Wardrobe Planning With Ann: Easter Dress 2020

Like most of us, Ann was unable to attend her place of worship for Easter Sunday services.  This dress was planned before we had stay-at-home orders with Easter and other events in mind.  Life took a curve, but I love that Ann decided to celebrate Easter in her home by getting dressed for the occasion.

When I selected this dress for Ann, little did I know that she had made a very similar style in 2003!
The inspiration dress on the left is by Gucci from Net-a-Porter and Ann’s dress is on the right.  The Gucci dress is a basic silhouette.  By using a fabric with texture and adding the lace suddenly “basic” has interest!

Ann had a brilliant idea to make the contrasting neckline and sleeves as a separate crop top. I loved it!
She created this mood board for more inspiration.

She made a new muslin from her 2003 dress and added a hidden placket.  The crop top was cut out first.
Then new cutting lines were drawn to create a lower neckline and cut-in armholes for the dress.

The fabric for the dress is Coastal Green Cotton Brocade (Sold Out) with Black Rayon Lining.
For the blouse, Black Stretch Cotton Sateen and Black Floral/Leaf Guipure Lace.
Click on the photo below for all fabrics and notions.

Dress
The dress is a classic sheath style with a front placket, cut-in armholes and a scooped neckline.
I normally would have Ann to peg the hem to help create a waistline but the seamline at the waist did the job.  Pockets are a must-have for Ann!

Back View

Lining

Crop Top
I loved Ann’s idea to make a separate crop top.
She switched from her dress to the sailor jeans for the family backyard Easter Egg Hunt!

The dress and top have a concealed button placket like her chambray blouse.
You can watch Ann’s video on making a concealed button placket here.

Lace Cap Sleeve

Looks

Ann had enough of the cotton brocade and lace to make a mask and Chapel Veil.
She has a YouTube tutorial on making a Chapel Veil here and here.
The mask video from UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids is here.

Wardrobe Planning Tip:  Work on having basic patterns like this sheath dress and shell top fitted and ready to sew.  Making design changes is easier and a lot of fun when you are confident of the fit.  Because Ann has her basic patterns fitted and ready to sew, she was able to make the dress, crop top, veil and mask in less than 2 weeks.

Stay Safe and Healthy Everyone!
And as Ann always says, “I hope you get inspired to create something EXTRAordinary.” 😉

Up next, a summer blouse!