I thought I'd jot down a few hints for those of you who have asked about measuring, buying and fitting DVF patterns for yourselves.  First of all, the measurements on the back of the patterns are the size of the person they dress/garment should fit, not the finished measurements of that dress.  The pattern size is not the same as a modern or misses dress size.

• Take your measurements, bust, waist and hip, jotting them down
• Compare to the measurements provided in the auction or listing that should match the picture of the back of the actual pattern for sale
• Regardless of the size of the pattern, if your measurements are within 1/2" of the measurements of the pattern, they will fit.
  THE DIANE VON FURSTENBERG WRAP DRESSES ARE MEANT FOR STRETCHY KNITS ONLY, SO THERE'S ALWAYS A LITTLE WIGGLE ROOM!

For a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress, specifically a 1970's vintage Vogue pattern #1548 or #1549, the biggest challenge is for us ladies larger than the average B cup bust size.  OK, here's what you do:

• Purchase the correct dress size for your waist and hip, then increase the pattern at the bust following the directions provided, OR
• Do the reverse (which I do not recommend, there's just A LOT of pattern and fabric to deal with in a large A-Line skirt), buying a pattern to fit the top and reduce the waist and hip size. 

ALWAYS REMEMBER:  1970's DVF wrap dress patterns were meant for stretch materials.  If you buy a dress that will fit someone with a 36" bust and you are 38" it will S-T-R-E-T-C-H to fit you and look more like today's fashions are are super form fitting and much, must tighter.  Similarly, if you like a little room, if you are a 36" bust and want a bigger fit, go up to a 38"! 

The beauty and everlasting style of the DVF Wrap Classic is that it looks fabulous tight, loose or completely draped!

Vintage Vogue