A slim afternoon dress with tucked bodice and stitched-down pleats. The loose jacket looks very much like 1930s maternity fashion, which was styled to cover the "bump" in the later stages of pregnancy.

The 1930s and ruffles: they just go together! This ruffled dress pattern features the slim silhouette of the decade with a lovely yoke adding interest to the bodice. For some reason, I think of a Frank Capra heroine when I look at this pattern. It looks just like one of his "office" gals from "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" or another great 1930s film.

A wonderful double-breasted late 1930s dress pattern. Around 1938, the skirts shortened and got a bit of flare, leading right into the styles of the 1940s. The dress on the left is very crisply tailored with its double row of buttons marching down the front. Love that hat, too!

A pattern for vests and dickies from the early to mid-1930s. These are so very chic. I picture Ginger Rogers when she's not on the dance floor. These were an inexpensive way to expand a lady's wardrobe.

Chic and sleek 1930s everyday dress pattern. Would be lovely in flowing rayon or challis--or crisply elegant in lined organdy or silk organza. I love the inverted V's on the bodice and the bows.

Early 1930s skirt pattern for a tailored look. Note the offset button placket on each.

This pattern for a ruffled evening dress would be stunning in a floaty, filmy chiffon or silk georgette. This is a very early 1930s silhouette with ruffles below the hipline and flared hem.

This lovely 1920s flapper dress was sold on eBay by USVainen, a past seller whose knowledge of vintage fashion was astounding and whose descriptions were delightful. This seller graciously agreed to let me share her images and words on my site, and I think you'll enjoy them as much as I have!

This is a very simple, easy-to-make 1920s house dress pattern. Pockets are conveniently placed and large enough to be practical. Ladies often wore these over other dresses they wanted to keep clean while working, so it's like a glorified apron.

Here are two original 1920s Lucile designs by Lady Duff-Gordon. These images were generously given to me by Randy Bryan Bigham, who authored the first full-scale biography of Lucile. Please see my Lucile Page for more about Lady Duff-Gordon and her designs! (Sketches through the Fashion Institute of Technology.)

This is a super 1920s frock pattern for a simple, everyday dress, perfect in linen, cotton or other summery fabrics. Thank you to Tuesday's Child for the loan!

This is an early 1920s undersleeve pattern. I think the styles are truly delightful, and it demonstrates how ladies used accessories to change the look of their dresses. A woman could build a really creative wardobe with just a few key dresses or separate and a range of inexpensive accessories.

This is a 1925 tailoring manual illustration. Note the stylized, sleek hair on the lady and the very flat-chested mannequin. No, it's not a male mannequin! Women wore chest-flattening corsets and bras at the time to get that flat, boyish silhouette.

This is a 1925 menswear catalog featuring the latest suits. I loved the cover and had to scan it to share the woman's very "together" outfit.

Here is a cute shot of four friends sitting on the running board of a brand new Ford. Written on the back of the photo are the girls' names and, underneath, "Emma's new Ford." Note the "Buster Brown" haircuts and demurely crossed feet. I love the white play dresses!

Drop-waist 1920 day dress with bodice insert and long sash. After WWI, women's clothing became far less restrictive and complicated and far more practical. The fitting is easy and comfortable, but the femininity is still there with the sash, full sleeves, and pretty collar.

Early 1920s women's dresses from a catalogue. The transition has been made to the dropped waist, but you still see the long hairstyles and skirts. The flapper look hasn't hit yet.

A beautiful girls' 1920s coat pattern for a little girl. I love seeing the colors! Like their mothers, even little girls are wearing the stylish cloche hats.

Illustration of blouses from a 1904 fashion circular. Scrumptious! This is the decade of tucks-a-plenty and lace in profusion, including on the underthings.