Holiday Dress Making Inspiration
Happy Holidays! I’m Sara of The Sara Project, and today I have a very special post for you! I primarily focus on garment sewing, and I love using my BERNINA 560 to create my dream wardrobe. I’m here to help inspire you all with some great options for holiday dress making.
For the past few years I have made myself a special dress to wear during the holidays, and I plan to uphold the tradition again this year. I have chosen 10 of my favorite dress patterns that I feel would make gorgeous holiday dresses. I picked lots of different styles and shapes that will work well with all body types and lots of different fabric substrates. From fancy and sophisticated to casual and cozy, there’s a dress here for you! Let’s get started!
1. Solina Dress by Named Clothing
How gorgeous is this dress!? A newly released pattern from Named Clothing’s book “Breaking The Pattern”, the Solina Dress offers a sophisticated and feminine look. I love the style lines, and bows that meet at the cuffs and waist. A lovely rayon or crepewith lots of drape would make a stunning Solina Dress. This is the dress I plan to make for myself this year, and I can’t wait to get started on it!
2. Nikko Dress by True Bias
The Nikko Dress pattern by True Bias offers a few different versions, all with a stylish mock turtleneck. This dress gives a modern yet cozy vibe, and it’s the dress I made for Christmas last year. Pair it with heels for a fancier look, or dress it down with booties or flats, this is a dress you will find your self putting on over and over again. Not only is it a great special occasion dress, it’s also a wardrobe staple.
3. Erika Wrap Dress by Seam Work
This classic dress would be perfect for ANY holiday party. Everyone needs a knit Erica Wrap Dress in their closet! Can you picture how stunning this would be in a gorgeous stretch velvet? I love that it works for many different body shapes as well with sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. This is such a versatile pattern!
4. Debbie Dress by Republique Du Chiffon
Next up we have the Debbie Dress by Republique Du Chiffon. This pattern is in French but is currently being translated into English. I chose Debbie because I love the easy shape and synched waist. It has a really pretty button placket detail down the center back of the bodice and a really simplistic and yet gorgeous neckline. Also, velvet. The Debbie Dress looks very easy to wear but still has a dressed up feel to it.
5. Magnolia Dress by Deer & Doe
The Magnolia Dress comes in two different views, giving you a few options for truly making it your own. I’m all about dramatics and I’m loving the floor length dress view; it would be a perfect choice for a dressier holiday event. I don’t know if I would be able to decide between the two sleeve options, both are stunning!
6. Hinterland Dress by Sew Liberated
Of course I had to add in the Hinterland Dress by Sew Liberated. This dress has a more boho, toned down feel to it. I love the front button placket and waist tie that slightly pulls in the waist. You can play with length on this dress, or add a more playful sleeve like I did here. I sewed mine up in a raw silk noil fabric and it has a really luxurious feel to it.
7. Ebony Knit Dress by Closet Case Files
I can tell you from personal experience, this is a great dress pattern! The Ebony Dress is flirty, twirly and oh so comfortable to wear! I love how it’s styled in this photo with tights, heels and some fun jewelry. Dress it up or dress it down, this dress is a super quick sew and a great fit for any holiday get together. I made mine in a blush stretch velvet and it is gorgeous.
8. Amalfi Dress by Hey June
I added the Amalfi Dress to my line up because I love how feminine it is. From the flutter sleeves to the v-neck and loose fitting bodice, this dress is fresh and sweet. Sew it up in cranberry or sage colored fabric to create a festive look.
9. Kaste Dress by Named Clothing “Breaking The Pattern”
The Kaste Dress is another newly released pattern in Named Clothing’s new book “Breaking The Pattern”, and it is so eye catching! I love all of the style lines and seams, and the accentuated flutter sleeve gives the whole dress a really dramatic and artsy vibe. I love how effortless Nicole looks in the way she has styled this dress. You could also dress it up with tights and heels for formal event. This dress is a sure winner and an exciting sewing project.
10. Mcall’s M7861
Last but definitely not least, I have included this classic sheath dress style from McCall’s Pattern Company, M7861. I love how it’s displayed here with a stunning floral fabric. The simple style lines of this pattern allow for some really fun and bold prints, or keep it simple and classic with a solid color and fun accessories for a really beautiful and sophisticated look.
I hope this post has helped inspire you with some great holiday dress making options! I always feel so much more excited to attend a fun holiday event while wearing a handmade dress, and even better, I love reflecting on the memories that have been laced into the dress when looking back on it. Whether you have low key plans with loved ones or a fancy holiday company party, there’s definitely a dress is this line up that will work for any occasion. I wish you all the best in your dress making endeavors this holiday season!
