Late 40s Casual Outfit - Simplicity 2684


Flashback Summer: Late 40s Vintage Casual Outfit - Simplicity 2684

I did a quick photo shoot on my way to work today to showcase my newly finished late 1940s button-down, from Simplicity 2684!  It's my first real, tailored button-down, and even though parts of it are janky... please be proud.  It required several new skills!  (There are sewing details at the bottom!)

Flashback Summer: Late 40s Vintage Casual Outfit - Simplicity 2684

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Flashback Summer: Late 40s Vintage Casual Outfit - Simplicity 2684

Flashback Summer: Late 40s Vintage Casual Outfit - Simplicity 2684

This blouse is actually a wearable muslin to see if this pattern would work for some novelty print fabric I have.  Although I do like how it turned out, I'm not sure that it's exactly what I want.  I think I would like to try a more fitted version that can tuck in more easily.  I happened to have purchased another pattern that will arrive soon that just might do the trick!

Also, tip for life, don't do a pattern for the first time with stripes.  One pocket happened to line up in a happy coincidence, but the other didn't, and it bothers me a bit.  Not to mention some of the seams aren't exactly straight and don't line up with the stripes, due to my not-so-perfect skills and the pattern itself.  Don't do that to yourself.

Flashback Summer: Late 40s Vintage Casual Outfit - Simplicity 2684

Flashback Summer: Late 40s Vintage Casual Outfit - Simplicity 2684
Flashback Summer: Late 40s Vintage Casual Outfit - Simplicity 2684




I paired the button-down with jeans made from a 1960s pattern and some 1940s deadstock ballet flats that I swapped for.  Since it's Friday and I don't care about my hair at all by this point in the week, I put it all up in a couple of bandanas.  Accent bandanas, like the lighter blue polka dotted one, are becoming my new "thing."  They're a great use for those sheer, silky bandanas that show bobby pins too much underneath or are too slippery to wear by themselves.

Also, random note, Dietrich loves our morning walks.  I'm pretty sure it's his second favorite thing of the day, only beaten by an evening run.  Because he loves running more than anything.  He actually dog-smiles after a run. I, on the other hand, am rarely smiling after a run... 

Outfit details:
blouse: Simplicity 2684, from wearevintagesewing Etsy shop
navy bandana: Hobby Lobby
accent bandana: flea market
shoes: swapped
lipstick: Estee Lauder Rubellite

Here is a summary of the pattern details and things I changed:
Fabric: 100% cotton
Pattern: Simplicity 2684
Year: late 1940s
Notions: 9 buttons
How historically accurate is it? Very accurate!  I think only the plastic buttons may be a bit off, but even plastic buttons were used in the 40s, so it could be just fine!
Any tricky parts to the pattern?  Not too much, except for the fact that there are men's tailoring skills needed, like using felled seams.  I had never done that, so the sleeves, especially, were tricky for me. It also took me much pondering to figure out the cuff opening (where it buttons) and how to bind that, but I got it!
Did you change anything?  Nope, I did not!
Time to complete: 4 days (lots of tailoring details, like I said)
First worn: August 30, 2014
Total cost: Everything was from my stash, so..... yeah, just the cost of the pattern, about $10
Notes: I would recommend sizing down, as with most 40s patterns.  This 30" bust size worked well for me although I'm a 32".  Some of the tailoring methods are also a bit tricky, and every buttonhole is bound.

13 comments

  1. Too darn cute!!!!!! I swear I almost bought that pattern not too long ago but I talked myself out of it. Now I really wish I got it because I love the way yours looks on you! AND! I WANT THOSE PANTS! (love love love!) I've been on the hunt for the perfect pants pattern and I've yet to find a good one that looks vintage but has modern comfort (high-waisted stuff isn't so nice on acid reflux. sad face.).

    I think your first ever tailored shirt is a real success. Great job, Emileigh :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Rochelle! Like I said, there is some definite jankiness, but I'm assuming things will get better as I do them more.... Hopefully!!!
      I'm so glad you like it! And how crazy that you almost bought the same one!!!

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  2. Emileigh, the shirt looks SO cute on you!! I love the fabric and the buttons! And I think it turned out wonderful! The shirt, pants and adorable headscarf equals a fabulous 40s look ! Thanks so much for purchasing the pattern from my daughter's shop!

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    1. Thank you very much! I'm glad you like it, and tell your daughter thank you for selling awesome patterns at affordable prices, and if she ever wants to partner up for a promotion or something.... let me know. I would be elated!

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  3. Emileigh fantastic job on this blouse. I did my first one early this year and although they may "appear" to be an easy crank out, I know differently! Did you run into any problems with the directions? Sometimes I find these vintage pattern directions to be a bit confusing. You did a wonderfully great job on not having to adjust anything the first go around! I find my shoulder area is always a bit troublesome to fit with patterns. I'm hoping to get cranking on something new soon. I'm in a bit of a hamsters wheel trying to decide what I might do. Great job!!!

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  4. This is a fantastic vintage look! The shirt looks great. If you looks closely at vintage garments online, you'll see all sorts of "interesting" sewing happening. The double scarf is adorable.

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  5. Great casual outfit. Very inspiring! xx

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  6. Love that look. I know what you mean about more fitted and tucked in but it does look really great. I love your fabric choice. And I think it deserves far more credit than a wearable muslin!!

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  7. Very cute! I like your summery at the end and always find your blog very informative. :)

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  8. I love the fabric you used! And I love how you styled it, great job! =D

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  9. Your blouse looks great! I think you did a wonderful job. They whole outfit is really cute. I enjoy working with stripes and plaids but it can be really annoying when they don't play nice and line up neatly. :)
    -Emily

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  10. Fantastic shirt! I've been thinking of sewing a few proper shirts with collars for work but they seem so daunting compared with sundresses.
    I'm also wondering about your "sizing down" comment... I normally sew a 30 bust (maaaybe a 32) in vintage patterns. I always pick my patterns by waist size, since I've heard that the bust measurement might be an overbust/underbust measurement instead of full bust (since my full bust is maybe around 35?) ..What are your thoughts on that?

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  11. Fabulous shirt!!! Every last element of it looks terrific on you, dear gal. I always adore seeing your sewing projects. You have an excellent knack for picking patterns that really work awesomely with your body type and (often 40s centered) vintage style.

    ♥ Jessica

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