Classic sheath dress - a style for any occasion

There are things that, once they appear on the fashion catwalk, never go out of fashion, almost immediately becoming classics. One of these things, of course, is a sheath dress.

This is a model that effectively emphasizes the figure and, at the same time, hides existing flaws. But the reason for its enormous popularity is not this, but the versatility of the outfit. Photos of models allow you to see that the dress can look strict and businesslike or formal and elegant.

Peculiarities

The cut of the classic sheath dress is as simple as possible. This is a sleeveless model with a midi length and a semi-circular neckline. However, over time, the model changed, and new fashionable styles came into use. Short varieties of dresses and floor-length models appeared, called “mermaid”.

However, all models have common features, these are:

• fitted silhouette;
• the dress does not have a cut-off line at the waist;
• deep recesses on the shelves and back.

The style of the dress emphasizes the beautiful curves of the female figure, focusing attention on the thin waist and seductive hip line. Modern designers offer any neckline options. In addition to the classic semicircular neckline, you can find a neckline in the shape of a heart, square bob or oval. Evening dresses often feature asymmetrical necklines.

Depending on the season for which the dress is intended, there are models with long sleeves or with open shoulders and straps.

Depending on the cut, as well as on the fabric from which the dress is made, one can distinguish business-style models, outfits for every day, or evening and cocktail dresses. That is, a sheath dress is an indispensable element of the toilet, a basic thing on the basis of which you can create a wide variety of looks.

Pattern construction plan

Before creating a pattern, you need to take measurements. The model should stand exactly in the position that is most typical for it. At this time, the girl should only be wearing underwear. Measurements are taken at protruding points on the body.

Basic measurements that need to be taken for sewing:

• neck;
• breast;
• waist;
• hips;
• shoulders;
• the length of the sleeve;
• chest height;
• shoulder height;
• length of the product.

The sheath dress pattern is most easily constructed on graph paper.

Pattern No. 2

Pattern construction diagram:

1. Draw a rectangular mesh, the height of which is equal to the length of the product. As an example, it is better to take a rectangular frame ABSD, where AB and CD are equal to the width of the dress, and AD and BS are the length. AB=SD= ½ chest circumference + 4 cm allowance.
2. Divide the top half into three sections: back, armholes, chest.

• Back width = half the back width;
• Armhole width = 1/4 chest circumference + 3 cm allowance;
• Chest width = remainder.

1. Create a neckline and shoulder line, as well as a dart for the shoulders. Neck width = 1/6 neck circumference + 1 cm allowance. It is recommended to raise the top by the amount obtained by adding 1/20 of the neck circumference and 1 cm. The shoulder line is drawn at an angle. It starts from the end of the previous step with a slope of 2.5 cm. On the inclined line, measure the length of the shoulder + 2 cm for the dart. Mark 4 cm from the neckline and make a dart 6 cm deep and 2 cm wide.

The neckline can be changed as desired. This will result in the product not being completely “pressed” to the neck, but located at a distance. The neck line should not be less than the dimensions that were measured. A shoulder dart is necessary because it will prevent the dress from looking like a hump at the neck. The cut will help ensure that the product fits tightly and easily to the figure and follows the curves of the body.

1. Find the chest line. The lower border is located in the same place as the chest line. Armhole height = 1/8 chest circumference + 7 cm. This distance should be measured from the edge of the shoulder down. Measure the distance from the found line to the top edge of the main rectangle. Place the resulting value on the sides and connect with a line.
2. Draw a line for the back and front armholes. The armhole line is directed downwards from the edge of the shoulder. You need to divide the height of the armhole by 3 and mark the beginning of the bend of the armhole. The height of the armhole from the front is 2 cm lower than from the back. Height = 1/8 chest circumference + 5 cm. The distance must be measured upwards. The edge of the armhole bends to the side by a distance = half the chest circumference divided by 10.
3. Draw the neckline and chest dart. The bust line is the bottom edge for the armhole and bust dart.

• front neck width = 1/6 neck circumference + 1 cm;
• depth = 1/6 neck circumference + 2 cm;
• diagonal size = 1/6 neck circumference + 1 cm;
• the point of the edge of the neckline above the chest = a quarter of the chest circumference + 4 cm.

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Ready product

1. Connect the edge of the neckline to the edge of the front armhole. On the bust line, mark ½ of the bust center measurement + 1 cm = top of the bust dart. Bust dart width = shoulder line length - shoulder measurement.
2. Separate the back from the front. The border is slightly shifted towards the back. Border = 1/3 of the width of the armhole area. The border of the shelves passes through a point located to the left.
3. Draw the lines of the waist and hips, and also make a dart. The waist line is located along a segment drawn from the upper corner of the rectangle, the length of which is equal to the length of the back. Hip line = ½ back length. Back dart line distance = ¼ back width. Front dart line = continuation of bust dart.

