Original Early 1960s Butterick Pattern No. 9032 - Misses' Two-Piece Dress

Original early 1960s Butterick Pattern No. 9032 for a misses' two-piece dress designed for women's daytime wear. A curved yoke creates a wide-shouldered look on a soft blouson top that is caught into a fitted peplum band, worn over a slim skirt. View A has three-quarter sleeves and a Peter Pan collar; View B is collarless and sleeveless. Complete and in nice condition.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: Butterick No. 9032
• Year: Early 1960s. While we have no confirmed date, the style and envelope point to the early 1960s.
• Garment: Misses' Two-Piece Dress (Blouson Top and Slim Skirt)
• Size: 16 (36" Bust, 28" Waist, 38" Hip)
• Condition: Complete, Nice Condition

Design

Butterick 9032 builds its shape from the top down. A curved yoke at the shoulders, which Butterick called "the new wide shouldered look," sits above a blouson top with a center-front button closing. The fullness gathers into a shaped peplum band that fits close at the waist and flares slightly over the hip, and the slim skirt finishes with a waistband and a side placket zipper. View A adds three-quarter sleeves and a rounded Peter Pan collar, giving the top the look of a short jacket; View B leaves off both for a sleeveless, collarless summer version. The 11-piece printed pattern suggests printed and textured cottons, linens, silk shantungs, sheer soft wools, surahs, and failles.

A Moment in Fashion History

By the early 1960s, the tightly nipped waist of the 1950s was giving way to easier lines. Rather than abandon shape entirely, designers moved the interest elsewhere: wide yokes broadened the shoulders, blouson tops softened the bodice, and a peplum or band kept a neat suggestion of a waist. Paired with a slim skirt, gloves, and a small hat, as on this envelope, the two-piece dress was still polished enough for town, but lighter and more relaxed than the suits of the decade before.

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 Butterick pattern envelope.

Connections

With its curved yoke widening the shoulders, a soft blouson top caught into a fitted peplum, and a slim skirt, this two-piece dress shows the early 1960s easing away from the nipped waist while keeping every detail polished. Explore our exhibit showcasing the elegant hinge between two eras, Pillbox and Polish.