Pattern and Instructions: The American Beauty Dress
Welcome to the first garment on our tour through the Charm Institute of Style, where we’ll be exploring the history, context, and artistry of fashion throughout the classic vintage era all year long.
Charm’s American Beauty Dress is our modern homage to the breathtaking gown by nearly-forgotten designer Ann Lowe, whose couture mastery defined mid-century elegance.
Featuring a high-low Empire waist and a distinctly 1960s silhouette, this dress shifts effortlessly from a daytime jumper, perfect to pair with blouses and turtlenecks, to a sophisticated evening gown when sewn in luxurious fabrics.
Choose between a sleek sleeveless look or add sleeves from the Maria Dress (short, three-quarter, or lantern sleeve options). Plus three skirt lengths—miniskirt, knee-length, and a sweeping floor-length option—allow you to craft a wardrobe staple or a red-carpet moment.
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 #americanbeautydress and #charmpatterns!
xoxo,
Gertie
P.S. On January 15th, we’ll be releasing an exciting expansion pack to our Glamour Circle+ patrons, with a dramatically lowered back neckline, a gathered skirt back, and a tutorial for crafting the embellished roses that give the design its name (shown on Susie's pink dress). Stay tuned!
Comments (95)
Hello, I'm starting to make plans to make this dress (the pinafore version) and I'm struggling with lining I never know what to use. I always just bought from joann's in the lining section. Lol I did a search and rayon challis came up. Would this work as a good lining for wool tartan?
Could you also use the 3 quarter sleeves from the night and day dress?
The armscye will be a slightly different shape; you'd want to trace the sleeve head of the American Beauty dress and blend the arm seam down into the Night & Day sleeve to make sure it will fit into the American Beauty armhole.
Some bishop sleeves on this would be gorgeous a-la Reese Witherspoon's holiday dress in Walk the Line
Bishop sleeves AND a pencil skirt! 😍
Am I crazy to think that this could be easily adapted to a maternity pattern as well? So lovely!
That's an interesting idea - it does seem like you could redraft the front skirt pattern piece - not sure exactly what the best option would be but it does seem like it might work!
Omg, I love the pinafore dress and I can't wait to learn how to do the roses!
I really do appreciate this. I just learned about Ann Lowe last month in my meandering sewing journey. I wanted to learn how to create the fabric flowers like she use to make, or at least close enough. I have that chance with this pattern, and I'm so excited. As an Alabama woman myself, making fabric roses like Ann Lowe is on my priority list. Thank you so much!
I’m really looking forward to seewing this! First in a dark blue wool suiting I bought in Paris with a silk lining - hot pink maybe?? - and then maybe I’ll bring out a pink Liberty silk with rose print I have in my stash… It’s been waiting for something special, maybe this is it?!
I'm not seeing a picture of the lantern sleeve version. This dress with a lantern sleeve would be adorable for Spring. I see the option on the instructions but can't find a picture.
The lantern sleeve is from the Maria Dress. You can see the sleeves here, on a black dress with big pink flowers: https://charmpatterns.com/shop/maria-dress/
Love the pinafore version. I have had this fabric for a whole year (bought it last christmas during our annual holiday trip to Maine). Now I have a project for it! https://fiddleheadartisansupply.com/products/nara-homespun-blue-floral-on-navy-sevenberry?_pos=1&_sid=67ff38a7b&_ss=r
OMG - Ann Lowe. I listened to the audiobook "By Her Own Design" by Piper Huguly, this past April. It's a fictionalized story of Ann Lowe's life. The narration was fabulous and the story so captivating! I highly recommend it. Ann Lowe would be tickled pink that she is being remembered and honored again in 2026 and that her name is once again on the lips and in sewing rooms across the world!
I'm absolutely enchanted by the styled jumper!!
