Just when you think you’re starting to understand the styles of a certain period, surprises come along.
Dresses According to Type. Butterick Fashion News, December 1937.
These four dress patterns were presented as appropriate for four different types of figure — and different ages. Can you tell which is which? The bodies illustrated don’t help much.
One is “For the Smart Matron,” one is “For Junior Miss Figures,” one is “For Shorter Women of Larger Hip,” and one is “For Misses 5 feet 4 inches and under.” Try matching the description to the dress without being able to see the face and hair: 
Does it help to know that this dress, from the same issue, is a “Junior Miss frock?”
Companion-Butterick pattern 7633, for Junior Miss, sizes 12 -20 or bust measurements 30″ to 38″. Butterick Fashion News, December 1937.
Not very youthful, is it?
Answers
The fact that the two figures on the left are in active poses while those on the right are standing still is a big hint. Those are styles for larger and older women. Here are the descriptions, from left to right in the main illustration.
Butterick pattern 7643, for Misses 5’4″ and under, sizes 12 to 20, and bust 30 to 40″. Dec. 1937.
Butterick pattern 7620 for Junior Miss figures, sizes 12 -20, or bust 30 to 38.”
Butterick pattern 7647 for Shorter Women of Larger Hip. Bust sizes 34 to 50.”
Butterick pattern 7645 “for the Smart Matron — a draped dress with slim skirt.” Bust 34 to 48.”
I think the Smart Matron has the profile of Barbara Stanwyck. She certainly does not look like a woman with a 48″ bust, with waist and hips to match . . . . Readers of The Lost Art of Dress may recall that draped bodices and skirts were only considered appropriate for women in their 30s or older, women “of a certain age” and level of sophistication.
Back views, 7643, 7620, 7647, 7645.
The woman of larger hip (7647) would probably benefit from a center back seam in her skirt to match the one in front.
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