This dress was inspired by this one from Ruche. I included a waistband instead of the elastic waist and sash, and added the contrasting band at the bottom of the skirt.
I started with Simplicity 2497, shortened the bodice by 3/4" and put the zipper at the CB (with a little slit and buttons at the top). This was mostly because I squeezed this out of 1 yard of each color, and I was very close to not having enough fabric. Plus I like the buttons. I also took off a few inches in length. Proportion is especially important with color blocking, I think - taking a couple of inches off the length took me from looking stumpy to looking tall (or at least my normal 5'5").
I ended up lining the skirt, which was not part of my original plan. The fabric by itself was too thin, almost sheer, and clingy. The lining was re-purposed from this dress, which I had to get rid of after I stained the chiffon skirt. I'm hoping it prevents some wrinkling, because this fabric creases like nothing else...
I was terrified of how this was going to come together, because the last time I tried to sew a zipper into rayon (see my Alma blouse) it was a huge mess and I had to take it out. This time I interfaced the seam allowance, basted in the zipper, and then sewed it in. Success! I also knew that the bottom band needed to be perfectly straight or it would drive me nuts, so I spent ages cutting it exactly on grain. It's a double layer, so the fold sits at the bottom of the dress. I hemmed it with the blind hem stitch on my machine.
The only problem? I have absolutely no clue how to style this for fall. Anyone have any brilliant styling ideas for me? How would you wear it?
I would like to note that I took all of these photos with one earring. Fortunately I looked in the mirror before I left the house.
QUICK FACTS
Fabric: Emerald green & navy rayon challis from Fabric.com
Pattern: Simplicity 2497
Modifications: Moved zip to CB, added slit and buttons above the zipper.
I love your version so much more than the inspiration for the dress, very well done!
ReplyDeleteI have no real insight to your styling dilemma, as I am terrible at styling as well. I'm interested to see other peoples suggestions :)
I "style" my clothes for autumn by wearing a cardigan and tights and maybe a scarf if it's too cold, not exactly fashion material :D but a lovely dress, I like the colours of your version
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful - the sweet smell of success! Ditto to what Corinna said on the styling. ;)
ReplyDeleteReally nice interpretation of the Ruche dress. My cold weather styling consists of dark coloured tights (or maybe a bright colour contrast to the green?) cardigan and boots. More practicality than style :)
ReplyDeleteI love the slit at the back with the buttons!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, this is why we sew- to tweak and make it perfect. Love it!
ReplyDeleteOHMYGOD< I love this. Your version is better than the one that inspired you. Great color combo...as for styling...hmm..I could see it with a blazer and booties. Maybe gray? New York is so warm in the fall, you could get away with no tights for some time yet.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking gray too - I don't have any blazers (need to fix that!) but I do have yarn on the way for a gray cardigan. Thanks!!
Deleteso pretty. i really love it. not sure about how to style it though.
ReplyDeleteso pretty!! Green and black is such a great match for this dress and for you!
ReplyDeleteLove this, it's so pretty and so well finished! I'd throw on some tights and a cardi for autumn/winter...simple, but effective ;o)
ReplyDeleteThe colors and style of this dress are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty dress! Definitely better than the inspiration - I love the black :)
ReplyDeleteI think a dress like this would work well with both boots or pumps... a cardigan or a blazer, depending on your mood. You could wear black tights with it, or mustard if you wanted to add another element of color :)
Yes, mustard! I've been looking for an excuse to get mustard tights... Thanks, Lauren!
DeleteThis looks really wonderful! I especially love the slit and button closure on the back, that is such a great idea! (And a really good way to fudge around having the correct length zipper if you're in the middle of a project and don't want to go to the craft store NO THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME EVER.)
ReplyDeleteI would style this with boots and a brightly colored tight. I think black would be a bit much since the majority of the dress is black.
Love this color combo! Turquoise is one of my very favorite colors--and I also like it better in your version than the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThis dressed turned out fabulous and looks great on you. For fall-weather styling of course it could go with tights/boots/cardigan. For fall-color styling, you could at a third color of pumpkin in your accessories for even more color blocking.
ReplyDeleteThis is really, really cute! I love it!
ReplyDeleteSO pretty! Navy plus any bright colour is always a win, and you finished this beautifully! I would definitely wear it with a blazer and scarf.
ReplyDeleteWell done!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute! I'd style it with black tights, ankle boots and a cardigan for Fall.
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone!!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! I love this dress! I'm not sure how I found your blog, but I'm sure glad I did! I love your style.
ReplyDeletegorgeous dress! I'm really inspired by how you have added the slit to the back!
ReplyDelete