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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: 1960s Betys McCalls designs, like this and this
I finished a commission a few months ago for 1960s paper dolls, and I had a lot of fun dabbling. During that time, I drew this Poppet’s paper doll dress. I was spending a lot of hours with 1960s fashions in my research. Betsy McCalls 1960s designs, such as this set from 1965 and this set from 1964, inspired today’s paper doll set.
The commission was for Costume College, by the way. They were a dream to work with. If I was on the West Coast, I would treat myself to their convention which starts this Thursday. I wish I could go, but being in Alabama does have disadvantages.
Anyway, I don’t plan to do a whole slew of 1960s inspired kids clothing, because a girl can only draw so many a-line dresses. I just don’t feel the same love of 1960’s children’s clothing as I feel for 1920s children’s clothing. My love of 1920s children’s clothing is eternal and intense, as demostrated by my 1920s Children’s Wardrobe Collection. I have a new batch of those done, by the way- 2 dresses and a coat are forthcoming.
Now in the interest of full disclosure, I should note that there is nothing historically accurate about today’s paper doll outfit. It’s not like I poured over tons of 1960s primary sources to put it together. It was more like, “I like this and I want to draw something like it.”
The color scheme was my attempt to do something that wasn’t traditional. I tend to associate girls clothing with bright pinks and teals. Colors I am naturally drawn too, but I loved this combo of orange, yellow and a smoky blue.
It also feels kinda 1960s to me.
Clearly, I was channeling my inner Betsy McCall. Everyone should have an inner one of those, I think.
Need a paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Poppet Paper Doll Here.
Congrats on the commission! That sounds like a dream project. Is it possible to share some images from the commission? I’d love to see it!
I really love the colors on this (which I say about most of your projects….). It feels very 60s but also very contemporary. I could see my nieces wearing this today.
Reminds me of Snow White!
Betsy McCall was my first paperdoll! I remember McCalls magazine coming in the mail back in the 1960s and my Grandmama asking “what is Betsy doing this month?” Then we would open the magazine together and Grandmama would cut-out the dolls for me (because I was too little to do it well) and we would play with them. <3