1930's summer ensemble (halter, turban and trousers)!

Added Feb 11, 2012

by olystyrene

Sydney, Australia

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Description

This is a little project I’ve wanted to write about for some time now. It all started when I came upon a small piece of vibrantly printed red floral cotton. I knew it would come in handy for something, and a short time later, it became apparent why… I found a 1930’s beach outfit pattern online but it was waaay over budget at the time, so I decided to try my hand at drafting the lovely halter top myself. Well, I was quite pleasantly surprised to find that it was a devilishly simple process. The halter top is lined with a plain red cotton for a bit of contrast. I added a hook and eye closure at the back and decorated it with a giant blue button (alas, the only one I had!). I also inserted a bit of boobie support so this baby could be worn sans brassier.

From the leftover fabric pieces I made a ready-to-go summer turban; another bit of fun self drafting work from around the same time. I worked out an easy pattern by draping a few pieces over my own cranium and pinning and gathering etc.

And finally, we come to the navy trousers. I made these using a very simple late 1930’s/ 1940’s pattern. They were exactly what I had been saving a particularly great length of lightweight navy fabric for! These have classic 30’s/40’s features – the wide leg, the low crotch, the high waist. They’re fabulous in every way! I made the waistband wider than the pattern called for, just for a bit of variety (and also because I’m a little obsessed with wide waistbands at the moment, just quietly!). These trousers go with virtually everything and I’ve already found myself wearing them a tad too often…

This was definitely a fun sewing project!

Material Notes

second hand and vintage fabric and notions

Difficulty

Intermediate

Categories

Season
Summer, Spring
For
Women
Garment Type
Other
Style
Beach, Classic, Casual, Vintage
Material
Cotton, Blends

32 Comments

  • Missing

    Mar 17, 2012, 08.43 PMby lcsimpson

    Love this outfit. Particularly like trousers. Do you have pattern details?

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Mar 21, 2012, 01.38 AMby olystyrene

      Thank you! I will dig it out of my stash and let you know!

  • Firstroll-3_large

    Feb 15, 2012, 08.58 PMby integerclub

    Dooly, you are hilarious! Those photos, man, especially the one with the fruits, I dunno, it’s so awesome! Also, the halter top is most excellent, I’ve been planning to make one and yours has really given me the push…

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 21, 2012, 12.01 AMby olystyrene

      Thanks, Doyceling! Hehehe! You know the halter was surprisingly so easy to draft! I only used 2 pieces for the outer part and then an identical 2 pieces for the lining, which gave the top the right amount of hold. The fabric was really lightweight, so if I’d used only a single layer, it wouldn’t have sat quite right (and there wouldn’t have been the contrast at the collar). Make yours and post post post!

  • Img_7458_large

    Feb 13, 2012, 04.48 PMby leahfranqui

    This is amazing! The colors, the shape, it’s so cute and 30’s, I adore this! I would never have the guts to wear a turban but you look so chic and glamorous, like a movie star. The pants fit you so well, what pattern is this?

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 20, 2012, 11.58 PMby olystyrene

      Thank you! I gave up a while back on feeling embarrassed about going all-out with 30’s and 40’s outfits; especially the turbans! You do it once and you’ll never go back! :)

      I used a late 1930’s/early 40’s pattern for the trousers. I’ll have a look for the pattern number for you.

  • Bs1107_bus_0711_091__large_large

    Feb 13, 2012, 07.48 AMby Itsbeensewlong

    Totally gorgeous and you suit vintage sew well :) Lou

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 20, 2012, 11.56 PMby olystyrene

      Thank you, Lou!

  • Me_pecks_large

    Feb 13, 2012, 02.17 AMby nessys

    Oh Darl! This outfit/project is THE BOMB! You are so cute and sexy in it! I love the blue button! But I adore the red print/navy combo (yes – always a sucker for that).

    You did a fab job of drafting the halter (boobie support included – not an easy thing!) and the turban and don’t you worry about wearing those pants too much – they are stunning! You need to wear them often!

    WHIT WOO! xxxx

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 20, 2012, 11.55 PMby olystyrene

      Thank you thank you, Nessy, for your comments! I wear those pants nearly every day now… Am a little obsessed, I admit. And you just cannot go wrong with red+navy. It’s just not possible!!!

  • Img_2769_large

    Feb 13, 2012, 12.13 AMby mollykatherine

    I simply adore this! The top, scarf, pants, pictures – everything!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 20, 2012, 11.54 PMby olystyrene

      Thank you, mollykatherine! It was certainly a satisfying project from head to toe (literally! hehe) :)

  • 199467_213163065366579_100000186615251_968701_3931975_n_1__large

    Feb 12, 2012, 10.01 PMby jasminčica

    seeing this project,I really got the feeling that I moved to 30-te,…wonderful :)))))

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 10.55 PMby olystyrene

      Thank you!! When I wear this outfit, I certainly do feel like I went back in time. Now all we need is for everyone else to start dressing the same.. mwahaha!

  • Sewing_machine_large

    Feb 12, 2012, 02.19 PMby bjr99

    Fantastic project.! You really captured the look. I expect to see Ginger Rogers with Fred. Love the fabric too.

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 10.54 PMby olystyrene

      Thank you! It may indeed be high time to choreograph a fitting dance routine a la Ginger and Fred. Oh how those trousers do swish!

  • Hii_298_large

    Feb 12, 2012, 12.49 PMby pampula

    Simply fantastic!!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 10.52 PMby olystyrene

      Thanks, pampula!

