The Sophisticate tea dress features ruched shoulder yokes which meet at a V-neckline above a sweetheart shaped lower bodice.
The skirt side front panels are gathered into hip yokes and fall in soft folds, echoing the ruching in the bodice. The skirt is interchangeable with the Home Front, Daytripper, and Swingtime skirts.
The pattern includes a bodacious late 30s shirred sleeve, based on a Hollywood pattern from 1939, and is also compatible with the sleeves for the Cosmopolitan dress, including the butterfly sleeve expansion.
Solids and in bold or low-contrast prints work particularly well for this dress, to allow all those gathered and ruched details to shine.
View 2 features a contrast fabric for the yokes (ideal if you don’t have quite enough yardage!) - I used lace for the yokes in one of my versions. Making both the yokes and sleeves in a sheer chiffon or organza would also be a lovely option for a sultry cocktail or evening version.
The Sophisticate Tea dress pattern comes in modern size 8-24 UK / 4-20 US, with separate A-H cup sizes. Get the pattern and instructions on my Patreon page (available to Enthusiast tier and above).