The sun is shining over Belgium and France, the mercury is at its peak!
We want to be comfortable and elegant for this summer season; so I invite you to discover my 10 favorite tested and approved dresses!
I will offer you dresses in woven fabrics but also in knits so you have a nice choice of materials.
Here we go for the top 10!
1. Canopée by Mimoï
The first one I want to present to you is the Canopée dress by Mimoï which I have already sewn twice, including a recent one in Japanese broderie anglaise. I really like this model because I find it very feminine and elegant.
The bodice of the Canopée dress is dressed with a very deep V neckline that sits below the bust line. However, it is narrow enough to be comfortable and not reveal anything! It is possible to modify the plunging V to "tone down" the bodice. That’s what I did to feel comfortable in all circumstances. I wanted it to be a wearable dress even when I work, lift tons of rolls, bend down, lean over... in short, for my dress to follow me in all my activities without revealing too much of myself!
The center front closes edge to edge thanks to a buttoning with loops; I use ribbon with elastic buttonholes, it's super practical. A facing is sewn under the buttons so the skin is not revealed… Gathers are placed under the bust and on the back. The belt marks the waist while highlighting the bust. The skirt is gathered at the waist and gives a nice movement to the dress. The balloon sleeves echo the overall volume of the dress and the shape of the sleeve cuffs reflects the belt.
It's a model I love!
You will find this model in PDF format only here from size 34 to 46
If you want to read or reread the blog post dedicated to this dress, it is here.
2. Alix de Cha Coud
Alix is probably one of the nicest dresses in our pattern collection! Available in printed and PDF format from size 34 to 52, Alix is aimed at intermediate-level sewists.
Alix is a beautiful long dress fitted at the bodice, with a nice fullness in the skirt. It’s a very clever model because it looks like a wrap dress with a surplice neckline, while also featuring a slit (opened very high) closed by a button placket on the side of the skirt; which is not possible in classic wrap dresses.
Charlotte, the designer's tip, also lightens the skirt by removing the double layer. The top of the shoulders is covered by a small godet ruffle, which elegantly finishes the beautiful silhouette of the whole. It’s not necessarily visible in the photos, but the bodice, waistband, and shoulder ruffles are lined, giving the garment a beautiful finish both outside and inside.
We love this model in washed linen which will give it a nice structure.
Find all the beautiful models by Charlotte from the brand Cha Coud here.
And if you want to read or reread the full article about Alix, it's right here.
3. Kallima by Laeti et Léa
Some time ago I sewed the beautiful Kallima dress from the French brand Laeti et Lea which I actually wore at our open house on May first. You gave me lots of compliments, especially about my pretty stretch viscose available in a 3m coupon.
Kallima is a model with many variations.
Its collar, V-neckline, princess seams on the front, and the fullness of the skirt give it a feminine and elegant appearance, reminiscent of rockabilly dresses.
Depending on the fabric and options you choose, Kallima can have either a modern and trendy look or a retro-vintage look.
The little extra of Kallima? You have the option to sew only the skirt or the short blouse in crop-top style.
You can therefore choose from the following finishes:
- Dress, top, or skirt
- Short, midi, or long skirt
- 3 armholes, more or less cut away
- Cap sleeve possible on armhole 3
- A collar stand with narrow classic (French) collar, wide classic collar, or club collar.
- Skirt with or without pocket
- A tie belt.
A great way to get excellent value for your purchase and we love it!
Kallima is available in printed and PDF formats from size 34 to 50.
Want to read or reread the full article about this model? It's right here
4. Angela from Atelier Bernie
Two years ago, I was looking for a pretty dress pattern to wear to the wedding of my friends Patricia and Benjamin, which took place in August in Spain. So I needed a light and comfortable dress to survive the Madrid heat! I chose to sew myself the very pretty Angela dress from Atelier Bernie.
The Angela dress refers to the activist and feminist Angela Davis who fought against discrimination against minorities in the United States.
It is a sober and elegant model but one that does not lack character with its puffed sleeves included in the pattern. I sewed a version with embroidered cotton sleeves for the Belgian wedding party and a sleeveless one in Japanese cotton lawn for Spain.
Its multiple seams on the skirt emphasize the waist and the curve of the hips, then flare out slightly.
Angela is marked by pretty gathers that highlight the bust. Its neckline is round but open.
You have the option to make a simple or open back finished with a pretty button/bow at the nape.
Two dress lengths are offered: short (above the knee) or midi.
You can also make a slit on the long version.
These are two dresses that I wear with great pleasure and in which I feel beautiful!
Find all the pretty women's patterns from Atelier Bernie here
And if you want to read or reread the article about Angela, it's right here.
5. Calista by Clématisse Pattern
Another perfect dress for a wedding ceremony or simply for a girls' outing or with your loved one: the Calista dress by Clématisse Pattern!
The pattern for the Calista dress with irresistible bohemian charm!
It is a creation that combines elegance and casualness with a touch of sophistication; it is therefore just perfect for parties! Designed to make you feel both free and fabulous, this dress perfectly embodies the bohemian spirit.
Calista features a cut under the bust that gently highlights your curves, while an elastic at the back ensures a perfect fit at the waist, offering you optimal comfort throughout the day.
The puffed sleeves add a touch of romance and bring a subtle chic note.
