For effortless elegance, pairing a crisp white button down shirt with a floral full skirt is a no-brainer. A classic white shirt is a mainstay wardrobe staple that every woman should have in her closet. White button down shirts top almost every bottom well. And a fun floral full skirt is appropriate for so many scenarios. It works for so many occasions whereas a bodycon skirt would not.
Every year, I have to update my classic white shirts. They occasionally become dingy and threadbare from wear and tear. The key to a great white shirt is being bright white, crisp and well-fitting. I decided that my shirt for this year would be classically tailored and sewn in an amazing White Mercerized Cotton Poplin from Mood Fabrics.com. I also used these gorgeous Crystal Glass Buttons.
My pattern is (OOP) McCall’s 2353 from 1999. I’ve had it in my pattern stash for years. It was gifted to me a long time ago and I’m just now getting around to it. It’s a very easy pattern that I sewed in the same day I started it. If you’re familiar with shirtmaking, you can do it to. If not, I suggest you check out a shirtmaking course on Craftsy.com.
I cut the size 14, because honestly, I was too lazy to do a FBA. But looking at it, it’s a little big in the shoulders and I’m wondering if I should’ve cut the 12 with a FBA. Weight changes create interesting fitting dynamics that I’m still getting use to. Working out different body parts keeps my measurements constantly fluctuating.
I did lengthen the shirt an inch at the waist. Surprisingly, the sleeve length was perfect. One of the details that I can’t live without on a classic button down is a yoke. In my opinion, it’s what makes a button down shirt “real”! This shirt has a lot of topstitching and edge stitching. For some odd reason, I enjoy doing that.
For my skirt, I used Vogue 8882,view B. For a full skirt, I prefer a length that stops right at the knee. I feel that’s the most flattering look for me. And I also went with a style that has sewn down pleats instead of gathers at the waist. I don’t want all of that additional volume around the mid-section. The wrong proportions can easily make a full skirt go from fashionable to frumpy on me.
I cut the 14 and it sewed perfectly without any adjustments. I used this gorgeous Red and White Floral Cotton Print.
The hem is interfaced and has facings.
A faced hem is perfect for when the wrongs side will show, especially when you’re constantly twirling in your full skirt!
