Because I’ve been eating so many macarons, I needed a dress with a little ease. I’m only half joking.
I was given a wool shift dress last year and love it. The boxy shape isn’t one I would have selected for myself, but it turns out a simple shift is flattering if done right. I decided to make a summer version using the Colette Laurel pattern. But I’m not sure I did it right.
I made a muslin and thought I was happy, and then finished the final garment in stripes and am solidly on the fence about it. I feel like a stripey marshmallow. Or like I’m wearing jail pajamas. Or, from far away, that I look sort of naked.
In hindsight, selecting fabric the same color as your skin tone is not a great idea, regardless of how much you love stripes.
There were a few wins with this project, however. It was my first time installing an invisible zipper, and my first time matching stripes. Victory is mine!
I used self-made bias and lined the dress in really soft natural cotton lawn. The lining was more expensive than the striped linen. Maybe I should wear the dress inside out?
I think some of my ambivalence about the dress comes from the extra fabric in the back. It doesn’t hang the way a shift dress ought to hang. This pattern is for a dress with sleeves, and I thought I could simply leave the sleeves off and voila — sleeveless! Perhaps I was wrong. Maybe I could take it in a bit more at the back darts? Anyone have advice? I don’t own a serger and dislike raw edges, so I finished the sides with a flat felled seam and taking the sides in is not an easy option.
I think I’ll wear the dress again, maybe with tights and heels and a cardigan and a trench coat. If anything, this project was a good exercise in fabric selection and learning to really examine the fit of a muslin before forging ahead. I think learning to sew your own clothing takes a lot of experience gained from trial-and-error. Maybe this dress is just meant to help me log those hours.
Anyone else ever feel this way?
Saké Puppets 
It looks nice and comfortable. You have such a great shape, how about a fun bright belt? I’m no fashion expert ( just ask Sara), so just an idea.
L
I thought a belt might be an option. I’ve seen photos of other people who have belted it, and now I wonder if it might be because they had the same lukewarm reaction to the way it fits?
I do agree with the other comments that a sign of a pro is matching stripes!!! I always feared those invisible zippers too. Go Ang!
It looks cute. Great job with matching the stripes and the zipper is…
Invisible!
Thanks Linda! ヾ(＠⌒ー⌒＠)ノ
I think it looks lovely on you, very cool and comfy. And that invisible zip! And the stripe matching! I stand in awe.
Ah thanks! *blush!*
I love all the details – the bias binding and the red and blue stripes at the bottom. It looks really comfortable and easy to wear, but I know what you mean about feeling kind of naked in a loose dress – maybe some more “robust” underwear might overcome part of that feeling (something like shorts) – tights and a trench would also do the trick, but would kind of defeat the purpose of a cool summer dress!
Thanks! I think a good shift dress is nice and short, and perhaps I’m not used to letting so much skin out in the open! I burn easily so I’m always covered up in the summer. I actually think this dress might transition well into Fall, which wasn’t the plan but definitely a nice perk!
It’s a very nice and versatile dress: you can easily wear it all year long adding seasonal accessories! On my opinion, boots and a belt would look great! I love the photo background too : ) The extra fabric in back comes from swayback. Here you can read about all possible alterations for this issue.
Thanks for the tip, Inna!