I recently made this retro top — a reissued design from the BurdaStyle archives — that seems just as fresh in 2025 as when it was originally published in 1955. The simple silhouette allows the oversized neckline tie to be the star!
The pattern is from the January 2019 issue of BurdaStyle magazine (design 120). It is a sleeveless top with the armholes finished with facings and buttons along the center front. The neckline has an oversized shawl collar shape that is rounded in the back and ties in the front. The only bodice shaping are bust darts in front.
I chose a beautiful 100% cotton fabric in shades of blue and white. The fabric design and the light, silk-like quality of the fabric exudes an ethereal — heavenly — vibe. The hand and feel of the fabric reminds me of Liberty Tana Lawn fabric. It is soft, fine, and has a silky drape to it. I looked at the selvedge and noticed that it is manufactured by a Japanese company called Hokkoh and printed in Japan. It is really a lovely fabric!
Retro Top Toile
I started by sewing a quick toile to test the fit of the pattern and the sewing method. I made a couple of petite adjustments — decreasing the upper bodice by 0.5 inches and the shoulders by 0.5 inches — and shortened the overall length. I thought about toning down the oversized collar but decided that I needed the drama, so I kept it unchanged.
Sewing Details
The pattern included armhole facings and wide center front facings, which provided a clean finish. I interfaced the facings with a fine fusible interfacing. I mistakenly forgot to clip the armholes before stay-stitching, so they ended up puckering a bit. Remember to clip!
The only fiddly part about sewing this top was attaching the collar to the neckline. Otherwise all of the sewing was straightforward.
The pattern allows for a wide hemline but I decided to do a narrower one to make it easier to tuck into pants or skirts.
I love the rounded collar shape in the back — so pretty!
Final Thoughts
This is a lovely pattern to sew! Lengthening the hem and adding a couple of in-seam pockets would turn this top into a fabulous summer shirtdress.
I’m looking forward to wearing it this summer!
Leave a Reply