Transforming The Dress Shirt Pattern pattern for holiday-wear!
Dressing for the holidays doesn’t have to be extreme glitz and glamour…although I DO want to make something with that matte sequins that Debbie used on her infinity scarf on Day 6.
Wait! Where was I? Chic comfort…right.
My husband and I are going to a Christmas party this Saturday at a friend’s house and I want something easy to wear. Boots. Tights. Dress. Period. She always has the fabulous Marigold cater her party so I NEED to have room to expand. (I know, TMI!)
Anyway, ever since our Merchant & Mills opening party a couple of months ago, I have really been enjoying the Dress Shirt tunic I made out of their Khadi cotton block print. It’s easy, unique and comfortable. (Here is Debbie too sporting their Camber Dress in Scuttle Black linen.)
…an outtake from that night that I couldn’t pass up!
As cute as it is, it needs some dressing up for the holidays.
I have always had a thing about crisp white blouses, so I decided to use this Sea Island cotton sateen for my new tunic (amazing fabric to work with!!). I also like things to be slightly contrarian: ruffles featuring raw torn edges seemed to be the way to go. I think it worked.
The original pattern has a split placket that is stitched on the outside but has a one-piece lining. I simply used the outside placket for the lining too and extended both so there would be a 1″ overlap. Instead of cutting the exposed portion, I tore it and left it raw. I then tore three pieces of fabric about 3 1/2″ wide for the ruffles at the neck and the sleeves. (Sorry – I never measured the length!)
I sandwiched the neck ruffle within the linings of the placket and the yoke for a perfect finish on the inside. And did the same sandwiching with facings I made for the cuffs on the sleeves.
Since the original pattern was really long on me (I’m 5′ 4″) I shortened it by five or six inches. I also lengthened the sleeves six or seven inches to my wrist.
Finally I played around with the button style and placement. I used these cute buttons that add to but don’t distract from the other details of the tunic.
And at Debbie’s suggestion, added a few buttons to a tiny spot of interest at the hem, just for fun.
I’ll have to remember to Instagram a pic on Saturday!
Still can’t decide…jewelry or no? I’m thinking no, but suggestions are welcome. : )
Now, I just have to run over to Knuth’s and get some super sexy thigh-high boots to go with!
Who says chic holiday party-goers have to endure strapless bras?