I have to admit, the roses sucked me in, and reading about Ann Lowe was wonderful. I was part way through trying to work out why her name was familiar and then Jackie was mentioned and the light bulb went off! As someone who also thinks a garment should have immaculate interiors, I love her work ♥️
YOWZERS! This is amazing. Thank you, Charm team!
Wow, the blue sleeved version is just stunning! I’ll have to make this pattern for my mom, she would look SO good in this cut 🤌🤌🤌
Oh I love this design. 🩷🩵🩷
In love with the pink plaid. Will have to make a version of this for Winter. Its Summer here now so its a bit hot! Maybe i will start with a nice cotton one for the warm weather. Im excited about learning how to make the roses too!
I really like the new style of the instruction booklet. I especially appreciated the journaling section. I have a journal I made that is specifically for my sewing projects. I recently started adding a mini photo as well. I think it is helpful and important to keep a historical log of the things I’ve sewn. When I look back through it, I am surprised at the volume and the inspiration. Thank you Gertie and Team for all you do!
I need to know about these black patent leather shoes!
Oh the flattering cut. Just what I asked for!! LOVE IT!!!
This bodice looks so similar to my mom’s wedding dress from 1967. I love the options!
I was thinking the same! My mum was married in London in '69
This feels so 60s and I’m here for it!! Any sort or scoop or rounded neck is my absolute fave!!
Love it — I’m such a sucker for 60s style, so I’m absolutely planning to make a few versions, starting with the pinafore. And on NYE I spotted someone wearing a dress that completely captivated me. I’d been trying to figure out how to hack a pattern to recreate it, and the American Beauty Dress turns out to be the perfect shortcut. Hardly any hacking needed. Total win!
I’m picturing the most fun corduroy jumper!
Looking forward to making satin roses!
Thank you for including such a beautiful tribute into the pattern!
I especially loved the article about Ann Lowe in the pattern. Beautiful writing and lovely tribute to a talented artist! What a wonderful way to learn about her legacy.
Thank you for the link to Ann Lowe's TV interview ...priceless!
The new style of the instruction booklet is fabulous. I love having information and history together instead of only on a Patreon post. And I can't wait to make this dress!
I love the jumper version 😍
I am absolutely in love with the theme for this year!! As an amateur fashion historian, nerding out about fashion, designers, and political/social influences is going to be soooo much FUN!!!
Well, lets see what I can do in a day before a social dance this evening.
Yes!! Ann Lowe had me in a chokehold for a while after reading about her. I will be making this dress and I can't wait for the tutorial on the flowers ! 🥰
Never would've guessed the theme! Empire waist has never been my style but I love the educational aspect and I hope to be able to make this one for someone else someday 💜
I’m looking forward to learning how to make the flowers. I want to make them into hair flowers. 🌺 🩷
Same!!! I can't wait to give these flowers a try!
OMG the plaid one!! 😍
It’s like Gertie looked into my dreams! I don’t think I could be more excited!!!!
Same!!
I don’t think a-line suits my frame but there are so many things I love about this pattern - like - that it’s using the sleeves from one of my favorite patterns! And this flowers. Super excited about learning more about that!!
I’m so pleased to see Ann Lowe highlighted at the start of the year—what an icon! I can hardly wait to see what this year’s theme brings. How lovely!
Susie, you look absolutely gorgeous in pink roses dress. Both dresses are beautiful.
Love, love, love the 2026 theme and this pattern! Empire waist is a favorite or mine!!
Ohhh. This is so pretty! I’m curious to attempt this.
I'm very excited to learn more about the evolution of style and the social influences that have created some of my favorite silhouettes😍
I love this 60s look! I’m glad that the “showstopper” gown is going to be the mid-month release - I think the “everyday” looks from last years patterns got overlooked because the fancy versions got the prime spot. The showstopper will still get loads of attention!
I have been loving the high empire waists from Bridgerton and have been wanting to somehow incorporate them into a more modern style, so this is perfect!