The dart at the waist allows you to fit the dress evenly. The excess fabric is directed inwards when the edges of the dart are sewn together. The waistline allows the dress to be narrowed at the sides.

1. Draw the extension for the hips. Mark 1.5 cm from the side line in two directions. Mark 3 cm on the bottom line and connect the dots.
2. Transfer the drawing onto copy paper.

This sheath dress template is a pattern for beginners.

When did it appear?

We owe the appearance of the sheath dress to the unforgettable Mademoiselle Chanel. The year of his birth is considered to be 1928. This model became a logical continuation of the “little black dress”, which a little earlier managed to make a splash in the fashion world. But unlike the monochrome model, sheath-cut dresses can have a variety of colors or be made from printed fabrics.

The dress became popular almost immediately after its appearance, then there was a surge in popularity in the sixties. The reason for the revival of interest was movies. Heroines of cult films of that time often sported dresses of this cut.

Office dresses

Office models of sheath dresses, as a rule, have styles close to classic ones . The length should be below the knee and the neckline should be moderate. Slits, transparent or lace inserts and other revealing details are not welcome.

The dress can have sleeves of different lengths. Models with ¾ sleeves are sewn that can be worn without additions. While sleeveless office dresses are combined with jackets and cardigans.

Models with a collar of a contrasting color or a stand-up collar look interesting. But you can choose a model with a classic boat neckline.

They sew an office sheath dress from fabrics that hold their shape well. These can be models made of gabardine, wool, cotton-based fabrics, etc. Most often, a sheath dress with a zipper on the back is sewn. But there are models in which the zipper is located on the side. Dresses with button closure at the front are less common.

The color of the office outfit is chosen depending on the requirements of the company. The classic solution is a black dress. It can be worn with a jacket in white, red or beige. A gray sheath dress looks no less formal. It can be a dark shade (slate, charcoal) or a very light gray dress with hints of blue or green.

Where is it appropriate?

Departing somewhat from the classic style, the sheath dress has become a universal garment, suitable for different occasions.

A variety of cut options and decorative elements give the outfit a look that matches its purpose:

• strict colors, thick fabrics, moderate length - for the office;
• lace inserts, rhinestones, expensive fabric, neckline or open shoulders - for evening dress;
• lightweight materials, bright prints - for walking on a hot summer day;
• denim, knitted model - for everyday wear.

Flounces, ruffles and draperies create a romantic look, while simple darts and ¾ sleeves create a business-like look. Wedding fashion offers sheath dresses for the bride; they also make models for pregnant women.

Leather sheath dress - for advanced fashionable parties. Different acceptable length options make the case popular among young people and older ladies.

Everyday looks

A sheath dress is also perfect for creating everyday looks. This could be a comfortable knitted sheath dress that does not restrict movement, or an outfit made from natural fabrics.

Various models for summer. A summer sheath dress can look completely different. These can be plain models in bright colors, or outfits made of fabric with a floral print. Multi-colored dresses with a blurred watercolor effect are trendy.

The cut is also varied. It can be a classic cut sleeveless model, a model with straps or a bustier-style bodice. Models with an asymmetrical neckline with a wide strap on one shoulder look interesting.

If your figure does not allow you to wear a dress that fits like a second skin, then you should pay attention to models with draperies. These spectacular details will help hide minor imperfections.

The current model for every day is a denim sheath dress. The fitted silhouette will allow you to present your figure in a favorable light. You can complement a denim dress with a strap of an interesting texture.

It is better to make a winter sheath dress for everyday wear from elastic materials, as they are more comfortable to wear than fabrics that hold their shape well. For winter, it is not at all necessary to choose dark colors; on the contrary, bright dresses and an interesting print will add charm to the model. The dress can be made with long sleeves. And if you have to spend most of the day in a well-heated room, then it is better to sew a sleeveless dress, complementing it with a knitted cardigan.

What to wear with?

You can combine sheath dresses with a wide variety of accessories. For light summer models, you can wear sandals, ballet flats or strappy sandals. The choice of shoes will depend on the cut of the dress. Strict tailoring requires classic shoe models; avant-garde dresses look great with original-shaped sandals.

For a plain dress, the jewelry is chosen to be bright and colorful for summer; dresses with bright prints can be complemented with strict accessories, for example, a plain belt that repeats one of the shades of the dress.

Prints

There are no prohibited patterns or prints for the pencil dress style. Designers offer a variety of patterns and colors to make each model as original and exclusive as possible. The most popular remain floral motifs, stripes, checks, polka dots, animal and geographical prints, and optical illusions.

Flowers

Floral print has not lost its relevance for several seasons in a row. When putting on a floral dress, you need to remember that such a pattern allows you to make your hips and chest more voluminous. Therefore, to visually correct your figure, you can opt for asymmetry and flowers unevenly distributed throughout the fabric.

