I 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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