I haven't worn a slip dress since the 90s. I remember buying them from stores like The Limited and The Limited Express (just Express, now) and Lerner Shops (now New York & Company). That's just how long ago it was. I was in my 20s. I would layer them over t-shirts and wear them with Doc Martens. It was my college fashion/young mom uniform for a while... I was in my 90s Marc Jacobs grunge loving phase. And I hadn't thought about a bias slip dress in I don't know when. Until now...
Indie pattern company -- Just Patterns had sent me their newly released Christy Slip Dress pattern back in 2017. I thought it was cute and unlike anything I'd seen from the Big 4. It was simple and kinda perfect. Not over designed. Just like how I remembered the ones from back in the day. But at the time, that style was just not on my radar. But as I do with all of my digi patterns, I saved it to my Dropbox because I knew I'd get around to it. And I have.
For my dress, I picked up some Blush Crepe Back Satin from Hobby Lobby. I picked this because (1) I wasn't sure if this pattern was going to work for me and I didn't want to spring for pricey silk charmeuse; (2) Silk charmeuse rarely comes any wider that 44" and this fabric is 58". This pattern is cut on the bias. Plus, I added around 3 or 4 inches so that it would fall below the knee in a midi length. So, I needed that width.
If you're new to Just Patterns, they're a brand that caters to more advanced home sewers. So, basically no instructions. You need to have the ability to figure it out yourself. This would be a good pattern to start with. It only has 3 pieces (front, back and the measurements for creating your spaghetti straps).
I lined my dress with pale pink chiffon and understitched to make sure that the lining didn't rolled out.
It's details like this that you need to know to do from experience.
I used French Seams and narrow hems.
I know you all love to know about bra situations. This one is standard strapless bra-friendly.
This is a cool and really simple pattern, simple in design, construction and style. And I can't wait to throw this on with a pair of flat sandals and a denim jacket for a casual look!
I could tell by the way it was hanging that you added a lining. I like this style but they never line the RTW ones (at least not at my price point!)
ReplyDeleteA dress like this definitely needs a lining... or it's a nightgown! Thanks Roslyn!
DeleteSo pretty on you. Simple and lovely. I love a slip dress too--I don't love all 90s throwback looks being worn these days, but I do think a perfect slip dress like this is a classic and elegant look worth revisiting! As yours demonstrates.
ReplyDeleteThere are very few that I've personally worn that I would revisit. But this is a good one. Thanks Genevieve!
DeleteI love this dress and color on you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Simply B. I've been quite addicted to this color lately.
DeleteThis is an excellent example of how a slip dress should look like and be worn. Too many of them look and are made like a night gown. But then, they probably were night gowns trying to be worn as a dress. As always, amazing job. You are the best.
ReplyDeleteKimberly Wilkes
Right Kimberly! Thank you!
DeleteI had to read this post as I know you would give details. All of your garments are "pretty on the inside" which I am obsessed with. I actually have a summer black tie affair coming and I was completely inspired by your dress to make a gown version of this, maybe in a bright color for summer....or subtle nudish color. I haven't figured that part out, I probably will let the fabric store stock dictate that...lol. Thank you as always for sharing your finishes.
ReplyDeleteThank you Reagan!
DeleteI always forget we are near the same age! I too was heavy into the slip dresses over tees in the 90s when I entered college. I'm all about this look now for myself -- but with more smoothing garments than I needed in the 90s!
ReplyDeleteMost definitely on the smoothing garments!
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful from the color choice to how it looks on to another timeless piece. You do amazing work.
ReplyDelete