party dresses Archives • Paper Thin Personas

Rose, Coffee, And Mint Redux

October 16, 2023

A black and white children's paper doll printable with a mix and match wardrobe. She has two dresses, pants, two skirts, four tops, a pair of shoes and two purses.

A children's paper doll printable of a fashionable black woman with a mix and match wardrobe. She has two dresses, pants, two skirts, four tops, a pair of shoes and two purses.

Download Black and White PDF | Download Color PDF | More Paper Dolls from the Ensemble Eclectica Series

Today’s paper doll really feels like a children’s paper doll to me. Don’t get me wrong, I would give any of my paper dolls to my niece (or nephew, if he showed any interest.) However, occasionally, I have a paper doll that I make that I think… this is super kid friendly. Today’s paper doll is one of those very kid friendly designs.

When I think about what makes a children’s paper doll different from one I’ve drawn for adults, it mostly boils down to how easy it is to play with. I believe this paper doll is very easy to play with, which makes it a lot of fun. All of her clothing is in colors that go well together. You can mix and match her outfits in many different ways. She has either 14 outfits or 28 outfits, depending on how much you like shoes. That’s like having a whole closet full of clothes for this little paper fashionista. Also, she’s pretty easy to cut out. The only tricky part might be the shoulders under her hair or maybe the purses. Still, I managed those when I was a kid, so I thin other kids could too.

Like my floral retro paper doll, an earlier paper doll, Coffee, Strawberry and Cream, inspired today’s paper doll. I drew that one in 2011, over a decade ago. That’s hard to believe, but true. One thing I loved from that paper doll was the rose dress and the striped dress. Both are so fun then and I still like them, years later. I remember being so proud of Coffee, Strawberry and Cream when she came out.

There’s a similarity between this paper doll and Lillian, a paper doll from Paper Doll School.Actually, a lot of Julie’s paper dolls are super kid friendly, particularly her long running Kawaii Kids series. I digress. Enjoy the paper doll!

Sapphire Goes to a Party

December 4, 2019

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I usually describe these dresses as cocktail dresses, but I don’t think many people do cocktails anymore? I don’t, but then I don’t really drink. So, I’m not 100% sure that description still makes sense to anyone but me. As a result, I decided to just go with the description “party dress” and figured that would work for now. It’s not really a formal gown, but it’s fun and maybe a date-night option? For people with more formal lives than mine, I suppose.

My paper dolls all live much fancier lives than I do.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to do a series of paper dolls with party dresses for the blog. I also realized it had been a long time since Sapphire got any love, so it was easy to combine the two instincts to this paper doll set of Sapphire and her cocktail dress.

Specific Source Images: My Inspiration Dress from Pinterest

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls
Around the Internet: My formal gowns and cocktail dresses Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts
A big thank you to my Patreon supporters who are amazing and awesome.

Also, cocktail dresses. Is that a term anyone uses anymore? Am I just insanely old fashioned? I can live with it if the answer is, Yes, but I am curious.

Opal and her Party Dress

August 7, 2019

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I really wanted to do a series of paper dolls with party dresses. Mostly, because I realized I’d managed to create basically no party dresses for the Jewels and Gemstones. Also, it’s really easy to fit in two pairs of shoes and one dress in the layouts. Opal was the first of the Jewels and Gemstones to debut, but as been kinda neglected since then. I have one other Asian paper doll, Diamond, but Opal was the first.

Plus, I really do love the name Opal.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
My two goals with today’s outfit were- casual and summer. I really wanted to make something cute and also spring like. I mostly did that through color, but I have been seeing a lot of striped patterns with floral motifs on top of them. So, the striped shirt with the flower is my ode to that style.

Specific Source Images: This Dress, This Dress and This Dress

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & More Asian paper dolls
Around the Internet: My Formal Gowns/Cocktail Dresses Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts

Want an extra paper doll content every week? Check out the Patreon

Additionally, I think it is kinda important to make an Asian paper doll wearing non-Asian traditional dress, because when I was a kid all the Asian paper dolls I had were in things like Traditional Japanese Fashions Paper Dolls and Traditional Chinese Fashion Paper Dolls. I think the diversity in paper dolls (and dolls in general) has improved a lot in the last ten years, but there’s still a long way to go.

Trends of 2019 and The First of the Paper Doll Collaboration 2019

December 6, 2020January 31, 2019

Black and White PDF of the Dolls | Black and White PDF of the Clothing | More of the Paper Doll Collaboration 2019

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
For the last few years, I have teamed up with some super talented other paper doll artists to create a shared paper doll project. This year, I designed the base doll and then everyone else got to draw clothing.

