Introducing the Collegiate Dress
Continuing our preppy theme, following on from the Librarian skirt, I'm delighted to present the Collegiate dress - a sleeveless dress or jumper/pinafore style inspired by the smart, youthful co-ed fashions of the 1950s.
The bodice is neatly dart-fitted for a flattering shape, with a choice of V-neck or a sweetheart neckline. Optional top-stitching highlights the neckline and armholes, adding a subtle design detail.
The half-circular, bias-cut skirt features two unpressed inverted box pleats at the front, creating movement, fullness, and visual interest.
Fastens with a centre back zipper.
Versatile and timeless, the Collegiate dress easily adapts to a wide range of fabrics and occasions.
Make it up as an elegant cocktail frock in taffeta or duchesse satin, a breezy summer dress in printed cottons, or a classic jumper/pinafore in needlecord or bengaline to layer over blouses and knits. Whether styled casually or dressed to impress, this is a wardrobe staple with enduring charm.
Comments (13)
Charlotte- a general question..... is it possible to begin including a lengthen/shorten line on your patterns? For the most part, I think I know where to do these depending on a type of pattern, but I'm never sure where is the best place to do this, and I know it would be very helpful for me and probably others. A personal plea from a short girl with a shorter than average torso (I almost always need to shorten the bodice and I ALWAYS have to take out 4-8 inches in length). :) xoxo
Absolutely adore this! I always hugely appreciate a skirt with shape and some fullness, but somewhere between an A-line and a huge circle skirt. And I love the pleats, and that this is meant for layering...I want to drop everything and sew one!!
This is so adorable.
I’m loving the academia theme of the last couple patterns!
Ahhhh!! I am beyond excited about this one - I’m a pinafore girl and this is jumping to the top of my sewing queue!! Many thanks ❤️❤️❤️
Love this! Possibly a stupid question but I've never made any of your dresses or tops so I'm not sure. I don't see any upper bust measurement on the size chart so how do I know which is the correct size + cup size? Thanks!
My cup sizing isn't quite as scientific as some other pattern companies I'm afraid - I start from a standard 1940s sloper (so roughly a B cup) and then perform a full bust adjustment for the larger cup sizes. It should usually come out more or less similar to your bra cup size, although this can depend on the fit of the bodice - with 1940s-inspired styles, which typically have a bit more ease, I often size down in the cup from my normal bra size. I generally recommend making a muslin to test fit, for all these reasons and more, but hopefully the above is helpful.
I’m obsessed with pinafores and appreciate that there have been so so many releasing this year! Feels like things are looking up for me 💛
What a wonderful thing to wake up to! I just almost bought a different pinafore pattern, so THANK YOU! LOL :)
Ahh, perfect timing! ☺️
Wow! Love this 💝 Really like the pleats in the skirt. Wasn’t expecting another pattern drop so soon. Your patterns have fast become my favourite. I love that you can wear them and not feel over dressed but if you want to you can dress them up for that special occasion. Thank you 💕
Yay! That's my priority with all my patterns - I have limited closet space so I really need my wardrobe to work hard. Pieces have to earn their place, so they've got to be versatile - while still being authentic to the vintage era.
This is very pretty, I love it!