White Button Down Shirt + Floral Print Full Skirt!

For effortless elegance, pairing a crisp white button down shirt with a floral full skirt is a no-brainer. A classic white shirt is a mainstay wardrobe staple that every woman should have in her closet. White button down shirts top almost every bottom well.  And a fun floral full skirt is appropriate for so many scenarios.  It works for so many occasions whereas a bodycon skirt would not.

Every year, I have to update my classic white shirts.  They occasionally become dingy and threadbare from wear and tear.  The key to a great white shirt is being bright white, crisp and well-fitting.  I decided that my shirt for this year would be classically tailored and sewn in an amazing White Mercerized Cotton Poplin from Mood Fabrics.com.  I also used these gorgeous Crystal Glass Buttons.

My pattern is (OOP) McCall's 2353 from 1999.  I've had it in my pattern stash for years.  It was gifted to me a long time ago and I'm just now getting around to it.  It's a very easy pattern that I sewed in the same day I started it.  If you're familiar with shirtmaking, you can do it to.  If not, I suggest you check out a shirtmaking course on Craftsy.com.

I cut the size 14, because honestly, I was too lazy to do a FBA.  But looking at it, it's a little big in the shoulders and I'm wondering if I should've cut the 12 with a FBA.  Weight changes create interesting fitting dynamics that I'm still getting use to.  Working out different body parts keeps my measurements constantly fluctuating.

I did lengthen the shirt an inch at the waist.  Surprisingly, the sleeve length was perfect.  One of the details that I can't live without on a classic button down is a yoke.  In my opinion, it's what makes a button down shirt "real"!   This shirt has a lot of topstitching and edge stitching.  For some odd reason, I enjoy doing that.

For my skirt, I used Vogue 8882,view B.  For a full skirt, I prefer a length that stops right at the knee. I feel that's the most flattering look for me.  And I also went with a style that has sewn down pleats instead of gathers at the waist.  I don't want all of that additional volume around the mid-section.  The wrong proportions can easily make a full skirt go from fashionable to frumpy on me.

I cut the 14 and it sewed perfectly without any adjustments.  I used this gorgeous Red and White Floral Cotton Print.

The hem is interfaced and has facings.

A faced hem is perfect for when the wrong side will show, especially when you're constantly twirling in your full skirt!

Styling tip:  Full skirts look elegant and Carolina Herrera-Chic when paired with a crisp, classic white button down shirt.  And what else would I punctuate the look with but a pair of classic lady-like single sole pumps in bright white.