It has been a super fun project, as always, and I am looking forward to it.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
The dolls were all based on a sort of traditional paper doll pose. The theme for the clothing this month was Trends of 2019. I chose to illustrate what I think will remain popular in fashion on the left- sleeve detail and skinny ankle pants.

On the right, I chose to get a little more experimental. If there was one thing I noticed on the Spring 2019 runways, it was fullness. Huge skirts. Huge sleeves. High necks. So, I adapted those things into a cocktail dress.

Specific Source Images: Viktor & Rolf, Spring 2019 Collection, Valentino, Spring 2019 Collection, Giambattista Valli, Spring 2019 Collection, & Schiaparelli, Spring 2019 Collection
Learn/See More
On the Blog: There’s the 2017 Collaborative Paper Doll Project and the 2018 Collaborative Paper Doll Project
Around the Internet: My partners in crime- Julie of Paper Doll School, Melissa of Miss. Missy’s Paper Dolls, Boots of Popculture and Paper Dolls and Cory of Paper Dolls by Cory

Last Thoughts
My 2 dollar and up patrons, are getting an extra set of dolls today! I had a lot of fun designing them and hope you all enjoy them.

Also, this wouldn’t be any fun at all without my fellow artist, so be sure to check out the versions of this today’s theme from Paper Doll School, Miss. Missy’s Paper Dolls, Popculture and Paper Dolls and Paper Dolls by Cory. Cory did let me know he might be a bit late. That’s okay though. This is a fun project, not like… it’s not meant to be too serious.

By the way, what trends do you think will be in for 2019?

Paper Doll Cocktail Dresses For the Pose B Dames

October 22, 2018October 22, 2018

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If there’s one thing rounding up all the B Pose paper dolls a few weeks ago made me realize, it was that I hadn’t done any short party dresses for them. That seemed like a omission worth rectifying. So, today I have some cocktail dresses for the B pose Dames. After all, the holidays are coming and maybe there’s a party they need to attend.

I tend to make two dresses when I do these sets, because I feel like one dress “isn’t enough”, but I’ve also been thinking about trying to go back to a daily update schedule in which case, think one dress would have to be enough. I haven’t decided yet what makes the most sense. I miss updating daily, but I’m also nervous if I could keep up to it.

The black and blue color scheme was inspired by what I’ve been seeing in the department stores this season. But if you want a more autumnal or summery color combination, hop over to the Patreon page where there’s a second color scheme you can download and print. It’s open to everyone, not just Patrons, but while you’re there I would ask that you consider helping out and giving a little each month to support the blog.

And, as always, I love to hear whatever you’d like to tell me in the comment.

A Pair of Pastel Cocktail Dresses for the A Pose Lady Paper Dolls

September 19, 2018

Printable Black & White PDF Printable Color PDF More Paper Dolls & ClothesLast year, there was a real influx of pastel colors into fall and winter looks. It’s been going on for a while. I’m not sure this is still on trend (my September fashion magazines were pretty slim this year, sadly), but I drew these paper doll cocktail dresses a while ago. I wanted to contrast the black with the pale colors.

I also wanted to play around with shape.

Plus the A Pose Dames don’t have any cocktail dresses and that seemed just criminal. Poor paper dolls. They need something to wear to evening parties, after all.

There’s a second color scheme for these over on my Patreon page, but it’s Patron only- so you’ll need to join if you want to see it.

Meanwhile, follow the blog on Instagram for more pictures of my sketchbook and bread-making adventures.

And, of course, I’d like to wish anyone fasting today for Yom Kippur an easy fast.

Need a doll to wear today’s paper doll clothing? All the A Pose Dolls & Clothing

Meet Janette, The New Mini-Maiden Paper Doll

December 12, 2020August 14, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Fashion Magazines and My Patrons

A few months ago, I asked my Patrons to vote on a name for a new Mini-Maiden paper doll. A lot happened and I just didn’t get around to finishing her until recently, but I am super excited to present Janette. There will be a Janette paper doll every day this week to get her off to a solid start as an addition to the Mini-Maiden family.

Janette can, of course, wear any of the already created Mini-Maiden clothing and share shoes with Faye, Greta, Hazel and Isadora.

(As it happens, I name the Mini-Maiden‘s in alphabetical order, because… I dunno. It seemed like a good idea at the time?)

The first of the three Janette’s that will be posting this week is a contemporary Janette. I thought it was a nice place to start.

She has a sundress based on designs from my fashion magazine obsession, as are her sandals.

I wanted to give her a short contemporary looking hair cut, as this it the “contemporary” Janette.

