Sunday, October 11, 2015

Adding to the Wardrobe: Classic Dress

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With Fall and Winter seasons  classic styles are very becoming.  They are easy to dress up or down with accessories.  A good quality cotton corduroy, wool twill or flannel in a shirtwaist or basic dress with little detail, and in a color that looks great  on you  and works well in your wardrobe would certainly lend itself to layering very nicely.  These styles are quite modest and really make a woman more feminine looking as well as enhancing her demeanor.  Our aim is to bring honor to God in all things.  Our form is woman and although Satan would rather we "un"dress, or use underwear for outerwear, or wear unisex styles; we are told to dress in seemly apparel  with modesty and discreetness in what is becoming to a woman professing the fear of God. (1 Tim. 2:9)  I am glad some of these modest styles are appearing in the fashion industry.  There must be a market for them.


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Patterns that are very simple and classic in style can make a comeback.  This would take some careful thought as to what styles and fabrics  like these would be used for.  It is appropriate for an evening with your husband, a festive gathering, certain meetings of dressy character.  These two above are very simple in style and would look very well on medium to slender figures.  The  design or print needs to coordinate with your size.  A smaller person would do best in moderate to smaller design while the taller figure would look nice in medium to larger prints. A simple dress in a solid jewel tone or darker color would do well for mid-season changes as well as all winter.

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The above are the maxi styles.  Patterns can be altered for the "midi" length in any dress pattern.  Knees need not be seen as the curve of the leg is much more graceful looking than any knee.  Gals need  pictures of themselves in dresses above the knees compared to them in dresses below the knee to realize the difference that covered knees make.  

The "midi" styles work well for at home, shopping, meetings,church, etc.  The fabric should match the occasion.  Also the fuller skirts tend to get in the way of everyday use in chores and child care.  I find the A-line  work best in most situations.

I sometimes have to use two or three patterns to put together a dress I like.  If you find a bodice you like, a neckline, sleeve style, skirt style, just make sure that they are compatible with each other or altering will take longer and become frustrating.  Careful measuring will ensure a better fit. Below are a few pattern suggestions. Keep details on the dress simple. These patterns can be changed as some may require a longer sleeve for winter.  I have included a basic fit pattern as the bodice and sleeves are easy to work with and then a fuller skirt can be added whether gathered, pleated, or A-line, whichever you prefer can be easily attached to the bodice.  I would suggest using one of the basic patterns to ensure proper fit  and then work off of it.
Butterick 6089
The hemline should be longer for a more flattering feminine look.

Vogue 9075
The sleeves should be lengthened for winter.  This looks very comfortable.

Butterick 5628
A basic pattern to be used for fitting and then adjusted for a fuller skirt of choice.



McCalls 7279
Another basic pattern for fitting.
This one would need a fuller skirt with a longer hemline.
                                     
    

McCalls 3129
This is a good pattern for those who prefer no waist differentiation.  The neckline can be raised and sleeves made longer.

I am sure you will find that having a very simple  classic dress will add miles to your wardrobe.

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