How to look fabulous in 1951 - go French!

The gal who really wanted to wow them in 1951 could get a cue from this July, 15th les Bonnes Soirees magazine. Some 'Fresh' dresses to sew and then a few separates to travel with on your holiday. But when you are back in town they let you know which designer has the gowns and accessories you need. 

1951 Spring Fashions

Wonderfulness from les Bonnes Soirees magazine, March 11, 1951. Lovely slim dresses with amazing side drapes topped with shaped swing coats. Then just a few designer ensembles and the hats to match. Profitez!

French Fashions to Sew from 1951

From the March 25, 1951 issue of les Bonnes Soirees (Good Evening) magazine, we have a selection of spring outfits that you could make. But it looks like you would have had to been very skilled, these have some serious details. But then you get to look tre belle!

 

And one for the Petites filles

French Fashions from 1951

This is a selection from the March 25, 1951 issue of les Bonnes Soirees (Good Evening) magazine. We have New Trends in Paris and then a Flower Plate hat you can make. (I have no French at all, so please chime in)

The New Shape Tiered Jacket

This is from a Modess ad in Life Magazine, February 1951. The often featured fashion in their ads, but this jacket is pretty terrific and I wonder if it was ever a real thing.
And don't miss the text...the box was "so cleverly formed that, when wrapped, it looks like one of a dozen purchases...never like a napkin box." So what did a napkin box look like before?

Modes Royal Fabulous Patterns - 1951

This is a single page from a Modes Royale catalog from 1951. Don't I wish I had the rest of this!
The "breathtakingly beautiful" gown would look right at home on any red carpet today. And that two piece dress has the best peplum ever. The "cutaway suit" looks tailored, but also gives such an hourglass shape...good design shows.