On Wednesday, Janette will go to Space!

As always, a big thank you to my Patrons for helping me pick out her name.

Well, what do you think of Janette? Let me know in a comment. I always love to hear from you all.

Need a more outfits for today’s Mini-Maiden Paper Doll? Find More Clothing Here.

Sprites Go Out For Date Night

May 18, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: A Lack of Sprite Suits and Cocktail Dresses

I wanted to create some semi-formal clothing for the Sprites. I’ve done business formal suits (here and here) and I’ve done super formal tuxedos and red carpet gowns(here), but I haven’t done semi-formal. Cocktail attire, they used to call it. Maybe people who go to cocktail parties still call it that, but I’m not much of a cocktail party goer.

Ice cream and hot chocolate parties, I am all in for. I do actually own one cocktail dress. I had to buy it for an event. It is not a dress I like to wear, but at least I own one. Last minute shopping for something like that rarely ends well.

The black dress is based on this dress from Pinterest. I’m sure the blue dress was based on something, but I don’t recall what. The suit is, well.. a suit. I mean, suits are pretty straight forward.

(Sorry gents, your formal clothing isn’t as fun as the ladies.)

I wanted to do a navy suit, because I’d already done a grey suit and black suits are kinda boring.

Looking for some Sprite paper dolls to wear these outfits? Pick out Sprite paper dolls here.

Isadora Goes to Prom: Part 3

May 19, 2020July 13, 2016

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Two paper doll dresses today for the prom going paper dolls. (Here’s Isadora whose got the hair-do for these dresses)

So, in my prom dress research, I learned that short prom dresses are in right now. I’ll confess, I don’t like short dresses. I am a maxi lenght girl, but I’m also pretty tall. I have been told by my height challenged friends that short dresses are nice when you’re not tall.

(I have no clue what it feels like to not be tall, but I trust my non-tall friends to know things about being short that I will never know.)

Anyhow, the prom trend for short dresses seems like a nice option for people who don’t like long dresses. The paper doll dress on the right is a more sophisticated cocktail sort of option. Very modern with that obi-sash detail. The paper doll dress on the left is actually a take on a dress I drew years ago for this Marisole Monday Prom Paper Doll set back in 2010.

So, my question is, who was into short dresses for their prom? I wasn’t, but I suspect I have readers who went the short dress route.

So, tell me in a comment. I’m quite curious.

Also, if you want support the blog, I have a Patreon page.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

A 1950s Paper Doll with Some Curves

May 26, 2020November 20, 2015

Today’s printable paper doll has a retro flare- 1950s fashions abound. My goal was to make ten Buxom and Bodacious paper dolls before the end of 2015. I’m going to be honest, I don’t know right now if I’ll make it. My other goal was to have ten historical paper dolls by the end of 2015 and I have certainly made that goal, even if I count the massive 18th century Pixie paper doll set from August as one one set and not several.

Next week I’ll have a 1940s Poppet set up. It’s very cute and I’m very excited about it.

Actually, I’m very content with where I am in blogging and life at the moment. If I can just stop thinking of January as “a long way off.”

{Download a PDF of this paper doll to Color} {View a 150 dpi PNG of this Paper Doll to Color}So, my sources for these 1950s paper doll dresses were this day dress from the V&A, this Dior suit from the Chicago history Museum. The cocktail dress comes from a site called Vintageous which sells vintage formal-wear. I couldn’t find the original cocktail dress, but you can see it on my 1950’s Fashion Pinterest board. My only major regret with these dresses is that I ended up with such a busy pattern on the day dress. It is reflect the original well, but I think it also obscures some of the details.

It’s okay though. Not every plan works out well.

{Download a PDF of this paper doll to Color} {View a 150 dpi PNG of this Paper Doll to Color}I choose to use mostly secondary colors in this set. Orange, green and purple with some dark navy and light blue thrown in for fun. I went with black for the accessories, since any well dressed lady of this era had shoes that matched her purse. I wish there was a way to fit more than one pair of shoes into these B&B sets, but alas… there really isn’t.

I was listening to West Side Story while I colored this paper doll set, so I based her skintone, hair color and eyes on a Puerto Rican friend I had in high-school.

I have a quick poll for my readers:

[poll id=”12″]

As always I love to hear what you think in the comments and would appreciate your support through Patreon. 🙂

Isadora in Ruffles & Bows: Printable Paper Doll in Black and White

December 6, 2020November 13, 2015

I’ve been in this whole printable paper doll drawing thing for a while. There’s a few things I have learned and one of them is that what I like is not always what my readers like.

