The fullness of the 1950s and flow of 1970s designs are back in fashion and are shown in these vintage dress patterns.

Dresses with full skirts in longer lengths are popular this fall. People are moving away from tight pencil skirts and restrictive, body-conscious styles. Instead, everything is gathered and breezy, sensual and flowing; some might even call it romantic. Echoes of 1950s’ ample skirts and fitted bodices with belts are present in many of these patterns. In fabrications from classic wools to silks, these styles offer an opportunity to lean into a feminine silhouette. Fluid evening dresses with a 1970s vibe can be worn loose and caftan-like, or belted to fine-tune the shape.

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Alix Dress from By Hand London: 1970s-inspired with inset midriff band, waist ties, and full skirt

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Magnolia Dress from Deer and Doe: maxidress with surplice bodice, tie sash, and full skirt in two lengths

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McCall’s 7433: 1940 inverted notch-collar dress with pleated skirt and belt

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Upton Dress & Skirt Mix and Match Pack from Cashmerette: A fit-and-flare dress for bust sizes up to 62 inches; many options for bodice, skirt, and sleeve elements

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Vogue 1312: Lynn Mizono dress with full, wing-shaped panels in the skirt

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Vogue 1721: Guy Laroche dress with funnel collar and full, gathered skirt, intended for knits

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Vogue 1947: A vintage 1970s evening dress with attached bias cape and tie belt

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Vogue 9000: Button-up shirt dress with full, gored skirt and short, cut-on sleeves

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Vogue 9105: 1954 design with asymmetrical front opening, full skirt, and short, cut-on sleeves

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To find more styles, colors, and fabrics for the season, read Vanessa Nirode’s article “Authentically Autumn.”