White Button Down Shirt + Floral Print Full Skirt!

7:00 AM

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 wrong side will show, especially when you're constantly twirling in your full skirt!

Styling tip:  Full skirts look elegant and Carolina Herrera-Chic when paired with a crisp, classic white button down shirt.  And what else would I punctuate the look with but a pair of classic lady-like single sole pumps in bright white.

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36 comments

  1. I would of never considered this skirt but I must have it now. I want to wear a full skirt but my hips though...I feel this skirt might flatter my portions..lol..Thanks Erica:)

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    1. I feel you on that. The way the pleats are done, this skirt is actually more flared than full. And that's what I liked about it. I don't like a lot of volume on my bottom half, so this one works for me. I'm going to make it again! Thanks Lora!

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  2. Great outfit as always! I'm a big fan of your work :-)

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  3. This is a beautiful look on you.

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  4. What a beautiful shirt, you look so elegant as always!

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  5. Just Beautiful with a capital B. You know, a girl just can't have too many beautiful crisp white shirts or too many white trainers!

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    1. I love that shirt already. Thanks Peace Thyme and Weather Station!

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  6. This look is a winner....you're starting of spring with a bang!

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  7. So pretty and feminine. I love it! What did you use to interface the hem?

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    1. Just regular fusible. Thanks Pamela!

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  8. Oh how I love the skirt! It is beautiful.

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  9. Beautifully done,I'm with you on the full skirt, I glad you shared, how you pleated the skirt from making it look frumpy. I tend to say away from full skirt such as this because of that very reason, but now you gave me new inspiration. The white blouse is fabulous. You rock!!!!!

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  10. This look is just gorgeous and what a beautiful fun skirt! You look fabulous! And honestly, I just can't imagine anything looking frumpy on you ever.

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  11. It's adorable on you... not to sure what it will on me. I feel fat in full skirt.

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    1. I get that about full skirts. They're really iffy. Thanks Sweet Waters!

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  12. Very nice, I love the look, you look great

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  13. Hey Erica, you're right! Your skirt length is perfectly balanced on you. I would not have thought about it had you not pointed it out. All I did see was the over all look you presented, which is of course, the whole point in sewing ones own wardrobe. Well done you clever girl!

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  14. Very nice, you look beautiful and it's very well done as always!

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  15. What a lovely outfit! I love the red floral fabric....made me think of Spring! And hey! Great legs! :)

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  16. So pretty and Spring time like.

    Pam

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  17. Beautiful outfit and amazing sewing! You have definitely inspired me to make a full skirt this spring (if ours ever gets here).... :D

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    1. I know, right! Ours keeps going back and forth. I'll be glad when the warmth comes to stay. Thanks Nokes!

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