When thinking about the essential pieces of a summer wardrobe, a swingy, bare dress made with cool linen is a no-brain. I live in dresses all summer long. They are effortless to throw on and keep my feeling cool. Today's inspiration dress looks like a basic tank dress from the front but turn it around and there is a super cool cross back design and exposed zipper. Read on to see how I would make it.
How to DIY a Cross Back Dress
Step 1: Today's inspiration is the YMC Summer Dress from Asos. It's the kind of dress you can dress up or down and will definitely wear all summer long. The bodice is fitted and super flattering and the gathered skirt is super comfortable.
Step 2: So, I couldn't find a pattern exactly like our inspiration but I don't think it would be too hard to make some simple adjustments to New Look 6457 and make it work. I actually used this New Look pattern a number of years ago and it's a great pattern. I used View E which has a princess seamed bodice and gathered waist.
To replicate our inspiration dress, I'd start with View C and lengthen the straps to make the cross back feature. You might also want to add some width to the straps and definitely add pockets to the skirt. At the center back use an exposed metal zipper and the look is complete. If you want to skip the cross back feature and go more basic, then Butterick B5982 or Simplicity 1873 fit the bill quite nicely.
Step 3: The fabric is a lovely navy linen blend similar to this or this. Linen is really easy to work with so you'll be able to concentrate on the design details and not worry about finagling slippery fabric. Plus the linen breathes so you won't get too hot in the summer sun.
