Beach Dresses to Sew for Your Vacation
Are you heading to the beach this summer? Or do you just want some comfortable outfits?
We’ve selected a range of airy, loose-fitting beach dresses that are easy to put together. Perfect for packing in your luggage, no matter where you’re headed!
An empire-waist dress
The empire-waist dress stands out for its cut. The waistline sits just below the bust, which accentuates the figure while offering true comfort. The skirt is often loose enough to allow your legs to breathe. This makes it a great style of dress to have in your closet, especially when temperatures are high.
If you’d like to pack this type of dress for your vacation, you can make the “Sorelle” pattern from Moi Je Couds. You can customize it however you like by choosing an open or closed back, a short or long skirt… The sleeves are wide, and the two panels at the bust cross over each other, which is what gives it its unique look.
For the fabric, you can use a lightweight, flowing material such as viscose or cotton voile. Viscose is slightly less breathable, so choose based on your personal preferences and the fabrics you find most comfortable when the temperature rises.
To give your outfit a summery touch, choose a pretty print: flowers, fruits, geometric patterns… And above all, color!
A retro dress
Just because a dress is worn on the beach or on vacation doesn’t mean it can’t be elegant! The Sorolla style from Les Patronnes combines a pretty retro cut with ruffles and unbeatable comfort.
And to feel even more comfortable in this dress and give it a slightly oversized look, simply choose a size larger than your usual size, allowing for plenty of room. Here again, you can choose the length you want—just add or remove a ruffle.
The pattern isn’t particularly complicated, but you’ll need to know how to sew buttonholes and bust darts.
To create pretty gathers, it’s best to choose a lightweight, flowing fabric. Since the dress is lined, the fabric can be slightly sheer without any issues. Opt for cotton crepe (or polyester, though in that case it will be much more breathable), plumetis, or viscose. A gingham or polka-dot fabric will perfectly complement the dress’s retro style.
A long, flowing dress
If you’re looking for a very lightweight dress with thin straps and a neckline, Thoé by Mangue-Chocolat is for you! It’s a fairly intricate design with beautiful details: lacing at the bust, very thin straps, and an asymmetrical cut. It’ll be especially comfortable to wear for a stroll or lounging on the beach. Two versions are available in the pattern: a short one and a long one.
As with previous patterns, you’ll need a flowing fabric: crepe, muslin, viscose…Especially if you’re sewing the long version. On the other hand, a fabric that’s too heavy will drape more stiffly and look much less airy.
A super-easy-to-sew beach dress
For beginners, you can sew the “À la playa” dress from Chut Charlotte, which has a very loose fit and cinches at the waist with a drawstring. It’s a must-have piece for the beach—just slip it on over your swimsuit and pair it with a pair of sandals. The only slightly tedious step will be the collar, which requires applying bias tape. To ensure a straight seam, simply secure the bias tape firmly with pins and assemble everything slowly, taking your time.
Once again, you’ll want to opt for loose, airy fabrics— such as muslin, cotton voile, lace, or double-layered cotton gauze…If you’re wearing this dress over your swimsuit, you can even use old sheer curtains (which you’ll have washed beforehand) or lace-effect curtains, which will give your outfit a very retro look. You can easily find these at thrift stores or secondhand shops.
What about you—what kind of dress do you like to wear in the summer?
