These retro-inspired patterns could have been worn in the French Riviera by Brigitte Bardot in the 60s, but today they still hold up on their own and are full of fun. Have fun mixing and matching tops with bottoms and get creative by embellishing + personalizing: Check them out!
And away we go…

Halter dress: The shape of this dress is sweet but I’m not crazy about the white pique as the contrasting fabric, it looks too stiff and uniform-like. I’d try this pattern in voile or batiste all over. I’ve always wondered what an adult would do with cherry printed fabric— I think this retro silhouette could actually look great covered in cherries and worn with red lipstick!

Mini shorts: The front of these shorts is very nice— when there is no front zipper and fly down the center front, you get a nice smooth fit. Try these shorts in tweed like Chanel (lighter colors for summer and autumnal colors for winter).

Kimono robe. Has anyone seen the film Best In Show, when Scott Donlan and Stefan Vanderhoof are packing for a two-night stay and Scott assumes he’ll need about 10 kimonos? Haha, love that film. I practically live in my kimono robe— as soon as I get home for the evening, on it goes, and I feel so comfortable but kind of fancy too… Any slippery fabric can work here, especially silk charmeuse. Tip: Add length to the hem, this pattern is way too short to wear around company.

Peasant Blouse: Cut from checked gingham (in silk or cotton) this blouse is appropriate for any season (Aussies— try it in darker checks and plaids for your current climate). The 3/4 length sleeves are dramatic and feminine…

Twisted hem dress: This is a variation on another twisted hem dress (see link) and I think that cutting this pattern from a cotton viole, batiste or lawn truly enhances the design. Tip: Cinching in the waist with a wide belt makes the shape less bulky and more chic. And topping it off with a wide brimmed hat is the cherry on top.
Check out more patterns from this series: Audrey Hepburn-esque high waisted trousers, short sleeved top with back zip, and a retro 3/4 sleeve top with fitted darts and a back zip.






Jun 20, 2011, 05.12 PMby SUZAG
Being a baby boomer…all I have to say is R-E-T-R-O! It’s good to see the peasant tops again!
Jun 19, 2011, 02.48 PMby Tokie Ang
niceeee :D
Jun 19, 2011, 11.31 AMby ichigogirl
Did anyone make the Bluemarine wrap-dress? I think it looks a bit different in the photographs vs the line-drawing, it looks more draped in the photo’s so I’m wondering if that’s due to the way you tie it or if the pattern is actually a bit different from the one for the dress in the pictures… It’s really nice, my favourite in this issue… I hope it gets posted here on Burdastyle too!
1 Reply
Jun 22, 2011, 10.28 AMby cikk
It’s my favourite pattern from this issue too and I have the same reaction as you. Haven’t made it yet as I don’t have any suitable jersey. Hoping that someone has made it and will post pics! I did find this though…
http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=48566
Jun 17, 2011, 10.59 PMby amn-1
Oh my Goash..All patterns are amazing
Jun 16, 2011, 10.00 PMby Mia1
(Sigh)..to be 20 again…..
Jun 16, 2011, 02.14 PMby vintagerouge
I need about 10 of those halter dresses—so cute!
Jun 16, 2011, 01.57 AMby achaia
Sooo cute!
Jun 15, 2011, 10.47 PMby Tokie Ang
what a great issue for this month :D
Jun 15, 2011, 01.22 PMby cooi
My June issue never came in the mail!! :(
Jun 15, 2011, 06.40 AMby luxihere
I love twisted hems and have been wanted to try it and will surely test the waters with my Daughter’s dress first. Anything looks lovely on kids, elderly like me (though i am just 30) aren’t so blessed are we?
Jun 14, 2011, 10.48 PMby nouvellegamine
gorgeous patterns. one of the best summer burdastyle’s i’ve seen. usually the summer patterns aren’t really my style, but this entire issue, from the bardot style to the floor length jersey dress are wonderful.
2 Replies
Jun 15, 2011, 10.46 AMby libbysharf
I agree… someone at Burda must have heard the complaints about the last issues
Jun 16, 2011, 01.08 PMby ichigogirl
ooooh, then I must runt to the paper-shop and get it!
I’ve just realised I have never bought any summer-issues, and mainly fall/winter… :-)
Jun 14, 2011, 10.41 PMby caramia-made
Those shorts?!?!? Adorable! I love the entire outfit. Great post!
Jun 14, 2011, 09.49 PMby bluebetty
I am in love with that halter dress.
Jun 14, 2011, 07.51 PMby FabricUiPhoneApp
I saw just the bright orange mod print cotton lawn yesterday at Vogue Fabrics yesterday (on sale no less!) for the twisted hem dress. It would be darling…and an overnight sew if I could get my arse in gear, and well download this pattern.
Jun 14, 2011, 07.35 PMby lienepien
I like the twisted dress! I saw nice fabrics for it.. hope it really is when I try it out..!
Jun 14, 2011, 06.26 PMby ray162738
I really love the high-waisted bikini in the picture of the kimono robe! It’s so classy looking.
Jun 14, 2011, 06.26 PMby cantare
These are great patterns that can be made fabulous with the right fabric choice! Can’t wait to try them out!
Jun 14, 2011, 05.17 PMby Tam Oconnell
Love the twisted hem dress, and the peasant blouse !
1 Reply
Jun 15, 2011, 06.51 AMby Zachy Leigh
Love that Blouses! It goes so well with the Floral Shirts design.