5 FREE Retro Dress Patterns

by NatalieH

What does the term retro mean?

The term retro references anything related to, revived or consciously inspired by trends, attitudes or fashion of recent past. In the context of clothing, garments which mimic popular features of yesteryear which conjure nostalgia.

Iconic retro styles

50's fashion

  • Pencil skirts
  • Puffed sleeves
  • Cropped sweaters
  • Bobby socks
  • Stilettos
  • Gingham

60's fashion

  • Babydoll dresses
  • Mini skirts
  • Drainpipe jeans
  • Go-go boots
  • Fringe
  • Biker jackets

70's fashion

  • Bellbottoms
  • High-waisted trousers
  • Midi skirts
  • Short hems
  • Maxi dresses
  • Corduroy jackets

Retro colourways

If you're looking for inspiration for your retro makes, but don't love big prints, why not look at colourways for your starting point? Here are just a few retro colourways which would work nicely for dresses! Select one colour or pair colours for layered looks.

Get social!

Search by era on Instagram for more on-trend inspiration - pictured, #70sdresses

High-street Retro-inspired dresses

Here's a selection of floaty dresses that are on-trend this season from the likes of Marks & Spencer, Oliver Bonas and Monsoon to inspire your next make!

Left to right: River Island Abstract Print Dress | Oliver-Bonas Spot Print Ruffle Dress | Meré Argyris Hollydae Handcrafted Orange Vintage Style Dress | TK Maxx Mustard Plaid Midi Dress | Joe Browns Orange Aztec Print Dress | River Island Check Dress

FREE Retro Dress Patterns

Retro is such a versatile genre of dressmaking which can be easily adapted to create unique custom garments, we share five free patterns from around the web which suit all body shapes, which vary in ability! There's something for everyone in this collection, click the links below to find the pattern you love!

Tunic Dress

This sweet and simple tunic dress has been designed by Sandra Bryans for Peppermint. Whip this staple dress up in a range of fun retro prints to rock a new vibe every day! Peppermint is a fantastic resource to learn dressmaking techniques and to download a wide range of patterns!

The Bellflower Dress

This on-trend design has a nod to 70's flared sleeves and traditional ruched elements to bring a comfy, yet luxurious result! Download your free pattern and try your hand at sewing with stretch velour to challenge yourself!

The Ginger Dress

Following on from the theme on statement sleeves, the Ginger Dress is reminiscent of short 60's Mod designs! This elegant silhouette and lace jacquard fabric is the perfect combination! Try this pattern out today, courtesy of Mood!

Modern Grace Dress

Ideal for a beginner sewist, this free dress pattern is the perfect combination of vintage-inspired style with a modern edge. An A-line dress suits all body shapes and is a fashion-forward pattern that can be worn any time of year.

The Birch Dress

Mood have done it again with The Birch Dress, described as the cosy, yet elegant sister to their Ginger Dress, this dramatic design features stretch fabric and skips the back zipper for ease. You could style this dress to wear to the office, or dress it up for special occasions!

If you loved this Retro round-up, then you'll adore our selection of Vintage patterns!

Five FREE Vintage Sewing Patterns

If you're looking for more sewing content on CraftWorld, check out the following links! And as ever, we'd love to see your garments on CraftWorld!

An Introduction to Dressmaking

Five Sewing Projects for Beginners

Five FREE Sewing Patterns for Kids

Five FREE Buffet Dress Patterns

Happy Sewing,

Betty