Hi All!
It’s time for another addition to my wardrobe 🙂 And this one was something I definitely wanted to check off my list, because I think it will be perfect for my fall/winter wardrobe and it hits so many of my style words! And that of course is a wrap dress!
I made this using the Ultimate Wrap Dress pattern from Sew Over It.
I’m really loving this wrap dress- I cut out a straight size 12 from the pattern with no fitting alterations. The only alterations I made were: I shortened the sleeves to this 3/4 length (which I knew I would be pushing up to my elbows anyways), Then instead of doing a facing along the neckline, I made a band with the same fabric, and I finished the neckline with it. I found that this was perfect, because the fabric was a little thin and stretchy and I was worried that the neckline would gape, but with this I pulled the band a little as I was serging it on, and now the neckline hugs perfectly!
I also didn’t hem the dress, because this fabric is a little thin and ridiculous to work with and it looks just fine with no hem- so I’m going to just be sketchy and leave it like that.
I feel like this dress hits perfectly with my : Classic, Comfortable, Timeless and maybe a little Glamorous.
My only initial concern with this dress was that it doesn’t follow my colour palette very well. It doesn’t really have the emerald, scarlett, mustard yellow, deep fushia or bright coral. I feel like it does have some of the essence of corals and mustard although they’re a little different. And I also realized it it was CRAZY that I didn’t put any blues in my colours because my wardrobe is very heavy in blue.
But this was one of those things where the print just won me over, and I really don’t have many printed or statement clothes in my wardrobe right now. I feel like this dress does go with many of my neutrals and but it’s very stand alone.
The other thing that I noticed was that my style choices have been evolving in a way that I really didn’t think they would. I don’t know if it’s because it’s fall or because the colours go with this season, but I’m finding myself drawn to a more 70’s vibe, like this wrap dress and a few other pieces that are in my wardrobe. In the past I’ve always though of myself as a much more 50’s or 60’s lover, and really leaned away from the 70’s style. Maybe it’s just a coincidence for my fall capsule, but it was definitely unexpected.
I wore this dress immediately after I made it, for  a whole day out in the sunshine at a craft beer festival, and it was perfect- I felt so chic, and it was super comfortable, short enough to be a little cool, but long enough to be comfortable. I think there’s so the fact that everyone looks amazing in a wrap dress, but I definitely feel figure-flattered in this dress. And what I really like are the proportions that it gives me, having it tight at the waist then flaring out gives me the longer-legs proportions, when really I have quite a long torso.
I’m really happy with this dress, the fit and overall versatility, and I’m thinking that I might just need another one in my closet. But if I do make another one, I think I’ll make it in a solid colour – either something very neutral like a navy, or cream- or possibly even in one of my pops of colour- like emerald or scarlet.
Of course I had to include one funny picture- and this one highlights just how fluffy Gibby is getting, and how insane his underbite is!
I’m pretty happy with my progress so far for my capsule wardrobe, and I’m already finding it easier to get ready in the morning! I still feel like I’m missing some basics from my wardrobe and I’m still feeling out all of my style words and deciding if my original plan needs any tweaks, but I am feeling  a lot more in control of my style and closet and feeling more stylish and confident when I leave the house.
I think I might do a mid week post either this week, or probably next week and go over some of the thoughts that I’ve been having about my wardrobe or any conflicting or challenging things that I’ve found.
Are any of you also working on your wardrobe? How’s it going for you?
Are you drawn to any style decade more than others? has it changed?
I love to hear from you!!
xo
erin
I like how you've modernised this vintage-style pattern. I know those long torso problems too….all tops are too short on me and pants are too long despite me being nearly 6ft. I am very disproportional! Heehee. Glad this dress is a stylish solution!
Thanks Siobhan! It is perfect for us tall-long-torso people! 🙂 🙂
I love some of the 70s– the halters, the wraps, but I can't stand the huge collars and school girl looks. I think this dress is lovely.
I'm totally with you! I think it's all about picking and choosing the things you like now- I'm loving the 70's colours for fall, along with the halter & wrap and lower-cut style and the bit of glamour that seems to go along with the look. I'm sure when spring comes along I'll be feeling the 60's and 50's again!
That's beautiful! The fabric and pattern are perfect for each other 🙂
Thanks Lucy! They definitely were perfect! I feel like this was waiting in my stash for the last few years just for this project!
This is lovely, Erin!! You should really do a black one also. That would be perfect for any wardrobe.
ooh yes! Black is a great idea- so classic!!
Love your dress and boots
Thanks Diana! xo
Gahhh love this dress Erin!! I've been toying with the idea of making a wrap dress for a while, and I think this fab one may have just convinced me! Love how such a classic design can reflect so many different eras of fashion – I'd been thinking of making a more 40s/50s styled one, but the serious 70s vibes of yours are seriously cool! Can't wait to see where your style search takes you next 😀 xx
Thanks Maddy!! This could definitely go more 40's too! And it would look great on you!!! <3
OOOO I love that fabric! This is a beautiful dress and you definitely look very stylish in it. I was looking at all the wrap dresses on the Internet, but I never made one before. Yours might just be the inspiration to sew one. Maybe next fall, because we're going into spring and I somehow don't see myself in a wrap dress in spring/summer. I actually don't have many dresses, because I'm a skirt girl – so much more versatile. I do love a beautiful dress though… 🙂
Thanks Ilna!! I would recommend this pattern- I love that it's drafted for a knit so it's super easy to fit! I think it would be pretty if you drafted it to have shorter floaty sleeves for summer- but it's definitely a fall/winter classic!
The fabric is lovely – where did you get it?