Summer Dresses

August 17, 2023

A lot of people make fun of Martha Stewart and talk about her like she's some witch but here's the deal.  She edits like some editing expert that has been a pro all her life, and really she has.  And as long as you're not too close to the editing process, you don't have to know anything else, unless your daughter is working for her!  

But Martha does some championship editing here cause finding something fun, modern and yet normal is really hard these days.  Even more, it's hard to find something that's inspirational, but here are some very good ideas.  NOTE:  Martha has some pretty darn good classic styles and is almost always good for at least a glance if not more.  

OK - it's strapless which is probably not practical for most of us, but it also has a train, and we don't have to have it to the floor and with a train to get this effect.  I love having that staggered hem where it's a little shorter in front than in back, and this works for a jacket too - just look at all the ways this can look that can be a lot more interesting than just a straight hem.

Then there's this number that has the slit up the side.  Most of the time I'm wearing tops and jackets to my mid-thigh.  On my short figure that's a good height for me, but alas my knees and upper thighs would cause massive visual pollution, hence I wear leggings almost every day (or during the supper capris which are short leggings).  But look at how much fun this can be with pants or leggings under the skirt of a dress with a slit.  And the slit doesn't have to be this wide, it can be something a lot more subtle so that when the breeze catches it or you walk there's a hint of the leg (in a legging please), that can be a remarkable look.  

This is all about the sleeve, and although this might not be your perfect sleeve, it will make you think differently about how important an interesting sleeve cam make a sleek, classic dress.  BTW this is a low-high hemmed sleeve.  The outside of the sleeve is very long, while the inside (underarm) is very short, then folded back to the top to come together just below the shoulder, and the the top or shoulder top is sewn in at the fold point on top.  If you like, I can show you how to make this pattern, but that's not the main reason I showed this.  It's to show how an interesting sleeve can really jazz up a dress. 

And here's an all-time summer time favorite...a light, see-thru over a slip or classic sleeveless underdress.  There's nothing scanty or risqué about this dress - it's just plain cool, and something that can have a very elegant look with some basically plain fabric.  This is obviously embroidered flowers on net, but there are gobs of possibilities. The background here is a classic light blue, but what happens when you decide to do a little more?

You could easily do this beautiful see-thru over a acid green, and that black ground on the see-thru will mute the hot green and make all the flowers turn a little on the green side so that when you move, the colors change just a little!  The possibilities are endless.  BTW there's another coloration of this on Emma One Sock (the one below is from Emma One Sock click on the photo for more info).

Of course florals are always a hit in summer time and there's no better, more fun way to wear a floral than with a fuller skirt.  It's just plain flirty and fun.  

Another sleek look, but I would rather see this in a knit if it's going to be this close to the body, and you know me, TMI - I don't like to see it THAT close to the body, just skimming it.  If it's for a more formal (like a wedding), do it in ponte.  If it's for more casual, a great vicose or rayon type knit would be a blast.  The top doesn't need to be any see-thru.  As a matter of fact, the top could have a nice boat-type neck (not too boat-ish) and then apply some appliques or even cut out lace pieces on there to frame it and make it look pretty and decorated around the most important part of your body - your face and head.  

Sometimes I think we forget about lavender.  It can turn kind of washed out and even look too rosy or bluey.  But a nice lavender can be gorgeous and really effective.  If it's darker, then put lots of white with it.  Even though lavender isn't in my color range, if this were on a cream background, I'd do it because the overwhelming color of cream would make it good for my ruddy complexion.  

Wowza!  Isn't this hombre beautiful.  That's what this graduation of shade is called - an hombre.  Of course you can get this in any color and here's the cool part:  If you're an apple (weighted above the waist), then the dark color on top will work divine for you.  If you're a pear (weighted below the waist) then the white should be on top.  If you're hourglass, stick to the pear side, if you're a rectangle - stick to the apple side.  Anyway, you can select how to wear this hombre and make it look fabulous for your shape, size and style.  

Just like the other see-thru, black never fails.  But it's so much more fun to put a color behind black that black lace and watch the magic.  

This is what happens when I did that for some lace that my mother brought back from Italy.   The lace is actually black (it was a beautiful Chantilly type so it was very thin and delicate, but it gave a whole cast of blue to the lace!  It was really much more interesting than black slip behind a black lace.

Wowza again...I love the play of one color and two different shades.  Silver and pewter grey always look stunning together, and depending upon your build (apple or pear), you can toss the silver up or down as you need.  Just one of the many things I love about sewing our own things is that we get to pick out how to best flatter our figures as opposed to all those poor slobs who are relegated to only what's in the stores!  

Sometimes I think that Summertime is made for dresses, and then I think about how warm and cozy some of the longer skirts are for winter.  Don't discount dresses in your closet.  We are so used to see pants here and pants there, it's hard to think about dresses.  But they can be a real addition to your wardrobe whether more formal or casual night out with the girls!  And of course that we can make what we want - whoa!  

The SewingArtistry Resource Library is designed to contain information to not only make your sewing better, but to aid in you fitting and flattering your shape, size and style.  Check it out. 

The Ponte Jacket Class has been rescheduled.  We had so many who wanted to take it but couldn't get here for one reason or another so it didn't work out.  We've rescheduled it for September, when we are more interest in jackets, and particularly something that will make us look professional and responsible -- because there are times when we need that look.  You can click here to get more information for the class on September 20, 21, and 22.  If you need any information about places to stay or other accommodations, simply respond to this email and I will get back to you.  I love my city and love showing it off!

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