Research the different dress styles of the 1950s.

• 1). Look in fashion history books, or search on-line for fashion sites. Become familiar with all of the different dress styles.
  
  
• 2). Take notes about the styles you like the best.
  
  
• 3). Decide on the style of dress you want to make. Consider the occasion for which you will be wearing the dress. If you are wearing it to an outdoor party, choose a long- or short-sleeve style, based on the season of your party.
  
  

Shop for the necessary supplies.

• 1). Bring your research notes with you, and head to the fabric store.
  
  
• 2). Look through the patterns for one that fits the style you want. Some patterns will specify a skill level. Try to stay within you skill level.
  
  
• 3). Select a fabric for your dress. Most 50's dresses were made of woven, not stretchy fabrics. If you are a new to sewing, stay away from fabrics with stripes, plaids or directional prints. Matching stripes, plaids and directional prints takes time and skill.
  
  
• 4). Determine how much fabric you will need to buy from the measuring charts on the back of your pattern. The measuring charts will give lengths for the two standard fabric bolt sizes, 45 inches and 60 inches. If you are unsure of the bolt size for the fabric you have chosen, ask a store associate for help.
  
  
• 5). Read the notions list on the back of the pattern. This will tell you what type of buttons or zippers you need to complete the dress.
  
  

Sew the dress.

• 1). Wash and dry the fabric. Iron it, if it is wrinkly.
  
  
• 2). Cut the pattern pieces out of the pattern paper for the size you need.
  
  
• 3). Lay the pattern pieces on the fabric, according to the cutout diagrams in the pattern instructions.
  
  
• 4). Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric and cut them out.
  
  
• 5). Follow all the directions in the pattern instructions to construct your 1950's dress.