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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!

Simple dress for work

Well, I got my sewing machine set up recently and this weekend, got some sewing done!!

I made a pretty basic dress style from a nice, moderately heavy weight of soft poly blend from JoAnn's 50% off clearance, so I think it was about $2/yard.  It's sort of a wintery color, so I probably won't wear this dress too many more times this year since I'm starting to get excited for spring...

I used a Simplicity Project Runway Pattern, Simplicity 2473.
I opted for the simplest style, without the overlapping collar or cap sleeves.  I thought it would be more versatile that way, to be worn under (or over?) things.  But now that it's done it looks pretty darn plain...
Of course I can add a belt...
Wide or narrow!  And I could wear a black blazer over it to make it a little more suiting-like.  Or just a cardigan... what do you think?  All I can really think to wear with it is black, but I'd like to have an option that was less stuffy.  Anything artistic I could do with it?

Of course I don't have to go to work today (yay holiday) but I hope to wear the dress this week!

28 comments

  1. I love grey with burgandy, or light blue. :)

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  2. I'm picturing this long black and gray striped cardigan I have and that wide black belt cinching it.
    Or a nice purple. Go all gemstone on it.

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  3. Teal or peacock blue would be smashing with it, as would goldenrod or a lovely green, (not to foresty though or you'll end up looking like a Christmas decoration.) I think the teal or peacock would be my first choice though. The dress in it's simplicity has so many options for accessorizing, scarves, belts, multi-strand necklaces. Even just color punches with bangles, a purse and the right shoes. I think it's fab and a total winner!

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  4. You should pair it with a powder rose cardigan, and some pearl earrings. That's really romantic. Or go a bit more stylish and pair it with really dark olive green. But black is probably the safest bet...
    I love this design! I wonder if the pattern is sold here. Off to check that out!

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  5. Narrow belt with a blazer, some fun heels and purse to match! What a fun little office outfit! Def brighten your day at work.

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  6. Very nice! I would drape a vibrant scarf (like a pashmina) and then belt the whole thing up. Like this: http://lookbook.nu/look/1375057-Dream-project or this: http://lookbook.nu/look/36119-dramamine.

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  7. Looks great! What about a butter yellow cardigan to spring it up a bit?

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  8. It looks great!!! What about a patterned cardigan or scarf? On the banana republic website, I recently saw (but can't find it anymore) simple sheath dresses matched with big wide floral scarves, all under a skinny belt. So cute.

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  9. Pretty! I think grey, navy blue, or rose would all look nice. And pearls for sure!

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  11. Such a lovely dress!! I can't wait 'till I can sew like you!

    I would take a large belt and pair it with some yellow, like Jill said. If you have any, perhaps a large yellow belt? But some 'funky', sunny yellow, to lighten it up. Or a pale pink (old pink and stuff) to make it a less flashy like the yellow, but still have the contrast of something dark and something lighter. Let the sunshine in!

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  12. I love your dress. Remember that you need plain pieces in your closet. You'll find yourself wearing this plain dress over and over again. The belt is only the beginning. I see it with frilly blouses. Romantic, yes.

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  13. Fantastic fit and lovely colour. I prefer the narrow belt and this would look well with a blazer. If wearing the wider belt, a cardigan would work. Is the hem pulling a bit, or does it just need steaming down?

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  14. super hot with the narrow belt!

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  15. I think mustard yellow would look awesome! looks great :)
    Cardigans and Cookie Dough

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  16. That looks fantastic! I'd say gray or navy blue would look great with it also - cardigans, jackets, jewelry.

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  17. I love burgundy with pale pink- maybe a scarf?

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  18. It's a lovely dress. Wear it with a patterned cardigan or jacket or something mustard in colour?

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  19. OOO!!! I love it!! What a great job! I wish I could sew stuff like that!...

    A black cardigan might go well with it...

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  21. nice job!! love it!! looks great on you!! thin belt is more conservative. chunky wide belt gives it a nice edge-y look. both are fantastic!! love love love your blog!

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  22. OMG, thanks so much, everyone! It is so fun and inspiring to read your suggestions--I am way more excited to wear this dress to work tomorrow!!!
    I love reading the color combinations you've suggested... grey, of course, but also pale pink, navy, olive green, yellow!?
    And I hadn't thought about a big scarf draped over it, but that would look very cool. Or a sheer puff-sleeved blouse under it! I think I have one that will work!

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  23. Such a versatile dress, so many options! My immediate reaction would be to wear it over a long sleeved stripey top and maybe a scarf. It would also look nice over a white puffed sleeve blouse. Mustard yellow or turquoise accessories would work well (eg. necklace, scarf, thin belt).

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  24. This is gorgeous! You are so good at getting things to fit just so. And I like ti plain - I think it is incredibly elegant.

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  25. Most definitely a mustard yellow cardigan with a cute flower or something pinned to it!

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  26. Pretty! I think grey, navy blue, or rose would all look nice. And pearls for sure!

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