Pattern and Instructions: The Lorelei Gown
Sometimes, you need to turn heads and steal the spotlight! The Lorelei Gown, inspired by the unforgettable red sequin showstoppers worn by Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), is an extra special knit dress for just those occasions.
This is glamour dialed up to eleven—sculptural and curve-hugging, with radiating darts along the hip, a deep-V insert at the neckline (with an oh-so-sexy sheer option), and a dramatic skirt slit. But the clever built-in panty and bust cups ensure everything stays perfectly in place.
Choose between two skirt lengths and two slit heights to match your mood: go for the long train with a high slit for a bit of daring or keep it knee-length with a modest slit for more mystery.
Whether you’re channeling old Hollywood at a gala event or making your own star debut in the produce aisle, this gown delivers pure red-carpet magic anywhere.
Let's be real: there are 48 darts in this dress, using four different stretch fabrics, with an invisible zipper. I would not suggest this pattern as your first make, but if you've sewn at least one knit garment before, I know you can do this!
Be sure to watch the companion video (which is much longer than usual) and take it one step at a time. The techniques aren't that complicated, so just go slow on this one and you'll have a dream gown or dress in no time!
IMPORTANT: You'll find the tiled file (for printing at home on A4 or letter size sheets and taping together) and the A0 file (for printing at a copy shop like ThePlottedPattern.com). Please note that we have two size blocks, so make sure to download the correct files for the size you're making. If you have any questions about which size to sew, don't forget to read our blog post with all the details!
Don't forget to share your makes with the hashtags #loreleigown and #charmpatterns!
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (111)
Not sure if this thread is still alive but worth a shot . I’m wanting to make this dress for the Tony Awards this year - any suggestions on where to find the rhinestone piece and how to attach it since that’s not really mentioned. It’s my favorite part
Do a search for "rhinestone appliques" and you'll find a bunch of options. Swarovski crystals are the sparkle standard, but there are lots of options. (It was so long ago I'm not sure where we go ours, but it was likely from Etsy). Then use a thread the same color as your fabric and invisibly whip stitch it into place. You'll likely want to remove them when washing/cleaning the dress, so sew them securely but loosely, if that make sense.
This is the dress I'm most excited about!
Good evening All, Has anyone tried using any of the Charm Patterns with a projector?
I use one all the time with her A0 patterns. Works great!
I bought a stretch baby pink velvet with duochrome pink/teal sequins to make a Life of a Showgirl inspired Halloween costume. I'm wondering, could I skip underlining the bodice and line with power net instead? And skip lining the skirt (leave the hem raw)? I'm wanting to simplify the construction a bit and have less pieces/layers to make it quicker and hopefully be a little less thick/hot
It may affect the fit if you deviate from the suggested construction
Absolutely over the moon with this design! I will absolutely be using it as a base for my Life of a Showgirl Eras look! Thanks for such a bold and interesting option! I'm genuinely interested in the original woven construction. This is not a beg to adjust the pattern for a woven, I'd just love to know more about that and how you arrived at the decision to draft it for knits. I tend to sew more woven things but am not opposed to dipping my toes more into knits. I love to embroider my dresses so the knit gets a bit difficult for that. All this to say, snaps! Love it! Can't wait to make it!
I'm dreaming up one of these in either a rose pink or navy coloured ponte fabric with similar colour lace insert. I'm planning on using the shorter length. The little train off the back is dramatic but I'll get it dirty fast and im planning this for an outing in early March, I don't want it dragging in the snow/ slush/ mud. I am loving the glamor and drama of this dress so much
Holy bananas...I just looked up the original Marilyn & Jane photos -- you NAILED IT!! I also quite love the shorter green version...you can really see all the details. Brava!!!
One of my favorite movies, and such an iconic look! I don’t know if I’ll make the gown but I love the cute cocktail length version for a hot date!
For anyone in the UK gentlemen prefer blondes is currently streaming free on IPlayer for another 9 days!
