Vintage 60’s Clothing Haul

I’m calling this a clothing haul because I acquired several vintage items at the same time, but I want to give credit where it is due. I didn’t purchase any of this clothing, it was all given to me as a gift. If you have a hobby, collection, or interest in something, don’t be afraid to tell others about it. Particularly if you are interested in something that is uncommon or that not everyone values, chances are that some people will share that interest and want to encourage you in your pursuit of it.

A lady from my church very thoughtfully offered these vintage 50’s/60’s outfits to me for free. A few fit, a few could fit with alterations, and some didn’t fit at all. The ones that I knew wouldn’t fit me, I passed on to others, but I enjoyed seeing all of these dresses and enjoying the absolutely delightful details and beautiful quality work. At risk of sounding cliché, “they don’t make ’em like they used to”.

This blue dress is probably my favorite of the lot. It’s casual and loose fitting enough that it is very comfortable, but has a great 60’s silhouette and I love the details! The colors in the pattern are great for me and when I wear it, I feel like I’ve stepped into the world of Hidden Figures (I highly recommend that movie by the way). I just had a small repair to make on one of the shoulders.

This mint green dress is also adorable with lovely detail around the front button closure. I love the shape of the sleeves (Kimono sleeves?). This one was a little too big so I had to alter it. I turned it inside out, put it on, and pinned the excess fabric along the darts in the back and along the sides seams. When I knew how much to take it in, I machine stitched the new seams (on my great-grandmother’s 1960’s Singer!). When I alter vintage clothes, I prefer not to cut the material, so I just left the darts in the clothing and then pressed the new seams for a finished look. That way, it allows for the possibility of making it bigger again if needed. Some people may find the extra fabric too bulky though, so cutting the excess after you’ve sewn it is an option. I also made the hem a little shorter and had to add a few holes to the belt.

I wore this dress on Easter. It is another favorite that fit! It has such a lovely silhouette and I can’t get over the boat neckline and flat little bow for the front closure.

Something I like about vintage dresses…pockets! They didn’t stop at merely including pockets (large enough to be practical), they also made them look lovely. Look at the unique construction on these three.

I enjoyed going through these clothes because there were so many beautiful details including kick pleats (a pleat that allows for more movement in a narrow skirt without having to create a slit), and all kinds of frivolous, but lovely detail in trim, unusual buttons, pleating, and gathering.

I have a few more alterations and repairs to make and then I may post again with another update. I’ll also try to get some pictures of how they look on a person. Another thing I love about 50’s and 60’s clothes are how they were tailored to fit, which is hard to show on a hanger.

Stay tuned!