5 Must-Make Dresses for Vintage Lovers

We love a vintage look or five. In fact, our wardrobes are full of makes inspired by the fashions of decades gone by, from 60s-style coats to Rosie the Riveter-esque jumpsuits. But it's really the dresses that make a vintage wardrobe truly unique.


Here are our five must-make vintage-inspired dresses. We love pairing them with a cosy cardigan for a classic autumn look.


Betty Dress


Salma twirls in a navy Betty Dress
We couldn't make a list of vintage-style dresses without including one inspired by one of our favourite 1950s fashion icons: Mad Men's Betty Draper. This dress has a fitted bodice and full skirt for a flattering fit for all figures. You can add long sleeves too with our add-on pack if you're looking for an autumnal vintage look. For extra tips and tricks on how to make this 50s-style dress, check out our sewalong.



1940s Wrap Dress


1940's Wrap Dress :: Sew Over It
Wrap dresses are a staple in our opinion, so one with a vintage-twist is a big winner for us. With nods to the 1940s, this dress has a contemporary feel that makes it perfect for every occasion, whether casual or fancy. We love the pretty shoulder pleats and will be making ours with longer sleeves for the colder months.


Elsie Dress


Sew Over It Elsie Dress sewing pattern
Every wardrobe needs a party dress and the Elsie Dress is our go-to! Inspired by our favourite 50s fashions, use a special occasion-fabric like brocade or jacquard for a real head-turning look. Elsie's gently curved v-neckline will also look flattering on Zoom if you're celebrating at a distance this party season.


Maisie Dress


Maisie Dress sewing pattern - Sew Over It
Mrs Maisel is another of our vintage style inspirations and we think the Maisie Dress could come straight from her wardrobe. The 1950s-style fit and flare dress is a fun-yet-flattering look thanks to its snugly-fitting bodice and half-circle skirt. It's a great dress for going from day to night and we'll be wearing it all year long.


Vintage Shirt Dress


Sew Over It Vintage Shirt Dress - Louise's version
Shirt dresses are another vintage capsule wardrobe must-have and our Vintage Shirt Dress is a tried-and-tested favourite. A gem of a look, it's inspired by 40s and 50s trends and with the option to add long sleeves, this dress is a chic, timeless make. We'll be wearing ours with cute ankle boots and black tights.


For more vintage style inspiration, check out our Pinterest board.


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