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Monday, May 8, 2017

Improvised Sack Dress Worn Two Ways

I really like the idea of a sack dress (or is it a shift dress? I just never know.). They seem so effortless, and breezy. My head if full of the Jamie & the Jones Staple Basics Midi Dress, the Elizabeth Suzanne Georgia Midi , and the Ace & Jig Harbour Dress

I have tinkered with sack dresses before by modifying the Lou Box Top (original design by Sew DIY). And, I've made the slightly-more-structured-than-a-sack dress Lodo Dress from True Bias. There are plenty of pre-drafted options out there like the Tessuti Yuki Dress, the MIY Collection Fulwood Dress, the Mariella Walker Maya Dress, and the darling of sewcialists the Named Clothing Inari Tee Dress. I could have used any one of these patterns to similar effect, but propelled by sartorial hubris I decided to make my own. 

I used the arm opening from the Lodo dress, an old school neck facing (shown below in Liberty Tana Lawn) bound at the edge to add a little intention to a dress that could easily be mistaken as thrown together, and the width of my Lou Box Dress with a midi length. There is no shaping, and a straight hem. Laid flat it would be a perfect rectangle. I'm pretty sure the fabric is rayon modal denim from Joann Fabrics. You've got to pay careful attention to the seam finishes to prevent it fraying into a pile of fuzz at your feet, but I think that little extra effort is worth the shimmery drape. 
I like the idea of a sack dress, but they don't lend themselves particularly well to my pear shape. I'm always torn as to whether I should adhere closely to the silhouette that is most flattering, or use my powers of garment construction to make less flattering styles as flattering as possible. Rather than throw all caution to the wind with this dress, I'm giving myself a life line for days when I don't feel very avant-garde. I made a matching obi belt to add a little structure at the waist, and conform to a style I am much more comfortable wearing.



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14 comments:

  1. I love it! I want a shift/sack dress for summer and don't really want to buy a new pattern so I am also thinking of using some of my existing ones to cobble one together. It looks great on you both ways.

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    1. They are really easy to draft yourself. You can lengthen just about any top pattern. Although, I do love the Lodo Dress. I've got an unblogged black version that is about as good as a loose dress can get. I think the structured knit makes it look more polished than this flowy fabric.

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  2. I love the obi belt! The shape goes with the dress perfectly.

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    1. Thanks Claire! I'm pretty sure the belted version will see the most wear. It's tough to leave your comfort zone. :)

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  3. I like Both versions!
    Before AND After Dinner :-)

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  4. I like the dress better with the belt. I think part of it is the length. I like the shorter length better on you. But I also like the before/after dinner idea!

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    1. Good point. I was thinking shorter might be better without the belt, I'm looking a little overwhelmed in fabric. Now I've got to make another to test out that theory! :)

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  5. Love this so much! Both ways. My fav sack dress is the Lisette Butterick one, but then it's the only one I've tried. :)

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    1. The only one you've tried because you can't go wrong with Liesl's patterns! :)

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  6. These both look fabulous! I wonder the same about trends on me too. Love the touch of liberty.

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    1. Thanks Emily! I save every single scrap of Liberty, gotta use it someplace. :)

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  7. Love the belt! I've got the same problem: pear shape, and sack dresses look just like that on me (= a sack). I'll try the belt idea, though!

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    1. Thanks! I like the idea of the sack dress, and the versatility, but so far I haven't worn it out of the house that way! :) I love it with the belt though.

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