It’s well known that Imma dress girl and I’m always on the hunt for a good sheath dress pattern…even now that I don’t need one everyday for work. So I was immediately drawn to the Cashmerette Rivermont Dress and Top.
However, I liked the pattern so much that I made a dress and a top from the pattern. My review of both is below.
Let’s discuss the Rivermont Top first…
I’ve been saving pictures from Instagram and the Internet of tops with flared peplums and elongated back hems. When I made the dress (yes it was made prior to making the top), I realized that the top would work with some of the ideas I had floating around in my head.
I had to make a few pattern alterations to give the peplum the flare and length that I wanted. I also added a lining for the walk-away appearance. The pattern comes with full length sleeves but I shortened mine a little just because I wanted to. The final change was to add an applique with a covered button center to the top for a touch of drama.
I also added an invisible zipper to the center back of the top making it easy to get into and out of. Those are all of the changes I made to the pattern.
I cast around for a fabric to use for a Rivermont Dress because it’s November and I’m not really a dress and knee-length boot kinda girl. However, I’ve been wanting to make a couple of maxidresses that I could wear this fall. When I looked at the pattern with fresh eyes, I knew I could maximize the dress easily.
My fabric choice for the dress is a Liverpool knit. The weight & hang of a Liverpool knit is similar to a lightweight ponte. It’s also a stable knit like a ponte, so the dark floral piece I chose to use, works perfectly for the dress.
I started with a size 24 and added 15″ at the lengthen/shorten lines on the skirt pattern and an additional 2″ at the hemline to maximize my dress. I deliberately ended the hemline at my ankles because I didn’t want the dress to drag along the ground. It was the perfect length and hits right at the top of my shoe booties. I made no other changes to the pattern.
For styling purposes I added a black 2″ wide grosgrain ribbon to give some definition to the front of the dress.
This is how I will wear the dress…
Now I will wear this dress but I don’t love this dress. And it’s totally me…I still have a thing about waistline seams and it’s so ingrained into my style psyche that if I don’t love it when I put it on…it gets relegated to the back of the closet.
Please note this says nothing about Jenny’s pattern. All of the pattern pieces go together well. It’s an easy sew and has a lot of potential for the right curvy, or plus-size woman. I’m just not sure I’m that curvy woman.
I received a copy of the Rivermont Top and Dress from Jenny – so while this was a free pattern all of my opinions are my own. If this is your style, I highly recommend you purchase this pattern.
Pattern Details:Sizing:
12-28 with 3 cup sizes (C/D, E/F, G/H)
My Measurements: 45-44.5-53.5
What size did you make?
Size 24
What adjustments did you make:
For the dress – I lengthened it and raised the neckline 1/2″
For the top – I changed up the peplum and raised the neckline 1/2″
Both were design changes and not made to alter the pattern for size adjustments.
Fabrics and notions required:
For the dress – 2.5 yds of Liverpool knit and lightweight interfacing
For the top – 2 yds of black ponte and lightweight interfacing
Curvy rating:
Overall Rating: 5. Personally, I rate both patterns a 4.5 for me mostly because I really want a fuller skirt include in the pattern – it’s a totally selfish rating. If this style works for you then it’s a 5, definitely!
I usually love what you make, but that dress is wonderful on you. The color and shape are perfect. You look cute as a button in that top.
Is this a pattern sized for knits, or wovens, or both?
You look great in both of those. I love this pattern, I may give this one a try as it looks like a quick sew. Your dress fabric is so pretty! Thanks for such a detailed and honest write-up.
Stephanie – it’s sized for knits…specifically stable knits. Hope that helps!
Carolyn, I follow your blog too. I have to say you look marvelous in the dress. It looks like it fits you beautifully. The peplum top looks fun to wear top!
Love what you did to the top, absolutely adorable!
So glad you showed us a closer up of the flower, we never get to see your beautiful face close up. Love the lining on the to and the shoes are to die for. Literary and figuratively.
Carolyn, It’s a beautiful pattern, sorry it doesn’t speak to you. You look absolutely fantastic on that peplum top! I hope you make more of that top.
When I saw that peplum top and sheath dress in the same pattern, my immediate thought was they should have included a fuller skater skirt (which is just an extension of the peplum) to make the pattern go further and yes longer sleeve options too.
I agree that the pattern needs a fuller skirt but it already has a longer sleeve. I will make more tops for sure. I love the top!
Oops! Looks like I totally missed the long sleeve option when I looked at the first few pics. Very versatile dress, indeed! Maybe ppl can just extend the peplum for a fullee skirt option.
I loved the peplum top, but you hit it out of the ballpark! I am definately making that top! The dress- well I think the fitted waist is not me. But I may make it for my 27 yr old daughter.
Lovely review Thank You!
Love the lining on the peplum!
Carolyn- your skill and talent blow me away every time! Both versions are absolutely fantastic! I would never have thought to do the creative additions like that. I’m inspired!
That top is everything! I love it and I love the way you styled it! The maxi is pretty, that print is awesome, and it looks cute with the jean jacket! But that top….man, that top makes me want to try a peplum and I tend to avoid them like the plague!
Carolyn, I hear you about those waist seams…but these two garments are just fabulous on you. Rest assured, you look SO great in that dress!
So I know how important it is to feel good in something, but I have to say the dress really looks great on you!
Thanks for the great review. I think both look really lovely on you and love the peplum details. I have the dress kit but haven’t made it yet. It’s good to see it styled in different ways.
I love your peplum top too and that applique – I thought at first it was quite a pin! Beautiful shape to your top and that’s why I bought the pattern because I’m not a waist seam girl either and I was hesitant. You’ve inspired me with many ideas for that peplum top! Thank you 🙂
Carolyn, I love your style and your sewing ability are both awesome!!! Love your blog!
Well send it to me girlfriend!! It’s exactly up my alley. Which is another way to say I think this looks FANTASTIC on you. Embrace those waist seams, especially with the denim jacket layer. You really look so beautiful and stylish in this outfit.
But seriously, I do hear you … when it doesn’t speak to you, it just doesn’t speak to you.
Deb – I have your address so it may be your Christmas Present! You may need to shorten it but otherwise it should fit you just fine!
I agree with you, Debbie! I like them both, but I also know the feeling of just not being 100% with a garment. Also can actually picture you wearing the dress, too! 🙂 I believe Carolyn is certainly generous and sincere, so I’ll be watching your blog for new pictures! 😃
The peplum op is just killer. I’m going to have to clone that !
I love your peplum top with the snazzy lining, so pretty. I think the dress looks lovely on you and I especially liked how it looks with the denim jacket, really stylish!
LOVE the peplum and you are looking cute and sassy!!! I really like the dress. I hear you about the seam (I don’t mind them but HATE waistbands on dresses) and that it’ll prevent you from wearing it. It’s so pretty though 🙁
Great review and MORE peplums!! 🙂
This looks amazing! The print, applique and length of the dress looks awesome and shows all the curves!! I’ve also wanted to do the long peplum with a contrast on the inside so this has solidified my decision! Again, great look and review.