Now, a lot of the time I don’t care. Sorry, folks, but I draw for me first and for most. Don’t get me wrong, I love that I have active readers and every comment I get makes me smile, but if I couldn’t draw what I liked than I would go mad. Mad I tell you!

(Okay, maybe that was a little overly dramatic. 🙂 )

I mention this in direct relation to black and white paper doll sets. They are easier for me, since coloring takes time, but when I was a kid I really didn’t like to color. I know that sounds odd, but I never really “got” coloring books. They were boring. I far more wanted to draw my own stuff than color someone else’s drawing.

So, sometimes I forget that I have readers who LOVE my black and white paper dolls.

That’s part of why I created the Mini-Maiden’s series. I wanted to share with my readers something just for the black and white coloring readers that I have. I might not “get it”, but I am do enjoy drawing them and not having to color them in does make them easier to finish.

{Download a PDF to Print} {View a 150 dpi PNG} {Check out some More Mini-Maiden Printable Paper Dolls}To bring this around to this actual post, let’s talk about Isadora. Isadora has only had three other outfit sets and none of them are contemporary. The poor girl can go to balls or fight off radioactive hordes, but she hasn’t got a decent pencil skirt. (Everyone needs a decent pencil skirt.) Well, all that ends today!

When I do contemporary sets, I like to do them in themes. So, for this set I was thinking about sweet, lady-like fashions. I wanted some delicate details like the rose pattern on the shorts and the scalloped hem on the pencil skirt. I often see these styles on the college students I work with, being that this is the South and all, so I wanted to do something of a Southern Belle. All she needs are white lace gloves and a mint-julep to sip while sitting in a white rocking chair.

Her short hair was intended to contrast with the wardrobe.

Today is Friday the 13th, if you’re the superstitious sort. I think paper dolls are good protection from such things. 🙂

By the way, speaking to my coloring readers, I know some people use simple coloring programs, but I have no ideas what they are. So, my questions are: What programs to y’all use? What file formats do those programs like? And would coloring sheets with no grey be useful?

(I’m thinking about digital paper dolls for sale right now and trying to decide what file formats to offer.)

And if you like my paper dolls, please consider supporting me through Patreon.

Evening Gowns & Cocktail Dresses: Paper Doll Clothes

May 26, 2020November 6, 2015

In doing my research for this set of evening gowns I went to a few bridal websites and pinned to my Pinterest boards wedding dresses I liked and bridesmaid’s dresses that I liked.

Now Pinterest thinks I am getting married and keeps suggesting pins to be about wedding planning, budgeting and seating arrangements. There needs to be a “Nope, not interested” button on Pinterest. Since I am not getting married, I just like to look a pretty dresses.

Speaking of pretty dresses, today we have two evening gowns and two cocktail dresses. I’ve never done evening gowns for the Ms. Mannequin dolls before. I actually hadn’t realized that until I prepped and posted these.

I wanted to do a range of styles in one sheet. There are gloves, because I think gloves are always elegant- even if I never wear them. There are two cocktail length dresses and then two full length dresses. I suppose these could be for prom or something, but I always think of the Ms. Mannequin dolls as being older. Maybe a red carpet event? Or a formal wedding in the evening?

{Click Here for a PDF in Color} {Click Here for a 150 dpi PNG in Color}{Click Here for a PDF of Black and White} {Click Here for a 150 dpi PNG in Black and White}{Click Here for More Clothes}{Click Here for Paper Dolls to Dress}

As I write all this stuff about weddings, it occurs to me I haven’t really done a wedding paper doll set. That’s odd considering there is a long history of weddings as a paper doll theme. Maybe my inability to draw men has stifled my wedding plans. Of course, it could also be that I am scared of drawing lace. Lace is a wedding dress sorta thing. I mean Greta has a wedding dress in her Steampunk Trousseau, but none of the other paper dolls have wedding gowns.

Plus, I was never one of those kids who “dreamed” of my wedding day. I do remember playing with a golden book Bride and Groom paper doll. Mostly, what I recall is thinking the Maid of Honor was prettier than the bride. I think she usually ended up running off with the Groom. 🙂

So, weddings. Worth doing? Best ignoring? What do y’all think?

Last, but not least, I’d like to give huge thank you to everyone who is supporting me on Patreon. If you’d like to join the Vivian Project, here’s the Patreon page and here’s some info about the Vivian Project.

And if Patreon isn’t your thing, no worries. I’ll also be doing a Princess Club next year, starting January 2016, where you can subscribe and receive a princess paper doll. So, that’s another way to support PTP.

Or just tell a friend about PTP. That’s also a great way to support the blog (and it’s free).