Hemlines are Dropping at Least for Some of Us!

A dress by BOTEGA with the flared skirt and vintage sleeves.  The wide belt sets it off.  I would put a camisole with  vintage lace closer to the collarbone.  The hairstyle is reminiscent of the 40s.

Both of the above dresses were gathered from Fall Fashion Forecasts on the web (the only two I thought were decent!)  I found this purple dress interesting as I like the folkloric look for a little different statement in appreciation of handwork that ornamented many of our ancestors' clothing.

 Going through the emails from the pattern companies has encouraged me due to several new patterns coming out with lower (obviously below the knee) styles.  These new styles are starting to look a little more  feminine.  The graceful flowing skirts below the knees are very complementary to ladies as it amazingly balances the figure and it  makes quite a difference in the mood of the wearer. It just somehow enhances our desire to act more lady-like.  Try it for yourself,  if you don't already wear that type of garment.

This is a more sporty look.

M7625 Vintage looks can be pulled off quite easily.  I like the pretty details of this dress.

View C in  would look nice in florals or perhaps a very soft feminine color.

A basic all-occasion dress which can be made in a variety of fabrics depending on your preferences.  I would probably lower the hemline a few more inches to make a more  harmonious proportion figure-wise. A careful  decision of what to do with the split neckline  could entail a carefully matched or contrasted "modesty piece".

The sway of pleated skirts has always intrigued me.

M7650  An interesting dress that doesn't need the slit.  It seems to lose it's classy look with a slit in my opinion.

Another clasic all -purpose style that works well in florals.  Alonger length is in this pattern from McCalls 7651.

Always a classic, this time with banding.  McCalls 7623

I noticed that "tent dresses" are re-introduced by McCalls:

However this pattern also comes with this view below.  It would be an easy dress to make for casual wear.  McCalls 7565
 I like this rounded collar with 3/4 sleeves and the gently flared skirt.

A favorite from KwikSew 4001 that I would make the back come up to the neck with a zipper.  This is a good pattern for showcasing some extra special fabric.

Another sporty dress Butterick 6482

Butterick 64 85 with a lot of details for a fit and flair vintage dress.


Rule of thumb:  A couple inches below the knee to mid-calf is the most flattering length.

There are many styles that can be used from the pattern companies by altering the hemlines, sometimes changing necklines, or using a different sleeve.

So that is the roundup for some Fall dresses from the major pattern companies.  It is all up to your imagination and what looks great on you.

Happy sewing!