Hollywood 999: 1940s Darling Misses WWII Dress Sz 38 B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original Circa 1942 Hollywood Pattern No. 999 – One-Piece Dress with Long-Torso Bodice
Original circa 1942 Hollywood Pattern No. 999 for a misses' one-piece dress. The skirt gathers at the side-fronts and joins a flattering long-torso bodice, with the front buttoning to a high neck, made with or without a Peter Pan collar. A straight front and back yoke, bracelet-length or short fitted sleeves, and optional applied trimming round out this versatile, easy-to-wear design. Complete, Nice Condition.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Hollywood No. 999
- Year: Circa 1942
- Garment: Misses' One-Piece Dress
- Size: 20 (38" Bust, 41" Hip)
- Pattern Condition: Complete, Nice Condition
- Envelope and Original Instructions in Good Condition
Design
Hollywood Pattern 999 pairs a gently gathered skirt with a long-torso bodice for a flattering, elongated line through the waist. The front buttons to a high neckline, finished either plain or with a soft Peter Pan collar, above a straight front and back yoke. Sleeves can be made bracelet length or short and fitted, and trimming is entirely optional, giving the sewer real flexibility depending on fabric and occasion — from the tailored red bow-trimmed version to the crisp collared gray, or the shorter, plaid casual style.
A Moment in Fashion History
This envelope carries the "Hollywood Four Star Patterns" branding and a 25¢ price point, a step up from the company's standard 15¢ line. It's a small but charming detail for collectors — a reminder that even a budget-friendly pattern house occasionally packaged a design as something a little more special. By 1942, with wartime fabric restrictions shaping the industry, a long-torso silhouette like this one offered an easy way to look put-together using modest yardage.
Illustration
The cover illustration has been digitally restored and enhanced by Judy Yates to highlight the original fashion artwork while preserving the character and artistry of this historic Hollywood pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, Women of WWII — a growing collection celebrating the resourcefulness and everyday style of wartime home sewing. It's also part of our exhibit, Hollywood Glamour — celebrating the golden-age film stars who shaped Hollywood Patterns' vision of glamour through the Depression and WWII years. Come take a look at either.
