In the old days I was a definite pear shape and still carry my weight in my hips and thighs. However I also have an apple belly. So I have no idea what shape I am now. I often have to lengthen the bodice on patterns as I am long-waisted. I consider my arms to be on the chunky side.
I made my muslin dress out of a fairly soft rayon knit. In retrospect it was a bit too lightweight for this dress. I made the 18EF for this dress. Technically I would fit into the 18CD sizing but at my age I like a little less negative ease at the bustline. I did not have enough fabric for the sleeves so I made it sleeveless. I did raise the armhole about 1/2″ to make sure I wouldn’t have any bra showage. The top of this dress is lined so in order to have the armhole finished well I used a technique that I learned from the Colette website. It worked very well and I got a nicely finished armhole. I like to understitch the lining to make it roll under.
I was certainly pretty happy with how the dress fit and love to style it as if I was much younger with my cool boots. I haven’t twirled in years! Looking at the dress in the picture I wish I had made it about 1-2″ shorter. I also found that with wearing the dress that it was a bit short waisted for me. I found the V neckline to be perfect. As a comparison I found the V neck on the Concord T-shirt a bit wide and deep for me. If you are interested the Jean jacket is the Stylearc Stacie Jean Jacket. I think I made it 3 years ago – I love that jacket.
Nice choice on the pattern placement.
I’m a “pear” that now has an “apple” belly, too …. Thanks for sharing your adjustments. It will help me plan mine. I’d love to make this dress with short sleeves and a longer length (to fit my needs).
We’ll done.
I just finished the Christmas dress. I used the 3/4 sleeve. It sparkles! Quite a departure for me! I posted pictures on the flicker group site!
You are very inspiring. I am approaching 60 and coming to terms with my changing body shape. You wear your clothes with such confidence…I think that is a key to success. I have just discovered Style Arc so the jacket has been added to my wish list and I am definitely ordering the Turner dress!! Thank-you!
Lovely!!! I need a Mother of the Groom dress too…ugh.
Why an “ugh”. I think ou can look fabulous in the easy T shirt dress!
Congratulations on the wedding! Your outfit is perfect — complete with the wrist corsage. Did you wear the boots and leggings with the mother of the groom dress? Love the jean jacket look a lot. This is definitely one of those same pattern, different looks moments. I think I’m going to need to get this pattern, as well as start thinking of snazzy accessorizing a la Elaine!
No boots to the wedding. I wore heels and then took them off and wore a sparkly flip flop to dance.
Fabulous! And great to see a Stacie Jacket. I bought the pattern and have yet to make it up.
That is a great mother of the groom dress! Stylish and appropriate.
Alrighteee – at 63yrs and a similar body shape, if I can make dresses that look and fit as good as yours do, then it’s time to get busy. You look terrific in them! Thanks for the fitting tips AND the encouragement to be brave and try wearing leggings (!!) Cashmerette Turner dress it is.
Love your reviews. You always look like a million bucks in your creations.
*love… stupid auto correct. Grrrr
I love it! I live how you styled it with the jacket and boots with leggings too! You look amazing in both versions!
I love your review — The border print usage is textbook perfect!
I just finished sewing my first one — I’m hemming it tonight! It was a magical moment when I put it on, with the neckline being perfect, and the waist line, twirl-ability. Certainly, a major wardrobe enhancement. I intend to style mine in a similar way — jacket, tights and boots.
LOVE the dresses AND the jacket. We are the same age and I live in the wilds of Central Washington and I too sew for fit. I am still learning and you are extremely inspiring I know I’ll get there in the end. Love the tights and boots too! How else would you wear a dress in winter, age doesn’t even come in to it!
Love them both but your dress styled with the denim jacket may have just pushed me over the edge to buy it. You look smashing!
Thx Debbie. You are one of my style heros and I have been reading your blog for a long time!
Both versions look fabulous! The way you used the border print looks great for the mother of the groom dress and I love the color of the solid one. I’m on my first one right now and accidentally made the top 2″ shorter. I think it’ll end up being a muslin/wear around the house dress. Luckily it was from my stash.
What a great review! I love your charming style and the photo at the wedding actually made me tear up! Please keep writing about your wonderfully informative sewing projects.
Pretty dresses, Elaine!
Both versions are beautiful – enjoy! I just got my pattern and am busily cutting out my fabric. Hope mine turns out as nice as yours!!
Lovely mother of the groom dress. I have been sewing for years and would never have thought to turn the border print “upside down” for the skirt!
No wonder you love your dresses Elaine – they look fantastic on you. Perfect. That mother of the bride dress is gorgeous!
What a beautiful job, Elaine! I love them both, but the border print dress is so perfect! Love it, too. Thanks for all the inspiration! BTW – when you dress to make you happy – there is no age 🙂
Hi Elaine, both versions are stunning, and it’s obvious you’ve found your perfect dress pattern. Makes me wish I still wore dresses.
I have seen the dress used as a tunic top and it looks great.