Quick Facts
Original Vogue Pattern 9696
- Original Copyright 1959
- Misses Street or Party Dress
- Factory Folded and Unused
- Size 36" Bust
- Nice Overall Condition
Design
Vogue 9696 is a charming example of late-1950s feminine fashion. The softly gathered full skirt, graceful shawl collar with revers, and fitted midriff create the elegant silhouette that made the era so memorable. Vogue suggested the pattern in everything from crisp gingham and chambray for daytime wear to luxurious taffeta and shantung for parties, making it an exceptionally versatile design. Whether sewn as a casual summer dress or a sophisticated evening frock, the pattern reflects the polished style that home dressmakers admired throughout the decade.
A Moment in Fashion History
By 1959, home sewists could recreate fashionable department store styles using commercial sewing patterns from companies like Vogue. The full-skirted silhouette popularized during the previous decade remained a favorite, offering elegance without sacrificing practicality. Dresses like Vogue 9696 demonstrate how women could express their own creativity through fabric selection while following contemporary fashion trends. It represents a period when sewing at home was both an enjoyable hobby and an economical way to build a stylish wardrobe.
Illustration
The enlarged fashion illustration included in our photographs was created from the original pattern envelope by Judy Yates. Vintage pattern artwork is often one of the most beautiful—and overlooked—aspects of these historical designs. Judy's careful enlargements help preserve the artistry of the original illustrators while allowing collectors and sewists to appreciate details that can be difficult to see on vintage pattern envelopes.
