More favorite denim dresses…
Although everywhere I\’ve gone recently smells like artificial cinnamon-scented pinecones, it is still pretty warm here in the South(ern United States). But I\’m so ready for fall! Chambray is such a wonderful transitional fabric–cool enough for late summer highs in the 80s, but equally appropriate layered with boots and a sweater.
This particular fabric is really a super-lightweight denim with a distinct right and wrong side, so I wanted to use a pattern that would highlight that. I took my inspiration from this Shabby Apple dress I keep seeing all over my pinterest board and added some simple cuffs to Butterick 6318, a retro pattern with a boat neck and kimono sleeves. I also has adorable waist ties, which I thought would show off the denim\’s wrong side nicely, but I didn\’t end up liking them! I cut them off and replaced them with a simple bow sash instead. I think the fabric takes this \”retro\” dress and makes it really modern and wearable–denim goes with everything, right?
I\’m pretty pleased with the fit of this dress straight out of the envelope, but there are a few changes I\’d make before it would qualify as a go-to pattern. The bodice is a bit long; I think it could come up at least half an inch, maybe a whole inch. You can really see this in the picture of the bow–gosh, it\’s lumpy in the back isn\’t it? (Simplicity 4475 is a bit long in the bodice as well–I\’m beginning to wonder if I\’m long-legged and short waisted as I\’m 5\’7\” so certainly not petite!) The bust darts are a bit long, as well, and could be dropped down some. It\’s not super noticeable (especially if you\’re used to rtw) but they are definitely too high. The bodice is a bit loose overall–I\’m unused to Butterick\’s sizing, so I chose the larger of two possible size choices to be safe–but I think it suits the casual, modern style, and I\’d rather have a bit of wiggle room with kimono sleeves. I can cinch the waist in with the belt and I don\’t think it\’s unflatteringly oversized, just not quite as fitted as my usual style of dress.
Are you squeezing in any last summer dresses or are you fully in winter mode, neck deep in wools and flannels?
xoxo,
When I moved from Virginia to North Carolina three years ago I didn't think I'd miss my home state, but I definitely felt a pang the moment I saw your photos. I worked in the World Trade Center for two years, and on clear days I'd eat my lunch in Town Point Park. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed a little slice of my old neighborhood.
You know I think I like the fit of the bodice…I think there is just enough room to layer a long sleeve striped t. Great fabric choice to highlight the wrong side of the fabric. I think you need a different purse with those shoes? Perhaps a hand made Veggie tanned leather clutch? xoxo, Mom
p.s. the clutch purse is in the mail.
I like the shabby apple dress, but I like yours better! The darker color with the contrast, along with the fuller skirt is very attractive on you.
Oh yes, I could see the WTC from this location! I'd never been to Norfolk before, so it was nice to have the opportunity to explore a bit. I used to live in VA but in the Piedmont, and I don't think I'll ever not be homesick for the Blue Ridge!
Haha! If only I knew someone with an interest in leatherworking! And I hadn't thought about layering underneath but I think that's a great idea!
Thank you, Kathy! I tend to like a very full skirt, although I've been trying to experiment with some sliiiightly less full skirts recently. I personally find a full skirt very practical as there's no restriction of your legs!
Adorable!!
I find with Butterick that the hip/waist measurements are way, way more on target than the top. Now, I'm a 32D, but with Butterick I find that they are always too big in the top as compared to the hip and waist. This dress looks adorable and like something you can wear all the time- nice job! Also, isn't it funny- this is supposed to be like a vintage type dress but it's totally on trend for today as well. I love how fashion comes around like that.
You can still be tall and petite….If you have long legs but a short body, that can be petite.