Sunday, June 1, 2025

Mini Dress

a closeup of Shelley from the package cover
of Simplicity Pattern 9666, 1971

Shelley appeared on many Simplicity pattern catalogs, brochures and packaging during the 1960s and 1970s. The Simplicity Pattern Company is the leading manufacturer of sewing patterns and sewing pattern guides which are distributed throughout the world. They have been manufacturing sewing patterns since 1927 and have allowed fashionistas on a budget and sewing aficionados to create clothes in a reliable manner. In 1971, Shelley appeared on the package cover for Simplicity Pattern 9666. It contained patterns for a misses' dress in two lengths or a tunic and short shorts. The dress or tunic softly gathered to the yoke, had a back zipper, a high round neckline, long set-in sleeves gathered with elastic casings. The regular length dress featured embroidered braid or ribbon details. The mini dress and tunic had patch pockets. The short shorts had a back zipper and elastic waistline casing. Shelley wore the mini dress in a patterned fabric and cinched it at the waist with a matching belt that had an ornamental buckle. She finished her look with pumps that had gladiator straps. An ornamental pin on her hair accessorized her look. And Shelley looked ladylike, young, and oh-so 1970s chic.

Shelley on the package cover
of Simplicity Pattern 9666, 1971