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Hello! I'm Suzannah, a serious DIYer and mom of two little ones. Follow along with my DIY fixer upper house renovations, sewing and crafty projects, real food recipes, and de-stressing goals.
I believe you can love your home just the way it is, AND have the power to design and make big changes to make it better.
I'm also the author of DIY Wardrobe Makeovers!

Black and white gingham fit-and-flare dress

I made this black and white gingham dress earlier this summer and I'm pretty much obsessed. I've worn it quite a few times and it's so versatile, not too dress or too casual, super fun, and goes with everything!

Gingham in basic colors is usually easy to find and pretty affordable, too! I figured, with how much I love the first one, it wouldn't hurt to have another, though different, checkered dress, right??

I did want to do a pretty different style than my elastic waist, ruffled one. I looked around at gingham dress inspirations (there are a TON!) and decided to keep it really simple and do a fit-and-flare, full-skirted style. Like these:

I used/modified Simplicity 4531, which is completely ancient and I'm sure out of print, but you could use any fitted camisole bodice dress pattern. I did a simple gathered skirt, two panels.

The style is so simple and classic, except the shorter skirt!

I cut the center front of the bodice down to a sloped V, rather than the wide scoop the pattern called for.

So fun to wear, and summery!

Now I may have the issue of having to decide between these two checkered numbers when I get dressed for the next summer event... I guess this one is a little more formal and the other is a little more backyard BBQ-ey!

Pattern: Simplicity 4531
Modifications: 

  • Changed shape of neckline to deep V/sweetheart
  • Ignored skirt pattern, used two panels cut to desired length instead
  • Cut straps on straight grain instead of bias cause I didn't have enough fabric

Of course, if you don't feel like sewing your own, there are a couple of great options for very similar ones!

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