Cell

The plaid sheath dress also remains in trend. This print makes you look a little fatter, so ladies with curvy figures should choose fabric with diagonal checks. The cage looks best on thick, warm fabrics. For example, a green sheath dress or an emerald one can complement your winter wardrobe.

Strip

An integral element of a fashionable look is stripes. It allows you to compliment any outfit. Wide horizontal stripes visually add the missing volume, while thin vertical stripes perfectly elongate the silhouette, adding a couple of centimeters of height. Light dresses with dark stripes are especially relevant.

Polka dots

Beautiful polka dot dresses are very trendy this season. This is an excellent cocktail option that is moderately extravagant and laconic. It should be remembered that large polka dots visually increase volume, so they are not the best option for plus-size ladies. Very often, designers decorate polka dot dresses with satin ribbons, large buttons and decorative cutouts.

Outfits with bright prints are best combined with plain shoes, a handbag and a hat. Otherwise, the image will be too clumsy.

Evening looks

A sheath dress is great for special occasions . It will be relevant for youth parties and at official celebrations.

A short sheath dress in bright colors is perfect for a youth party. It can be sewn from a material with glitter. Asymmetrical cut models with a strap on one shoulder look especially impressive. These dresses are comfortable to wear, unlike strapless models, you can move and dance freely in them without worrying about how your neckline looks.

The model with a peplum looks attractive . This decorative detail will help hide some figure flaws and draw attention to the most advantageous features.

A very interesting solution is a leather sheath dress. This is a rather extravagant wardrobe detail, but it is impossible to remain unnoticed in it. Only high quality soft leather is used to sew the dress. Zippers, belts, and pockets are used as decorative finishing. Leather dresses with fur trim or models whose individual details (sleeves, yokes, etc.) are made of perforated leather look impressive.

For those who are hesitant to purchase a leather dress, we can recommend purchasing a model with leather inserts. Such models look no less impressive.

It is recommended to sew a sheath cocktail dress from expensive and beautiful fabrics. Outfits made of satin or silk look great. The current solution is a sheath dress made of jacquard. This fabric has an interesting texture, so a dress made from it should have the simplest possible cut without draperies or decorative details.

Guipure models look elegant and sophisticated. You can sew a classic sheath dress from this material; it will look great due to the type of fabric. Brave girls can afford a guipure sheath dress with an open back. The neckline does not have to be as deep as possible; it can be made moderate.

For those who are hesitant to wear provocative cutouts, we can advise you to sew a sheath dress from a fabric with a smooth texture, and instead of a cutout on the back, use an insert with lace.

Long sheath evening dresses are called column dresses. They fit tightly at the waist, emphasizing the figure. The dress may have a straight silhouette; in this case, for ease of movement, a slit is made on the skirt. Mermaid cut dresses are trendy today. This style suits girls with an ideal figure. The dress fits tightly to the body, and the flared skirt begins from the mid-thigh line or from the knee.

What to wear with?

It is necessary to select accessories for the dress taking into account its color, cut, and also the format of the event. So, if this is an event that requires a strict dress code, then we can recommend the following look: wear a classic black sheath dress complete with a beige jacket with black trim. We complement the look with beige classic stiletto pumps, a black clutch and a string of pearls. The look will be impeccable; you can even wear it to a reception with the Queen of Great Britain.

To create less formal looks, you can use dresses in original styles and colors. They are paired with classic shoes or sandals. The choice of jewelry depends on the fabric, decor and neck shape. So, a jacquard or guipure dress has an interesting texture, so it’s better to avoid a necklace and limit yourself to earrings and a bracelet.

Suitable fabrics and textures

Different fabrics are used to sew dresses - from thin silk to thick linen, jacquard, boucle. The material must correspond to the created image and style, as well as the time of year.

From guipure

Guipure models create romantic images. The lining is sewn from contrasting or similar-colored fabric. Deep cutouts and lace inserts turn the outfits into festive and formal ones.

Silk

Silk models look chic, but quickly wrinkle and stretch. Suitable only for slender women without folds or excess weight.

Denim

Lightweight denim with a small amount of lycra is a convenient option for everyday wear and walking with a child.

Made from linen

In linen models, you can safely go to work in the office and take a walk on the street in the summer. They are hygroscopic, the body breathes in them. Disadvantage: they wrinkle a lot.

Jacquard

Thick fabric is used for sewing winter versions of sheath dresses, for wearing in the office. Long or ¾ sleeves.

Knitted

Knitwear is comfortable and practical, clings to the body. Such models favorably emphasize the figure and do not create stiffness or discomfort when worn for a long time.

Lace

With the help of lace, inserts are made that give the dress a festive look and correct the shape of the figure. Fully lace models are distinguished by sophistication and an elegant look.

