1960s Vintage McCalls Sewing Pattern 5357 Easy Misses Cocktail Dress Sz 32 B
Original 1960 McCall's Pattern No. 5357 - Misses' Dress with Slim or Full Skirt
Original 1960 McCall's Pattern No. 5357, an "Easy to Sew" dress built from a single dart-fitted, raglan-sleeve bodice that pairs with either a slim, three-gore skirt (View A) or a full, gathered four-gore skirt (View B). The scoop neck can be worn plain or with a flat round collar. Complete Nice Condition; envelope shows honest wear.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: McCall's No. 5357
- Year: 1960
- Garment: One-Piece Dress (Slim or Full Skirt)
- Size: 12 (32" Bust, 34" Hip)
- Condition: Complete Nice Condition; Worn Envelope
Design
The bodice does the same job either way: dart-fitted, raglan sleeves, a scoop neck that can take a flat round collar or stay bare. What changes is entirely below the waist. View A's three-gore skirt stays slim and close to the body, finished with a low back pleat for ease of movement. View B's four-gore skirt gathers into the same waistline for a full, swinging silhouette instead. Same pattern, same twelve pieces, two entirely different dresses depending on which skirt a woman chose to cut.
A Moment in Fashion History
By 1960, the fuller New Look skirt and the newer slim sheath weren't just two eras anymore - they were two live options, both still popular enough that a pattern company could offer them side by side from the exact same bodice and expect either to sell. That's what makes McCall's 5357 such a telling artifact: it doesn't pick a side in the era's dramatic shift in silhouette. It hands the decision to the woman at the sewing machine, letting her cut whichever skirt matched where she personally stood between the fading fullness of the 1950s and the streamlined shape taking its place.
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 McCall's pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, Pillbox and Polish - Camelot ushers in youthful elegance. Come take a look.
