your inspiration? From what you want to make? Or does a fabric sing to you to make something? Or both?

Bet you don't have one of these!

But now you can make your very own!

"Needle and Yarn" Outfits from 1967

I always feel like dresses like these only look good on these models, standing in these poses, with these hair-dos, ect. On me I suspect they'd look all bunchy and shapeless. But I have to admit I haven't tried to wear a knitted or crocheted dress. Have you?

Your Grandmas Apron

She would have bought this made up and then embroidered the stamped design. Remember this was before television...so she'd sit a few evenings...sewing on this just so she could feel pretty working around the house. Of course it was an apron, which meant it got dirty and stained, so she needed several...because you wouldn't want to be seen in a worn out old thing. But when her apron was fresh and new she's have pride of having made it herself. Must have brightened her day.

Our Flag - 1928

I hope you are well dressed in your speed boat!

In 1908 you would have been wearing your Cluett Shirt..."the care displayed in every stitch..."

It's Gray For Day - 1940

I think the big shoulders made their waists so tiny!

It's all in your mind.

What do you see in your mirror?