  • Janene_sq_large

    Feb 12, 2012, 09.37 AMby janene

    What a wonderful start to my day, seeing this! I love the whole ensemble. Sooo impressed that you self drafted the turban and the top. You look fabulous!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 10.51 PMby olystyrene

      Thank you, janene. I was surprised to find that conceptually, both were relatively easy to draft. They’re each comprised of only 2 pieces!

  • Missing

    Feb 12, 2012, 08.35 AMby anneecharri

    fabulous!

    1 Reply
  • Dsc04818_a_large

    Feb 12, 2012, 07.30 AMby Ralf Schmitz

    WOW !!! what a project! i love the used material, the fit, the styling, your creativity. i love everything! this is so so pretty and lovely and great and stylish! BRAVO!!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 10.49 PMby olystyrene

      What a compliment! Thank you! :)

  • P4010345_large

    Feb 12, 2012, 06.01 AMby pambox

    These are so fantastic. I particularly love the collar on the halter top.

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 10.48 PMby olystyrene

      Why, thank you!

  • Applehead_large

    Feb 12, 2012, 05.31 AMby JuliaBobbin

    Oh.My.God.

    Please accept this comment as a wedding proposal.

    I’m in love!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 10.47 PMby olystyrene

      Done aaand done!

  • 88a87728fbd0beae2dd8ccfbd88df2de_5291067_large

    Feb 12, 2012, 04.31 AMby laikadoll

    I am in love!!

    1 Reply
  • Lady_large

    Feb 12, 2012, 04.15 AMby LadyDanburry

    Wonderful. Those trousers make your waist look tiny! Almost like a cartoon. Just beautiful.

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 10.47 PMby olystyrene

      Hahaha! I do know what you mean though – it’s the combination of a very high waist on the trousers, with very wide legs, and a bright coloured almost-midriff top, I think. Thank you!

  • Raw_0468_large

    Feb 12, 2012, 12.14 AMby aluckmann

    Every time you post a new project I am reminded why I miss you so much when you are away! This project is perfection, and the pictures are so sassy and fun.

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 01.12 AMby olystyrene

      Thank you so much! I’m truly blushing right now!!!

  • Sam_0020_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 11.56 PMby wardrobe-cat

    I ADORE THIS! I love this look. You look fantastic, and the colour combination is perfect. I want those pants! It’s my fave style, and much more flattering than a lot of others. Well done ;)

    4 Replies
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 01.13 AMby olystyrene

      Thank you! It’s great to be able to share these sorts of projects with people who genuinely apreciate the styles!!

    • Sam_0020_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 07.19 AMby wardrobe-cat

      No problem ;)

      You look fantastic. I will get my patterns out when I have time to make them. I have planned to do something similar to what you’ve done. So it’s nice to see the look on an actual person. More of an idea how mine will look.

    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 11.12 PMby olystyrene

      Good luck! I’d love to see the finished outfit!

    • Sam_0020_thumb

      Feb 13, 2012, 10.21 AMby wardrobe-cat

      When I’ve got a minute….

  • Wedding_044_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 11.50 PMby Swirlz1

    This is fantastic… you did an awesome job!!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 01.13 AMby olystyrene

      Thank you so very much!

  • The_mermaid_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 11.34 PMby blueartisan

    That is one very awesome outfit! Great job!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 01.13 AMby olystyrene

      Thaaank you!

  • F6a2f09ad32e775a5dd7b401ba14f561b6940eaa_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 11.28 PMby carmenhf

    Very cute. Love the shape of the pants and the whole look!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 01.14 AMby olystyrene

      Thank you! I too love the shape of those trousers, and the more I now wear them, the more I wonder WHY I hadn’t made them sooner! :)

  • Enlarged_hilarity-copy_edited_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 10.58 PMby Testosterone

    What an ensemble!!!!!

    Most impressive!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 01.14 AMby olystyrene

      Thank you muchly!

  • Bub_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 08.52 PMby baka-pepica

    wow thats very sexy :) i like it :)

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 01.15 AMby olystyrene

      Thank you ;p

  • 036_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 08.46 PMby Debby H

    Perfect – Well done

    1 Reply
  • 20596winter_20fairy_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 06.47 PMby sewingfan1

    That’s such a cool outfit!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 01.17 AMby olystyrene

      In the true sense of the word ;-) The pants are so lightweight, they’re just perfect for hot summer days – and the cottony backless top means miss is free to feel hot but not too stuffy!

  • Just_debbie_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 06.13 PMby Deborah Zimmerman

    Perfection; Halter, turban, pants, and especially the spirited model!

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 01.17 AMby olystyrene

      Hahaha! Thank you, that’s very kind!

  • Come_fly_with_me_3__large

    Feb 11, 2012, 05.58 PMby BlancheOfArts

    Uuu, I like the whole outfit, especially those pants! :)

    1 Reply
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      Feb 12, 2012, 01.18 AMby olystyrene

      Thanks, BlancheOfArts. One of the best things about those trousers is how freely you can move around in them – very underrated, especially in this era of tight jeans…

  • Dscf9099_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 04.36 PMby jadealamode

    beautiful!!

    1 Reply
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    Feb 11, 2012, 04.22 PMby Anne Wagenhauser

    Fabulous! Love it!

    1 Reply
  • Carrie_head_shot_large

    Feb 11, 2012, 04.13 PMby Carrie Cochran Cabrera

    The colors are fabulous on you and the fabric is great

    1 Reply
    • 3044175_l_thumb

      Feb 12, 2012, 01.20 AMby olystyrene

      Thank you very much! I love coming across bold floral prints especially. It feels as if my wardrobe is fast becoming a garden… ;-P

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