How to DIY a Striped Cut Out Back Summer Dress

There's something about stripes (especially blue and white ones) that screams summer. Don't you think?  This cute little dress combined with its lovely stripes is perfect for a carefree summer afternoon of beach-going, shopping and pool lounging.



How to DIY a Striped Summer Dress

Step 1 Today's inspiration is a Cutout Stripe Dress from Shoptiques. I love the casual style and alternating direction of the stripes. It's super sweet and fun with a conservative bateau neckline and sexy open back. The inspiration is pretty short but you can always make it a little bit longer to suit your personal style.

Step 2 This dress has a very, very simple shape. You can almost make your own pattern from scratch. But if you're not inclined to do so, a good base pattern is BurdaStyle Elastic Mini-Dress 06/2013 #127 with its simple tank shape with an elasticized waist.

We'll need to make a few minor alterations to make our dress look like the inspiration.

1. Make seam at waistline. Cut front bodice with stripes running vertically and skirt with stripes running horizontally.

2. Raise front neckline to bateau shape.

3. Add vertical stripe panel to hem.

The trickiest part is the cutout back but you could skip that part if you're not feeling up to it. 
4. Using your template pattern, trace the upper back bodice, ending a few inches above the armpit. Cut 2 pieces of this and use one as a facing. Or, if your fabric looks the same on the right and wrong side, just hem the bottom edge of the upper back bodice.

5. Cut a small rectangle and make loop to create the bow effect on the upper back bodice.

6. Use the template pattern to trace the lower back bodice. Make a low scoop and add a few inches to the center back so that you can gather it with a piece of narrow elastic. The upper back bodice will layer over the lower back bodice.

This dress is similar to my Cut Out Back Dress Refashion I made last year. I love that dress so much, the cut out back is such a fun surprise.

Step 3 For this dress you just need a basic navy and white stripe. This cotton-poly blend from Fabric.com would be perfect.

Related:
Sewing Posts
DIY Outfit Posts
DIY Fashion Pinboard
Summer Style Pinboard

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