Introducing the Café Culture Dress

I'm delighted to introduce the Café Culture Dress, an elegant day or cocktail dress with mid-late 1940s styling. This is a beginner-friendly pattern, with a relaxed fit and no sleeves to set in.

An extended shoulder line forms cap sleeves. Rows of shirring at the shoulder release to fullness at the bust, giving the bodice a relaxed fit with plenty of ease, while the bust darts maintain a tailored silhouette. The sweetheart neckline is perfect for showcasing dress clips and/or a novelty necklace.

The slim A-line skirt is cut in six gores, with optional front drape (faced with lining fabric) inserted in the side front seam for an extra touch of glamour.

The style can be dressed up or down; I named it Café Culture because I pictured elegant ladies wearing this casual-yet-understated-chic style while sipping espressos and people-watching at kerbside café tables.

Note: there is a bit more ease than usual in this style, so please read the sizing/fit notes.