Downton Abbey Meets the 1970s

First of all, please don't be offended by the title of this post.  Please know that I would never, ever suggest that something like Downtown Abbey should be influenced by the 1970s.  I would like to argue, however, that perhaps the 1970s might have been influenced by the era of Downton Abbey. 

Lost yet?

I'm talking in terms of clothing.  Those of you who follow fashion know that there is rarely a new idea in fashion.  Instead, the clothes we wear today are broadly shaped by what has come before us.  Take, for example, all of those lovely sailor collarish creations seen during season 2 of Downton.  Sweaters, blouses, jackets - many of them featured square collars that draped over the shoulders gracefully.  So gracefully, in fact, that I found myself starting to lust after them.

Recreating such an outfit presents many issues, though.  And truthfully, I might look a little wacky wandering in something that was quite that period - though trust me, I've been tempted.  Probably the biggest problem is the lack of such patterns.  Enter the 1970s.

Sailor collars were big in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  And lucky enough, I have one such pattern that was given to me by a friend!  Even better - it's the proper size.  Wahoo! 

So here's my solution to my desire for a Downton inspired suit.  One jacket, made from the pattern above.  One skirt, made from the pattern below, in  the longer length.  And maybe a belt with a couple of buttons on it to cinch the jacket in.

And here's the fabric, if you're wondering.  A navy with a fine white plaid. 

Now to find the time to make it....