A flatteringly feminine style for most everybody! Short skirts and sleeveless excluded! |
I was looking through the main 3 catalogs again and hoping to find a little inspiration for this year.
The styles over the years vary from very form fitting to loose and flowing plus the whole gamut in between. There are resurgences of styles from the past howbeit they are all rather fitted in the bodice with a variety of skirts. Now we haven't seen much from the past in the way of pretty, dainty, ruffles and flounces for quite some time. Perhaps the style designers will be bringing this up some time soon. I sure hope so. There is little to choose from for making anything attractive in the way of being pretty compared to looking sexy. I know that clothes do influence a person in their demeanor as well as thoughts. I think that we have become blinded with the clothing we see so often on women with the never-ceasing scoop neckline that begs to show cleavage or at least intimates it isn't too far away from view. The underwear looks of camisoles, tank tops, thin T-tops really belong in the bedroom for the husband's eyes only or totally covered up so there is no mistake about it popping out when the heat of the day gives inspiration to "be more comfortable." Even so , now blouses are designed with more and varied skin showing especially those with the open shoulder or the kind that is pulled off the shoulders--the "cold" shoulder look which is really supposed to be hot!
Which leads me into the looser fashions of yesteryear. I believe the time when bodices and blouses were worn with various accents of tucks, lace, embroidery, and other such delicate feminine touches certainly made women more attractive in a pretty way. The skirts were mostly full, some flared, some ruffled, some straight, and yes, some very fitted bodices. Tight T-shirts are different than woven fabrics as underwear was first made in knitted fabrics. The woven fabrics are more for outerwear (meaning knits are fine under your dresses and blouses, etc.)
T-shirts are more of a "trans-gender" item and most people wear them because they are comfortable and inexpensive. God, in his word, has made man and woman to look and act differently. Therefore we ought to dress like we are very pleased to be a woman and should look that way. Wearing the same clothes as the men do definitely casts that trans-gender shadow. I was struck by a comment that a person wrote and I don't remember where, but that we would not want to insult our God and Savior or quench the Holy Spirit by negating what was done for us. (I borrowed his idea but I believe we could apply this term "insulting to God" in many things.
While searching etsy shops I came across this wonderful dress site! I have found a shop that sells linen dresses in simple styles, yet distinctively feminine. I do like the ones from Sondeflor Shop which carries Lithuanian linen clothing with styles that are flattering. I really like linen and it wrinkles very easily, but it is so comfortable and healthy! I couldn't help but post these marvelous dresses! They have many more on their website.
They are not very fitted except on a few models, but mostly they are looser fitting yet very feminine. Sure to be a favorite!
This one is from another Lithuanian linen site that sells garments called Linen Cloud. It really depends on the style that best suits your figure. If you want to make similar dresses, there are some patterns that are available to use or modify.
Here are some that I have found. You may have to increase the bodice pattern so that it is not so fitted.
Vogue 8629 (Add length and perhaps widen the skirt) |
McCalls 7314 |
McCalls 7080 |
McCalls 7351 |