Front view with un-set (natural) hair.
This is my first time doing a collar and set-in sleeves.
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DuBarry 5390 Pattern Review
Pattern Review: DuBarry 5390, circa 1940s
Pattern Description: Misses’ and Women’s dress. Blouse and skirt joins to an inset belt. Dress buttons in front below the collar. Patch pockets trims front of blouse. Bishop or short sleeves are used. Fig. I: collar, front edges, pockets and inset belt are trimmed with saddle stitching.
Pattern Sizing: This was a 34 bust.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The dress has a very iconic 1940s feel to it, more so than other 1940s dresses. I like the clean lines with on excessive or unflattering gathers.
Fabric Used: Cotton.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Since buttons are expensive here, I omitted the buttons going down the skirt. I liked the shirtdress look so I kept the buttons on the bodice. I inserted an invisible side zipper. The skirt was a four-gored skirt that matched this pattern’s four-gored skirt. I omitted the pockets on the bodice since I think those are generally unflattering. I also omitted the inset belt since I didn’t think it needed it.
This was my first time sewing a collar or set-in sleeves.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes.
Conclusion: I love DuBarry.
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Personal Style
This is how my hair is when it’s not set in curlers overnight, and I think I’m fine with it this way.





Ohhh! I love how this turned out, especially the color/fabric used. You finished this one fast… and it looks flattering on you especially with the red ribbon peep-toes. And BTW, you pull off the bed-head look.. looking too perfectly polished ALL the time is unrealistic. A little mousse before bed after showering, then braids and… hello perfect AM tousles!!
This is so pretty. Good work. You look adorable!
Wow! THis dress is amazing! The drape of the cotton is perfect for this pattern. I love it. The dress looks vintage without being costumey. Beautiful fit too.
Thank you, everyone!
I usually set my hair but sometimes I find that it looks a little costume-y and the style is a little bit aging for me. Besides this is easier to maintain.
Pingback: DuBarry 5390: 1940s Shirtdress «
Love it – where did you get the pattern? I recently sold one of these online, as part of an Ebay lot, I believe.
Myra, I can’t remember where I got the pattern, it might have been through Etsy.
am in love with this dress. just what i want for our forthcoming summer! the buttons are adorable, and the fabric too. you’ve teamed it perfectly with those shoes… overall perfect in my opinion
Such a pretty dress, the fabric you’ve chosen is perfect for the design! The back waist details are super nice
Thank you!
Super pretty dress, it totally makes me want to sew one for myself. I have a very similar pattern from McCalls that I love but haven’t tried yet. I think I need a functioning dress-form to tackle the sizing-issues I’ve had with vintage patterns. I’ll soon have one.
I love the choice of fabric, it suits you and the dress shape perfectly.
So happy I got to see you in this dress! It’s even better in person than in the picture
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