60’s Day Dress – Simplicity 7655

It’s already April and before you know it we’ll be halfway through the year. I can’t even fathom the thought of it. Despite things being all crazy (see my last post) I have been pretty good with my #VintagePledge this year. I already completed two projects my t-shirt using Simplicity 1692 and my jersey dress using Simplicity 5556. Now I can add to that list my latest project a day dress using Simplicity 7655.

Day Dress

It seems to be a theme with me this year to make more casual clothes. While I love my vintage 40’s and 50’s dresses, they aren’t very practical for running errands or cleaning house.

I’ve been wanting more clothes I could wear on a regular basis, which is why I kicked off this year with the t-shirt and then the jersey dress.

My next project I knew I wanted to make a day dress or house dress. Basically they are dresses that were marketed as a dress to wear around the house and do your chores, whether it be cleaning, cooking or even gardening.

I’ve have a variety of day dress patterns from the 50’s thru the 70’s, but for this project I decided to go with Simplicity 7655 from 1968.

Simplicity 7655

I choose the pattern for a couple of reasons, one it was pretty much my size, so only minor pattern alterations, it has a zipper so no buttons need be sewed on , and lastly I had the perfect fabric for it.

The green plaid polyester I have had in my stash for a while and knew I would have to make some sort of 60’s style dress with it. It just felt like it came out of that time period.

Construction

The pattern isn’t a JIFFY pattern, but I would consider it as one. There are only two main dresses pieces. Then you have the option of sleeves, which I didn’t have enough fabric for, and patch pockets, which I did manage to squeeze out of my fabric.

I pretty much followed the pattern instructions save for a few minor exceptions. First to give more room in the waist I graded the side seam down from ⅝ inch to ½ inch. I left the bust alone, even if it was 1 size larger than me, the test fit proved it to be okay and I didn’t want to do any major alterations (I’m lazy like that).

The second big difference in my dress is the facing. I followed the pattern for the neckline facing, but I used a bias tape facing around the arm holes. I did this for two reasons, one I was short on fabric and two, I was afraid it be too bulky around the arm hole.

If you are interested, later this month I actually have a video showing you how I applied the neckline facing and armhole bias tape facing, so stay tuned for that.

Last minor change is that I shortened the hem by maybe an 1 inch or 1-½ inches, I can’t remember apparently I forgot to write it down. I’m short and like my skirts to hit just below the knee and this resize worked perfectly.

Overall Thoughts

I love this color! I may or may not have said before, but my favorite color is green, yet I don’t have many green clothes. So, I was super excited to finally have a fun lively green dress in my wardrobe.

What Would I Change

I was worried that the dress wouldn’t fit as is around the waist, but neglected to change the bust as it was a bit big. So it’s a little baggy in the top, but since I made this dress to run to the store and lounge around the house sewing, it isn’t a big deal for me. However, if I make the dress again, I might consider taking the top in a bit.

Fave Feature

What is my fave feature? Well, I do love the color but as for the dress itself, I’m not sure. I like the front zipper which makes it easy to get in and out of. I like the length, oh and love the patch pockets.

While I made this dress as a run around dress, I couldn’t resist styling my hair in a 60’s beehive and pairing it with mod white tights. It’s so 60’s looking and pretty stylish even for loungy day dress.

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