The epitome of a well accessorized woman

from
Needlewoman magazine, 1935

One of the best things about vintage sewing patterns and about vintage fashion in general, is that so much more attention was paid to accessories! According to my 1943 'Complete Book of Sewing'...

Accessories make one dress do the work of three, bring last year's dress up to date, turn a simple dress into an elaborate one, and impart an air of luxury to an expensive dress. They are easy to make and cost practically nothing if you use scraps of material left over from suits an dresses, or keep your eyes open for remnants. They can be quickly added to your dress, and they make an incalculable difference in the smartness of your appearance.

Everything from hats to belts, handbags to gloves is included in accessories. Here are some examples of accessories through the decades (from the 30s to the 60s):

Hats

1. 1937 ladies hat pattern available at EvaDress; 2. 1940's Butterick hat pattern, available at this shop on Etsy; 3. 1950's John Frederics Toque hat pattern, available at this shop on Etsy; 4. 1960's hats, nightcap and curler bag, available at this shop on Etsy.

Belts

1. 1939 Simplicity dress pattern with belt options, available at Miss Betty's Attic; 2. 1940's belts and cumberbund pattern, available from Mrs Depew Vintage; 3. 1950's accessories pattern with several belt options, photo from Flickriver; 4. 1960's accesories pattern with two belt options, available at this shop on Etsy.

Gloves

1. 1930's Butterick gloves pattern, available at this shop on Etsy; 2. 1940's gloves pattern, available from this shop on Etsy; 3. 1950's Simplicity Designers gloves pattern, available from The Blue Gardenia; 4. Late 50's gloves pattern, available at this shop on Etsy.

Handbags

1. 1930's cloche, bag and scarf pattern, available at from Mrs Depew Vintage; 2. 1940's drawstring bag pattern, available from this shop on Etsy; 3. 1950's Simplicity accessories pattern including two clutches, available from Mrs Depew Vintage; 4. 1960's dress and handbag pattern, available at this shop on Etsy.

Miscellaneous Accessories

1. 1930's accessories pattern including hat, scarf, gloves and spats, available from Wearing History; 2. 1940's fabric flowers pattern, image from the Vintage Pattern Wiki; 3. 1950's dress and shawl pattern, available from this shop on Etsy; 4. 1960's felt slippers and slipper case pattern, available at this shop on Etsy.

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