Claire McCardell Cloister Dress: Metropolitian Museum of Art

THIS PATTERN IS OUT OF PRINT, LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE

Misses' sizes Extra Small to Extra Large

Claire McCardell is generally recognized as one of the most influential American ready-to-wear designers of the twentieth century. Her designs defined "The American Look": sporty, comfortable, understated and elegant. The cloister Dress, from the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, was designed as a romantic but practical wedding gown for a young wartime bride. This natural-shouldered dress of soft wool jersey was made to be easy to pack and warm to wear. In spite of obvious historical references, the classic lines of this Dress look completely modern today. A fitted bodice with a hight, slight V-neckline and dolman sleeves flatters the figure. The ankle-length skirt (easily shortened to mid-calf or above the knee) gathers into a shaped dropped waist. A separate Hood buttons at the neck and can be worn up or down.

Suggested Fabrics: Fabrics with two-way stretch such as wool, cotton, silk or rayon knits and blends; stretch lace or stretch velvet.