The 1930's Bridesmaids Dress: The Plan

Well I say the plan, but the plan is already in action ;) I will be busy working away finishing my new dress this weekend, but I thought I would show you all some images that inspired my final design choices.

I had parameters from the bride of course, strappy and shoulder-baring, silky, grey blue, and knee or tea length. Then of course I took into consideration that I will likely be the only retro gal in attendance, so nothing too obviously "vintage" so I don't stand out. Still, most actual bridesmaid dresses are pretty classic these days anyways, so something retro with simpler lines wouldn't look too out of place. Seeing as I don't usually wear anything without sleeves (upper arm anxiety you know) I decided I would definitely be making a matching bolero (for the reception or after dark if it gets chilly (not likely in Mexico I realize!)). This all lead me to the 1930s, and as I don't have many 1930s dresses (and nothing for evening) I am excited to add one to my wardrobe!

I found the grey blue silk, lightweight silver silk for the lining, and taffeta just one shade lighter than the dress fabric for the bolero all at my favorite local fabric shop. What style did I decide to go for? 

The back is too low for me (bra straps eh?) but the general idea is right, and the pattern for a bolero is included too

Gorgeous, I'll take the same ensemble in a size 10 please!

I'll be making my dress between knee and mid-calf length, and I like how this pattern shows both knee length (for day I assume) and full length options. Plus another bolero of course :) Notice the center back zipper too, something I did in my dress as I find side zippers difficult both to sew and get into.

I wish I could have both of these dresses to wear on my trip when I'm not swimming, so cute!

This dress is super similar to what I decided to make, virtually the same except for my dress having a waist seam. My bolero is less extravagant though, no puff sleeves this time around!

And here is the dress that originally inspired my eureka "ah yes the 30s!" moment. I based my design entirely on this dress :) Minus all of the lace, but perhaps a future more exacting replica could be fun to undertake!

I am glad I was able to find something that fit just perfectly into each requirement! I may make a long thin sash to wrap around for a more modern/drapey looking (Madam Gres anyone?) effect too if I still find the finished dress is looking too vintage in the end.

I hope you all enjoyed looking at one of the classic styles from the 1930s today! I'm off to finish wrestling with the silk...