McCall’s All That Glitters Wrap Dress

IMG_4142I finished my Anthro inspired wrap dress for my spring capsule this weekend, and it’s love, ya’ll. I initially planned on using a similar lightweight denim, but I couldn’t resist those small metallic squares! I love the bit of sparkle they add to an otherwise simple wrap dress.
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I made the size 8, which calls for 2 ½ yards for 45″ wide fabric on the pattern envelope. I’m 5′ tall and used three yards of Jubilee Metallic Confetti in blue by Cotton+ Steel (aff link), but keep in mind that the ombre print runs from selvage to selvage, so I cut my pattern pieces on the crossgrain. (Tall friends, if you want to keep the gradual ombre effect, you’ll need to buy a lot more yardage, but you will have enough remnant pieces to use on another project.) My facing is a Cotton + Steel lawn fabric (aff link), which I interfaced.
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It’s no secret that I love McCall’s patterns, especially those designed by Melissa Watson of Palmer/Pletsch, and M7246 is no different. The instructions include detailed tissue fitting tips, and the pattern pieces are clearly marked for you to make the adjustments you need for a great fit. For my next version, I’ll add a bit more ease/width across the upper back bodice, and that should fix the bit of pulling at the armscye.
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The dress was a fairly quick make, and I like that it’s finished with a facing versus binding.  (I wasn’t paying attention when I cut my facing pieces, and I accidentally cut them with the print upside down.) The pattern instructs you to understitch, but I chose to topstich in order to match the skirt piece. I made a sway back adjustment and shorted the bodice about ½” at the waist, and opted to keep the length on the skirt to maintain the gradual ombre effect from the fabric.IMG_4198
Overall, I love the dress, but I wish I had taken the time to make a true muslin to get a perfect fit with this fabric. I’m also not sure if I should remove about an inch at the hem. I don’t particularly like this length on me when paired with flats (which is what I intended), but I love it when paired with heels. Regardless, this will get plenty of wear this spring and summer!
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So, how do you dress up otherwise “basic” pieces in your wardrobe? Do you look for fun fabrics, play with accessories, or both?

Earrings: Mod + Jo, Shoes: Old Via Spiga, but similar red Jessica Simpson here, Bracelet: Old Banana Republic, but similar here, Purse: Vintage Find