A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing by Julie Starr

Author:Julie Starr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C&T Publishing

Who Wore It

CAROLINA HERRERA

ELIZABETH MONTGOMERY

PATTY DUKE

PRINCESS MARGARET

TRACY REESE

TORY BURCH

DONNA REED

JUNE CLEAVER

MEGHAN MARKLE

ANNA WINTOUR

Halter Dress or Top

No matter her age or size, a woman’s shoulders always look good! Bare shoulders are flirty, feminine, and flattering as well as the ideal alternative to show a little skin while avoiding a plunging neckline. In fact, the classic well-cut halter often reveals less than a tank top!

“Fashion is made by fashionable people.” ROY HALSTON FROWICK

History

In 1955, Marilyn Monroe stood on a subway grate in The Seven Year Itch and fashion history was forever changed! Her billowing white halter neck dress set the world on fire and while she may have made the style famous, its fashion roots harken back to designers Paul Poiret in the 20s and Madeleine Vionnet in the 30s. Betty Grable’s WWII-era halter neck two-piece bathing suit graced countless pinup posters. The 60’s counter-culture and women’s rights movements brought about the shedding of convention (along with a lot of bras!) and the halter top was symbolic of new feminist freedoms. Halston and Geoffrey Beene draped gowns of fluid matte jersey during the halter’s peak of popularity in the 70’s daring disco heyday (think Cher and Goldie Hawn!) This sexy classic continues to be a red-carpet favorite, creating drama and allure by today’s captivating backless beauties.

Characteristics

The most recognized halter style ties behind the neck and the back is completely open, leaving the shoulders fully exposed. Its more modest cousin is the choker halter, which features a high neck, with additional coverage on the back, making it suitable for daytime, as well as evening.

Sewing Tips

• The versatility of a halter neckline cannot be overstated—you can wear this fashionable neckline for nearly every occasion.

• When cut on the bias, halters take on a stretchlike fluidity that accentuates the body’s curves.

• Dress up your halter by substituting a metal collar-type necklace in place of the neck ties. Sew a seam large enough to slide the necklace through and fasten it in the back.

• When selecting a style and pattern for your halter be sure to consider proper under-garments, including convertible options and clear straps which offer the right combination of support, coverage, and discretion.

Fabric Suggestions

Knits and soft fabrics with good drape, such as silk, cotton lawn, voile, and rayon take best advantage of this body-conscious style. For a dressy look, try lined sheer fabrics or luxurious silk charmeuse gathered into a choker halter neckline that flatters with soft pleats near the face. Casual fabrics in novelty and bandana prints make fun-in-the-sun dresses (and tops), and knit fabrics are sensational for easy summer maxis.

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