Wedding looks

An elegant and feminine sheath dress is ideal for such a special event as a wedding. The even cut of the dress without horizontal lines will make a slender figure even more attractive.

You can make a sheath wedding dress down to the knee or choose the option with a floor-length skirt. The top of a wedding dress can also be decorated in a variety of ways. It can be a boat neckline or a V-shaped neckline, an off-the-shoulder option or with an American armhole. The choice of neckline is made taking into account the bride's body type. If a girl’s shoulders are wider than her hips, then you need to visually narrow them. And if the shape of the figure resembles a triangle, then it is better to choose a dress with puffy sleeves or flounces along the neckline. If a dress with open shoulders is chosen, and the couple intends to get married in a church, then a bolero or cape will be required so that the bride’s outfit is not too open.

A wedding sheath dress made of lace looks impressive. This outfit can be made from colored lace on a white cover. A model made of snow-white lace on a pastel-colored case will look no less beautiful.

What to wear with?

Let's figure out what to wear with a wedding sheath dress. Choosing accessories for this outfit is easy. As a rule, classic shoes are recommended for a sheath dress; the best choice is stiletto pumps.

A veil can be present in the bride's image, regardless of the length of the dress. A short veil looks harmonious with knee-length dresses; you can wear a lush and multi-tiered veil with a long dress.

Wedding hats look no less elegant. This could be a small pillbox hat with a veil or a wide-brimmed hat. Gloves can be an interesting detail of the look. For a sleeveless dress, you can wear gloves that are longer than the elbow.

Jewelry is chosen according to the image. In most cases, pearls will do. Elegant white metal jewelry looks good.

The most fashionable colors of 2021

The color scheme depends on the purpose of the outfit. Plain dresses traditionally attract more attention; the features of the cut and fit are better visible on them. Monochrome dresses are ideal for special occasions; they are complemented with shiny accessories, jewelry, and fur, which look advantageous against a plain background. Green dresses, popular this season, are complemented with accessories in gold, wine shades, and all the colors of autumn - from yellow to brown.

Dresses with prints - floral, geometric - usually do not need additional decorations; the pattern on the material is the decoration of the outfit. The 2021 season offers many color options for sheath dresses for different occasions.

Grey

Shades of gray are ideal for offices and cold seasons. A small ribbed or speckled pattern is allowed. Pearl and silver tones are worn in the summer, this shade is fashionable in the 2021 season. Expensive silver-gray fabric looks great in evening dresses.

Blue

Blue and light blue colors have been constantly in trend in recent years. Various shades of blue create subdued or vibrant looks. A dark blue dress is suitable for the office and going out. Shoes and accessories in white, gray, and beige tones go well with blue outfits. Any lady can easily find a shade of blue that suits her type. These outfits are complemented with silver jewelry.

Black

Chanel introduced black color into fashion by creating the famous little dress - a variant of the sheath model. Since then, black color has been popular among ladies of all ages; it makes you look slimmer, adds chic, and goes well with different types of jewelry. In festive versions it is complemented with lace, sparkle of rhinestones and jewelry.

White

White color gives tenderness and sophistication to the image. Designers offer sheath wedding dresses for brides of any age. White color is appropriate on a hot day, for everyday wear and for the office.

Red

Defiant, passionate red color does not require additional tricks to decorate the dress. Ladies in red attract everyone's attention, so the fabric, cut and fit must look perfect. Such models do not burden with unnecessary details, they focus on the texture of the material and the beauty of the figure. Accessories are chosen in shades of gold, complementing the look with scarves, stoles, bags in animalistic style with prints in gray, white and black colors.

Shades of beige

The beige color looks great on tanned skin and emphasizes the femininity of the image. Shades of beige tones are ideal for hot summers. Such dresses are complemented with accessories in appropriate soft tones, giving the image aristocracy and restraint. Another option is to use bright contrasting shades of shoes, bags, belts to create a defiant accent and colorize the clothes.

See also

Fashionable styles and models of high-waisted pencil skirts, stylish images

How to choose?

A sheath dress is a model that will suit all women without exception . The classic version of the dress is the most acceptable option; it looks equally good on both young girls and ladies of an elegant age.

For women of short stature, it is better to opt for knee-length models; for tall fashionistas, elongated dresses up to mid-calf are also suitable.

Girls whose figure is not ideal should choose dresses made of fabric with a matte surface and smooth texture. Fabrics with sparkles, models with rich decor, and translucent inserts should be avoided. It is also very important to purchase an outfit that is the right size. If you wear a tight dress, your fullness will be more noticeable. If you have full arms, it is recommended to choose even summer dresses with sleeves or use a bolero.

So, a sheath dress is a classic that will always be relevant. Therefore, all fashionistas, regardless of age and body shape, should include it in their wardrobe. Based on this item, using accessories, you can create a wide variety of, but always fashionable, looks.