I saw a commercial for Old Navy the other day. These beautiful young women were prancing around in voluminous dresses. I thought: “Oh look! Old Navy has commercials for their maternity dresses!” Then, as I watched a little more, I realized the dresses were just the empire waist style. Generally speaking, I find them unflattering. Someone must be able to pull them off… but who?

I just attended a weddingin California this past weekend, and wore a dress that is not my standard tailored style – a Sandra Betzina wrap dress, which you can see at http://store.sewingtoday.com/c.....#38;page=2. I made the entire dress in a sheer burgundy silk chiffon georgette print, and also made a matching red “slip” to wear underneath. I LOVED how flirty and feminine I felt in this dress, and was glad I tried something a little different from my norm.

Good question. Empire lines are best when they are not gathered at the seam, but sewn in straight. You then have the option of going straight or a-line at the hip from that seam. These are the wonderfully flattering empire dresses. Gathers on the empire seam, and baby doll moo moo styles will always remind one of maternity wear. I think that these styles look sweet on young straight bodied teenagers or as a very casual beach dress that you pull over your bathing costume.

I have always loved shirtwaists & have been wearing them for years, whether they are in or out of fashion, as they really suit me & my bod….They are a classic. As for baby doll dresses, they are ok when you still can play the baby – & “moo moos” are still good for when it really gets hot and sticky. (I would rather look a bit voluminous than expired from the heat of summer.)

I definitely agree with Morgan. Since I grew up in the 60’s (empire was huge) and I have been pregnant 3 times, I do not have a fondness for that style. I do appreciate Angie’s comment about the straight seam vs. the gathered. I also appreciate Maris Olsen’s good experience with the Betzina pattern. I was thinking of trying that one out, but the flouncey sleeves made me wonder. I feel better about it now knowing that someone else who usually wears the tailored look had good luck with it. Thanks.

I am excited about your dress post! Only because I’m beginning to be a dress fiend, especially the shirtdresses and wrap dresses. My only concern is that I don’t have a very curvy or hourglass type of body (think more of rectangular, no-waist, no chest, no hips, leaning towards an apple shape), but I find the wrap and shirtdresses (my 2 staples) make me look curvier because of the tie around my waist (which I sometimes substitute a belt for to change it up).

I could probably pull off the draped and sheath dresses, but I think that’s about where I draw the line. Maxi, sack, empire, kimono and bubble, will take a bit more convincing for me to even consider buying one. I find the shapes don’t work for me, as I tend to be more classic than trendy, and I need some shape in my garment, else I look like a blob!

Great post!

You’d look great in a sheath – sounds like you have the body type. You are so right about wanting a shaped dress because that’s forever flattering despite your body type. But designers get bored which is why the sack and maxi are particular biggies this season. But you don’t need to adhere to every fashion trend to have style. If it’s not right for you – skip it.

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