I absolutely love the pink plaid jumper version!!! ❤️ My favorite dresses are jumpers. ❤️
Ooohhh, I’m thinking of flaring out the 3/4 sleeves into a bell shape for a very mod look 😍
Love the roses!
I really appreciate the effort & research for the history behind the design & the designer, looking forward to what the year will bring!
I'm so so in love. A dream pattern I stand think I'll need
I wasn’t too sure at first, I’m not a big fan of empire waists, but the plaid jumper dress may have chanced my mind. We’ll see lol. It’s still super cute
It's giving College Brianna Fraser which is cute but this one won't be for me - I'm not a huge fan of the 60s. It's pretty, just doesn't fit into my more whimsical aesthetic which leans more into the 40s and earlier. I'm happy it's here for variety though :) And I can hardly wait for the fabric rose tutorial! I've had a big plan in mind for awhile that needs those so not scouring for cosplay tutorials for it will be amazing!!
Can't wait for the low back version on the 15th. Im thinking Marilyns Rose dress.........
I love it!,,
This is absolutely lovely! I’m so happy that the pattern is so versatile. I always admired the grand and dramatic Hollywood look dresses, but how many of us actually need those patterns? I was thinking last year that I might not go on with by subsciption any more, but this one changed my mind. American beauty is so pretty as an 60’s vibes everyday pinafore or a nice summer dress that now I’m really excited about what this year will bring to us. Perhaps I’ll see my dream come true and we’ll get the traditional duffel coat pattern! ❤️
I was thinking the same thing! I was waiting to see what this years theme is to decide if I stay on. I loved so many of the designs from last year but realistically I won’t sew most of them! I love this theme already and this dress will fit int my wardrobe perfectly!
Another triumph!!
The pink dress is so cute! Nice start to the new year! 🎉🥂
Reminds me of my mother in law’s wedding dress!!
So excited!!!
I’d love to see seated photos to give an idea of ease allowed in the pattern, so those of us who can’t bear firm fitting at waist/bellies, will know if this pattern could work for us or need adjustments. Fingers crossed these realistic photos could be included along with the posed standing ones! Thanks for your consideration Charm Patterns :)
It might be helpful to check out the finished measurements chart. I use it more than the size chart.
Cute!! Happy to see some more 60’s style! 🌼 💛 excited for this theme:)
The new parts of the instructions are amazing. I appreciate the writing so much. It might be my all time favorite charm offering.
LOVE the theme, and what you're doing to elevate the art of sewing! This is SO cute!
I love this!
Another resource on Ms Lowe is the book By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley 🩵
I'm reading it right now! Can confirm it's well worth a read.
the pink dress is so special, i can’t even believe it’s real. it looks like a vintage dress but brand new. what a start to this year’s theme! 🌹
Gertie, thanks for another cute pinafore.
I am constantly impressed with your ability to make one pattern work for both casual life and red carpet showstoppers.
Oh no... The 60's... Everything after 50's is terrible in my eyes...
Same for me but the 40s 😂
Classic, elegant and truly timeless. Great way to start the new year.
I can so see this as a queen of hearts disneybound, add in some playing card soldiers painting the roses red!
Madly in love with the jumper version!!!
Omg this is just what i needed!!! I usually don’t love the 60s but I’m doing a play and this will be perfect!!!
😍 I love the jumper!
Love the pinafore version. <3
Oh! I love it!
Omg perfect dress for work! I cannot wait to dive in!
Wow!! I can see this being the office pinafore for work! But I also wanna make suzies version with the roses!!!
Right up my alley!!!!! Thank you!!!
Ahh!! The pinafore!! 💛
Ahhh perfect I waa hoping this month would be feature the pink plaid on gertie! Love that dress
Omg those flowers along the hem!! 😍
I absolutely am I love with this! 💜🩷💜🩷
The bridgerton vibes!!!
I thought the same. Put some cute puff sleeves and you can get a cute Regency effect