Oh, interesting dress indeed. I can see a really nice winter dress using a opaque panel in the middle front (maybe underlined with power mesh) and the low circle in the skirt. I presume both dresses the green and red pictured are using the high circle for a dramatic slip effect.
Whelp!! Didn’t know I need this dress. Now I know! 🤣❤️❤️❤️
Gorgeous, but how to visit the restroom 🤔
Unzip and pull down, make a snap crotch in the panty, or omit the panty entirely! I prefer the first and don’t find it difficult. 💃🏻
I want to make it just for the challenge!! 🤣
me too!!
I’m so happy with options of revealing a little more skin in the patterns this year! It’s gorgeous!
The photo with the doggie is sooooo cute.
Omg all y’all complaining you don’t have any place to wear this need to understand that clothes do not need to conform to our lives. Clothes can be an excuse to do something useless and extravagant or just to swan around. Go to a lounge or dive or grocery store overdressed. Invite your best friend over for girls night at your home in something ridiculous. Roleplay with your partner. I live in a honky tonk blue collar city where no one ever dresses up and 24/7 pajamas are normal but that’s not going to stop me! If you want easy basics, a lot of other places are great (and so is a lot of the Charm back catalog tbh) but I signed up FOR THE GLAMOR! That’s literally the theme this year. I can’t find vintage patterns with a 40” waist and a G-cup. But Gertie is here for me! Never stop, Gertie!
100%! Also here for the Glam! If this were nonstop everyday basics, I wouldn’t stay. Every damn day is a special occasion, dress accordingly. Thanks Charm Team for making something fabulous! I’ll be making this one soon!
I'm so excited! And I love that this can be made without the mesh in the cleavage for extra sasiness.. Thanks so much!!
Yes! Love!! Now we need Marilyn’s orange dress and Jane’s beach jacket look when she’s in the gym with the bodybuilders. I’m going on a cruise next year, I think I should theme all my outfits to this movie haha! Beautiful work, Charm! 🩷
To be honest, not my style. I don't care for tight skirts, trains, or slits "down to there" and "up to there." By the time I changed it to suit me, it would be another pattern entirely.
Very ‘life of a showgirl’ themed… timed to perfection!
I can’t wait to see Chapter 9 in the video. Disaster Strikes???!!
It’s a doozy 😂
I wonder what I’m wearing on Christmas Eve! Wowzer indeed
This is just beautiful. And so incredibly over the top. So many choice ms for NYE this year!
Couldn’t help but notice the jumpsuit mention in the instructions. Is this part of a series or is that a hint for the future?
🧐 👀
Be still my heart, this is one of my favorite costumes!
Gorgeous I love this dress xxx
OH MY GOODNESS!!! You’re not just a kidding it’s a showstopper!!!🎉🥰🎉
Omg YES
🥰❤️😍😱🤯. So in love with this dress!!!!!
Wowza
Would the top work with the Boardwalk Slim Skirt?
The boardwalk is designed for wovens and this is knit but if you size down the skirt you could probably make it work.
This is a stunning, show stopper, for sure. Sadly, I would have absolutely nowhere to which I could wear this dress. Not even for Halloween. But it is the epitome of how a Hollywood Icon gown should look. Just beautiful.
This is lovely. This would look lovely in black. Thank you, Gertie.
Also - just a thought - it's not a far stretch between this and Elvira's gown!! Just a thought in case someone is looking for a Halloween costume idea!!
Stay tuned for the Halloween Extravaganza! We use the Lorelei as the base of two wildly different looks.
If anyone is going to be Jessica Rabbit for halloween, this looks like a good start!! Love the style lines!
I LOVE this. I am going to have to make it. Perfect for a winter gala. Sew the fantasy!
This one is a stunner! It's always "better" to have a really nice dress before you actually need one!
This is so sexy! I am so glad you’re making patterns for formalwear! There are so few in larger sizes and it really is so important.
Miss Susie with the sparkle again!!! Love love love!
OMG! I would not have guessed this but I am pleasantly surprised! Dare I say I should be that for Halloween?????
