Simplicity 8231 is another Summer staple of mine. This is actually the Mississippi Avenue dress from Sew House Seven. I have two versions now and when it’s really hot I reach for these especially if I am busy and I am going to be moving all day, they are just so easy to wear. There is nothing fussy about them that needs to be adjusted all day, you just put it on and go. They are casual for running around in with sandals and slides or a bit dressier with closed in flats and nice jewellery.
As usual my versions get better with each make and the first version in black is fine but a bit snug across my hips. This is a Japanese lawn from Spotlight.
This dress has the simple lines that I love to wear (and sew) but it has some really nice bodice detail due to the shape of the pieces.
My second version was in a thrifted linen and I added an inch on each of the side panels that was graded from the waist so I didn’t have to adjust the bodice pieces as well.
The second version fits me much better but I do prefer the lighter fabric in the first version. I needed to use wider elastic for the navy linen as it would not gather as easily. The lighter lawn drapes better and is much cooler to wear. There will be more!