Wardrobe Planning with Ann: Lace Trench Dress

As the world continues to open, special occasions like weddings are now celebrated with larger gatherings with family and friends in attendance.  Ann and I started discussing adding a lace trench dress to her wardrobe before the pandemic hit.  Fast forward to spring 2021 and a family wedding was happening!  The lace trench dress idea was ready to come off the shelf! 🙂

Mood Board
Both Ann and I needed some creative direction.  This is why I love a mood board.  We both use it as a smorgasbord to choose the elements we like.  Because of the mood board inspiration, Ann suggested we make the dress as a bolero and sleeveless dress.

Fabric
Of course, lace is the fabric of choice specifically Midnight Navy Re-embroidered Lace!  Navy is an often overlooked color for formal occasions.  Ann looks great in black but she was on the program to read the scripture so I wanted something less severe.  The outer edges and seams are bound in navy satin.
(Fabrics/Notions here)

Pattern
Ann used 3 items to create the pattern for the 2-piece trench dress:
1. She traced the double breast portion of her pea coat.
2. The print play blouse (Vogue 8772) was used to create the bolero and the bodice of the sleeveless dress.
3. The bottom of the sleeveless dress is Butterick 5846 used to make the red lace skirt.


Finished muslin
Only two adjustments were needed as the patterns were already altered for fit.  For a closer fit, the waistline was pinched in and the sleeve was narrowed at the hem.


Construction
Lots of hand sewing for this beauty!  The outer edges (except hem) were bound with satin bias binding.



Bias binding was also used for the seams.

Finishing Touches
Covered buttons- Ann used a black permanent marker to cover the backside of the button.

Covered Snaps

Belt with purchased buckle.
See the D-ring?  Ann added that feature to attach a lace/satin pouch that contained a small bottle of hand sanitizer!

Of course with a lace trench dress, you need something to wear underneath!
My favorite fabric that always works when time is short is Ponte Knit.
I selected Navy Blue Ponte Knit and Royal Blue Ponte Knit for a color block slip dress.

Ann used the top of a jumpsuit that was copied from rtw and the red lace skirt for the pattern.
These patterns were already fitted and ready to sew!

More bias binding at the neckline, armhole, and shoulder strap.
The lining is black tricot knit to make sure the dress would hang smoothly.

The royal blue ponte is the main part of the dress so it would highlight the lace.
The navy blue ponte highlights Ann’s neckline, waist, and legs to create curves.

The fabric had enough stretch, even with the waistline inset, that a zipper was not needed.  More time saved!!

Looks
The Wedding:
Ann and the Bride

Reception:
Ann and Hubby

A special occasion outfit usually doesn’t work with other items in your closet because well, it’s for special occasions. 🙂

However, Ann paired each piece with her ivory silk skirt and it looks great for the office!

Are any special occasions coming up for you?  What will you be making?  Let me know in the comment box.
And as Ann always says, “I hope you get inspired to create something EXTRAordinary.” 😉

Up next, an LWD for summer in linen!