Additionally, you can choose between two sleeve lengths: the flared 3/4 sleeve for a touch of bohemian grace or the long sleeve with buttoned cuff for timeless elegance.
In the video tutorial, you will also find a version with an elasticated and smocked cuff for a more romantic style.
This dress pattern comes in short or long versions, depending on your mood and the occasion.
The long version features slits on each side, creating graceful movement with every step and highlighting your lovely pair of boots for a complete bohemian vibe.
On the other hand, the short version is perfect for a city and dynamic look, allowing you to move with ease and style.
Whether for a casual evening under the stars, a city getaway, or a workday, this dress is perfect for expressing your personal style.
It is designed to make you feel beautiful, confident, and completely yourself. Add this bohemian dress to your collection today for a look that combines comfort, elegance, and originality in a truly unique way.
Céline and Marie had actually fallen for this really super chic model.
Calista is available in printed and PDF versions and is graded from size 34 to 48.
Find the lovely patterns by Clématisse pattern here
And if you want to read or reread the full article on Calista, it’s right here
6. Gabrielle by Théodora Pattern
Sometimes I want to step out of my comfort zone and try new looks, and honestly, I don’t regret trying the "cottage core" style with the Gabrielle dress by Theodora Pattern.
The special feature of the Gabrielle dress is its beautiful rectangular neckline that gives the dress its character. The square neckline is one of the few that flatters both small and large busts, so take advantage of it!
Though it looks corseted, the top is comfortable and adjustable to flatter all bust sizes. There are no boning or tightening ties, which adds to its comfort. The opening is hidden on the side by an invisible zipper. The Gabrielle dress has options with ruffles at the armholes to create volume, if desired. It is also possible not to add them for a cleaner dress.
The long skirt lengthens the silhouette to ensure a femme fatale look, while the short version makes it easier to wear daily.
Gabrielle offers us several versions:
- long or short skirt
- with sleeve
- with ruffle
- sleeveless and without ruffle.
Something to have fun creating very different versions!
Mine was made from one of our joly coupons from last year, but you will find other very pretty ones to create plenty of summer creations!
Find the Gabrielle dress in PDF format exclusively on our site from size 34 to 46.
And if you want to read the full article dedicated to her, it's right here.
7. Desire for Coralie Bijasson
You know that at C'est du Joly we really love the work of Coralie Bijasson, a top designer who offers many patterns always pico bello.
When the Envie top/dress came out last year, Céline, Marie, and I fell for it and made our versions!
And honestly, all three of us really loved sewing and wearing this model in which you feel really good!
Whether you aspire to make an elegant dress or a casual t-shirt, express your own style with "Envie," this easy and feminine pattern. Featuring two types of sleeves, you choose between a clean aesthetic or add a touch of femininity with delicately gathered sleeves.
You also have different sleeve lengths to adapt its style to each season.
Summer or winter, this pattern proves to be your essential ally.
Also customize your neckline by choosing between a delicate, feminine knot or a sleek ring for a unique and elegant neckline.
In summary, mix and match sleeve and neckline options to create up to 20 distinct styles to make a piece that reflects you.
Envie is available in printed and PDF formats from size S to 3XL.
Plus, Envie is rated level 1/beginner, so it's an excellent model for those who want to start sewing knits (whether with a serger or a sewing machine).
Want to know more about Envie? The full article is here.
8. Vakita from Instinct Couture
We stay with jersey/knit tops and dresses with the Vakita model from Instinct Couture.
Vakita is therefore a summer model to sew in knit fabric, offering style and comfort.
Its asymmetrical cut is designed to remain compatible with wearing a bra, thanks to its added strap. The charm of Vakita also lies in its pleating on the shoulder.
The upper bust is lined up to just below the chest to ensure beautiful finishes.
This model offers you a wide range of styles:
- crop,
- top,
- fitted dress
- skater dress.
I chose to make a jersey top and a skater dress in viscose jersey with this pattern, and I don't regret my choice at all!
I find it comfortable, light, and flowing... a real joy to wear, especially when you love twirling dresses!
Find the Vakita dress and all the pretty patterns by Instinct Couture in PDF and printed versions here.
9. Chloé by Sew Love Pattern
A perfect strappy dress for summer? We have to tell you about the Chloé dress by Sew Love Pattern!
It is a beautiful evening or summer dress, to sew in midi or mini version.
It can be made with or without a side slit on the skirt and offers beautiful fluidity in a slightly draped fabric, like viscose or tencel.
The mini dress falls above the knee and is a fun evening dress or a pretty summer creation.
The bodice of the dress is gathered at the center front, which highlights the neckline.
Both versions, midi and mini, offer two strap options: fixed sewn straps or straps to tie in a pretty bow.
If you like dresses with pockets, you can sew those too. Chloé is gorgeous with pretty floral or polka dot patterns for summer or why not in a solid version to highlight the pleating of the neckline and the cut-out play of the bodice.
For my part, I fell for our cotton jacquard with polka dots available in 3m coupons.
I find that having a solid-colored dress really highlights the pleating at the bust, which is very pretty.
Find Johanna the creator's pretty patterns in PDF version only here.
And if you want to know more about the Chloé dress, the article is here.
10. Octarine by Iam Patterns
An easy and effective dress model that I have been sewing for years by proxy 😂 with my students.
It must be said that Octarine is one of our bestsellers in the workshop.
So, so... which one are you falling for?
I love them all!
Get your needles ready