Is there any chance this could be sewn without lining, since it will be an everyday dress for me?
Wow! I love your everyday style!
I love the built in breast cups in anything! I wish all patterns everywhere had this! Also, the darts are so pleasing to the eye, a true 50s silhouette compliment! I'd love to see more like this!
Oh wow I love it! It’s gorgeous!!!
Another one of this years patterns that I won’t make 😞. The team look amazing in this, and I love the dress, but this year is not feeling great for someone who doesn’t need endless glam gowns (that’s me!)
I bet you'd look amazing in this one! But if you'd like a slightly less glam version, may I suggest the skirt as a separate? Add a knit waistband, use the lower slit circle for just a peek of knee, and then you've got yourself a beautiful secret-pajamas work-appropriate skirt! 😘
I almost "squeee'd" in the middle of a meeting!! 🤣 The wait was soooo worth it!!
I will never make this, but I am so glad it exists. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a personal favourite. Well done, Charm!! 👏👏👏
Ditto to everything you said!
I was thinking my guesses were off compared to others! Yessss show girl! Totally made me smile!
WOWWZA!!! 😍😍😍😍😍
Not at all what I was expecting but blown away none the less. The short green one is calling my name.
It finally happened! 🥹🥹🥹
You share the surname of my favourite writer! Please do read his works. I suggest starting with "Tales of the Unexpected"
Wow, if I wasn’t still recovering from knee surgery I would find a holiday-themed burlesque show and make this immediately. Sigh…..
Holy buckets!!!!! Remember when you first launched Patreon, and thought these were going to be easy little monthly patterns or add-ons?! Ha! Now look, this dress is absolutely epic.
Wow, just wow! I will probably never make this one, not even the shorter and more modest version, but I can’t stop admiring the work and craftmanship it has taken to recreate this iconic pattern - and in plus sizes too! Amazing! ❤️
A😍😍uuuggaahh!!!
WOW, this is amazing!
I love the darts and pleat looking darts! Wonderful, thank you!
Amazing!!! Love this!!
Wowsers! 😍
I saw the title and thought, 'no way' and BOOM ! Proceeded to squeal in delight!! Oxox thank you!
Love it!!!
This was worth the wait!!! ❤️❤️🔥❤️❤️🔥❤️ This dress is definitely the life of a showgirl!
I love it😍 thank you so much 😍
Amagawd amagawd amaaaagawwwwd 🤩
48! Darts!
Peel me off the damn floor! LOVE! I have no place to wear this, but dang Gertie that is amazing! Very happy to have this in my pattern library!
Ohhhhh this is so beautiful and the built in panties and bra cups is so clever!! Thank you so much Gertie!!!!
Love this!
No FREAKING WAY 😍😍😍
Not the one I was expecting, but I LOVE this! GLAMOROUS Gertie is my fave.
Millie on the gown is giving me life today!
There was a drag queen on the great british sewing bee who did this years ago! lol
Oh wow!
Yesssssss!
Ahhhhh!!!
I have loved this dress since the first time I saw the movie! Now I can make one of my very own!
Swooning!!!!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
Oh, wow!! Lol, I’m imagining sashaying down the produce aisle in the full sequined look. The world is my runway!
I had hoped it was this, but I never dreamed in a million years It would actually be this.And i'm so excited
Same!! I thought there was no way, and yet here it is!! Now, we just need all the other outfits from GPB.
Holy shit you are my hero!!!! I can't believe you made this a pattern!!
Are you thinking what I'm thinking for matching Halloween costumes...? 😉 (JK, I know we sadly don't have the time to pull this off...but I shall fantasize!!)
Wow!
I’m dead 😵 yayyyyyyy
Wooooooow!!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍 I looove it!!!
AWOOGA!! 😍So pretty wow
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Yay!
Oh hell. 🔥🔥🔥
Yaaaay!!!!!
MA’AMS.
WHAT.
Oh, day-yam!!!! Squee!
Oh I am so incredibly excited about this one!!!!!!
(Insert scream)
So pretty! 😍
Nice!