Little Black Frock (Woman and Home, January 1945)

 Woman and Home was a magazine targeted towards British housewives.  It contained the usual mix of recipes, household advice, knitting patterns, fiction—and of course, fashion.

By January 1945, however, fashion was pretty thin on the ground.  Even if the magazine's readers had the coupons to buy new clothes, there was very little in the shops for them to purchase.  In this article, Woman and Home comes to the rescue with an article with suggesting ways of making over a worn dress.  All you need is a few sewing skills and a shabby little black frock!

You could alter the neckline and add trimming in worn spots:

Sketch No. 1 shows it with the high neck cut in a "V", the worn underarms covered with curved bands of black satin and a satin tie-belt with a soft bow.  The bands are outside-stitched on to the frock at each side, with the upper bands lapped over the lower ones, and the back the same as the front.

You could alter the neckline and add braid:

Sketch No. 2.  Here the neck is cut square and narrow black silk braid is stitched on to the top of the bodice in crossed lines to form squares.  A flower made of loops of the braid finishes the neckline.  If the underarms need patching, the sleeves can be cut short and the material cut off can be used to make square patches.  The braid will cover the edges of the patches so that no one will suspect they exist.

You could replace the sleeves and the collar:

In Sketch No. 3, the frock has graceful sleeves of black satin with deep armholes, so that any worn places can be cut away.  The neck has a satin facing caught up in front with braid ornaments from which hang silk tassels, and the silk girdle is finished in the same way.

You could decorate the dress with ribbons: 

In Sketch No. 4, we show satin, velvet or moiré ribbons stitched onto the bodice in diagonal bands, to give a cross-over effect.  One band is carried down on to the left hip to give a slimming line, while the sash ties in a jaunty bow on the opposite side.  If the underarm needs attention, the frock can have new satin sleeves and satin bands on the bodice.  The old sleeves can then be used to make underarm pieces, with the joint concealed behind the band.

You could shorten the sleeves and add trimming:

Sketch No. 5 shows a pretty idea for trimming.  Satin, corded silk, or moiré ribbon can be used.  The long sleeves can be cut short, and your frock will assume quite a new, youthful personality.