I found patterns of the 50s through 80s were much more involved than today's patterns because they paid attention to what was under the garment; e.g., lining, interfacing, more seams, etc. I once made a Valentino dress and jacket from a Vogue pattern that had more than 60 pieces once I counted the fabric, lining and interfacing. But I loved that dress! I lined even my summer dresses and wore them for years. Today's patterns emphasize "easy" and have cut out much of the "underpinnings" and extra seams (think "princess" style where you have at least 3 pieces each for the front and back). Takes more time to cut and fit but at least you can fit. Today's patterns often have just one piece each for the front and back - hard to fit. Older patterns take longer to use but there's a great deal of satisfaction when you've completed one and love the results.