“What?” I hear you say “beach rompers at her age?” and you would be correct, I am possibly mutton dressing as lamb, but I possibly don’t care, I love these!
They are, of course, the Decades of Style, 1930s Beach Romper, which I kept looking at and not buying, and then came the sale last year and the rest is history!
They are the perfect outfit for our hot weather, but I will not be wearing them in public, much to my eldest son’s relief who thought I looked like June Jetson in them!
I toiled them according to the pattern and they fitted perfectly
But I felt that the back was a little skimpy
As you can see, the pattern is tied at the back at the neck, waist and the skort is also fastened at the back. It’s quite busy back there! I took the pattern off to my patternmaking class and Sarah and I had a happy time redesigning it slightly.
We added an internal bra, making it a bit more modest.
Then we looked at getting a bit more coverage at the back and reducing some of the bulk caused by those ties.
We eliminated the second tie at the waist by wrapping the skort and securing it with buttons at the sides.
The beach romper looks like this when it’s not being worn – a long, weird looking thing.
It’s interesting to put on – start at the neck and tie it, then, tie the back, and feed the rest through my legs and finally wrap the skort. I did take a photo of me coyly lifting the skirt to show how it looked underneath, but no matter what I did, it looked lewd, so here it is on a dummy.
The only other part worth mentioning is the edging – it is the selvedge, which was rather lovely, so Sarah suggested that I cut it off and sewed it round the raw edges. I thought it would annoy me, but it doesn’t at all, and for once I’m right on trend.
The fabric is some linen that I bought in India and the correct green is the lighter colour.
This doesn’t appear to be a terribly popular pattern; I couldn’t find too many examples on the web, but it is a really nice design. It would look fabulous on someone young ;). The fact that it fitted me with no need to make any adjustments means that it would probably fit most figure types.
You should so totally be wearing these in public. You, and they, rock!
Thank you so much! I honestly couldn’t wear them in public, except maybe the beach.
I agree… you look terrific, it’s a terrific outfit… cool in both senses!
Thank you! It is nice to wear when the weather is hot.
These are so awesome – you look amazing. And I just love that photo of you stepping out of the campervan, it’s so retro-cool.
Thanks Fiona, I thought that the caravan would fit the 1930s theme; although this is a new one, the styling is the same as the originals!
If you’ve got it, flaunt it and to hell with what the kids say! What an interesting design. Your changes look great
Lol, trying to flaunt something, clearly!
That’s a fabulous romper to showcase your divinely long legs! Perfect for a beach party or just sunbathing. The changes you made really improved the pattern. (If we were listening to our children, we would all look so matronly!)
I’m planning to wear them for lolling about, possibly with a drink with an umbrella in it. I agree re the children!
Don’t listen to your son. You look great in the rompers. Call it a “jumpsuit” if it makes him happier. I did not realize it was one piece until the photo that shows the piece laid out flat.
Yes, one piece which makes it an interesting design. It would be easier if it were two pieces though… 🙂
You look great – I love it! It makes me want to romp around at the beach.
yes! I know! I’m trying to make a swimsuit that will fit under it so I can cavort and romp!
You look good – wear what you want to wear.
Yes, thanks Norma, I will, although the crocheted bikini might have been scratched off the list!
Wear it just to annoy him – that’s what I do when my daughter gripes! You look great and I’m sure that when it’s blisteringly hot there you will be glad you made these. I would love to shock The Management but I can’t imagine it ever getting hot enough to wear those here 🙁
Haha, I’m sure you wouldn’t shock The Management, but I can see how it might not be hot enough for these.
You look very “beachy” in your romper! The changes were certainly an improvement! I myself would need instructions every time I put it on.
As long as you start at the top and work your way down, it’s pretty easy to put on!
No such thing as mutton dressed as lamb! You’re looking very 30s-beach chic, like you’ve stepped off the set of a Poirot film!
Oh, I love those Poirot film sets, so really appreciate your comment!
love the look
hmmm getting very sexy these days Sue – Archie might not appreciate it but I bet Mark loves it. Go you – you can pull it off!xx
Haha, it’s not at all sexy really!
Oh such a cute and fun holiday outfit, perfectly styled with your caravan. The changes you have made to the pattern have made them so much more wearable. Enjoy!
Great looking outfit, Sue. It looks very cool and comfortable.
It suits you very well. The light green fabric is beautiful and using the selvedge with the raw edges was a very clever idea.
Thank you Sonja. This would look sensational on you!
So cute Sue 😁
Thank you Jenny 😘
You’re rocking this outfit! What a clever garment. Your modifications make it even better!
Thank you Katharina, it is an interesting pattern 😁
I think you look great in it! We all need hot weather things that don’t necessarily leave the house. What a good idea to put a bra in it!
Yes, I thought the bra was essential given the shape of the top 🙂
Gorgeous and ingenious!
Thank you! It’s an interesting pattern and I don’t know why we don’t see more of it.
Oh June Jetson is perfect and it looks like the perfect cool but covered house garment that we need for this weird humidity we are experiencing.
Yes, it’s perfect for this weather, but I actually made it for a holiday that we’re having later in the year, so I don’t want to wear it out!
What do kids know? You rock! Love it
Thank you Colleen 😘
I’m so glad you wrote a post on this outfit! I have wanted to make this but also couldn’t find much about it through google. Thanks for the detailed pictures!
I had the same experience. It’s an interesting design, and relatively easy to make.