Dresses for Summer and Print Tips

On The Bridge
Peter Alexandrovich Nilus

Comfort in the warmth of the season is the basis for what we wear in the Summertime.  However, with our culture expressing little restriction on exposure of the near naked body, those of us who prefer no
visible immodesty try to avoid beaches, picnic areas, and other summer recreation sites which once were acceptable for family gatherings and fun times in times past.  I enjoy looking at the pictures where the summer activities were portrayed with fully clothed people who found pleasure in such times.  There certainly was respect for the company kept.  We are a far cry from it now.

Many of the pictures of the clothing I put on this post are from Shabby Apple.  I was sort of discouraged by the meager offerings of "pretty" dress styles offered in the major pattern companies.  After checking out Shabby Apple I have been excited to see such feminine apparel, albeit they cater to the above-knee look on the shorter dresses.  One can find similar patterns to make the simple dresses by checking on these previous posts:  More Spring Things,  Cold Days Ahead.


However we have the responsibility as modest Christian women and young ladies to dress with the purpose of glorifying God  in the wonderful feminine clothing that we have to put together ourselves as there seems a dearth of "lovely lady" style clothing.  This does not mean everyone should wear ruffles and lace, but it does mean we wear something other than T-shirts and heavy skirts.  If you don't have anything else, decorate the neckline with embroidery or a light airy scarf,  just make sure that the T-shirt is not tight, low necked (test-bend over to see what shows--same for skirt length in back) or have messages over the front.  We want to draw attention to our face which shows our grateful countenance.  The looser the clothing in the summer, the more comfort realized.

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Spring Bouquet

Emery Dress

The dress styles seem to have more simple  lines in the entire garment  than say, the elegant and feminine detailed  accents of  past centuries.  Our culture seems to be heading towards simple styles, almost gender neutral.  Along with that philosophy, most of the dresses or tops and skirts have very little definition that makes it look feminine.  The body underneath determines who is wearing it mostly by the hang and fit.
However, by carefully choosing fabrics, colors, designs, and styles that complement our shape, we can truly look feminine with wise and careful use of our funds.

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Rose

blue skirt

Skirt ideas:   Find a skirt pattern, the simpler, the easier and better for summer, choose a print that you can wear several tops with as well as a sweater or light jacket for warmth.  Then make a single color one that coordinates with the tops and you have a quick versatile summer wardrobe.  Fabric choices should be cottons for comfort or a natural fiber you prefer.

At any rate, prints must be carefully chosen.  The larger the print, the better on a larger build.  Medium prints will work for most.  Tiny prints can be used and accented with accessories, such as belts, scarves, larger jewelry.

Cordelia

Also if there are obvious designs that would make for attention to the placement keep them away from areas where you don't want to draw the eye to,  particularly the areas of the bust, hip, or protruding (not pregnant) stomach.

Eve

Amanda

Prints can vary in dominance according to design and colors.  Those with darker skin tones can wear a wide variety  of  bright and vibrant colors while the pale skin tones need to be careful not to have an overpowering color scheme.

This blue tiny print dress below works nicely in a simple top with accent on elbow-length sleeves and a  box-pleated skirt.  A similar pattern for a dress like that is found at Mingo and Grace  #2716, New Look 6143,  Merrick's art shows a similar dress,

Modest dress

Mingo and Grace 2716 

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Mikarose

Prints are to be complementary to the body and skin tone. Print size can be overpowering so the print should be in moderation according to your size and shape.  

Pinterest

 Make sure that your print  works  best with your body type and the color goes best with your skin tone.









Here's an idea for a simple top.  Make several in different colors  and prints.

Blue top

Simple tops make stunning outfits with the right prints and fabrics!  This one is an African fabric and would go wonderfully well with a navy skirt.  Etsy.

This Burda is a little different with gathers  on the side and it does look comfortable in pastel colors.

Well, there are some tips for modestly dressing this summer.  I hope you find colors that suit you and enjoy wearing a few new items you have made.  ( I hope I didn't sound too repetitious!)