Loosely inspired by the dropped waist styles that were popular in the 1920s, this dress has a very simple, almost rectangular silhouette. I find that I like boxy shapes as long as they’re done in a fabric with good drape, like this viscose-linen slub from JOANN (obligatory RIP).

My main focus in the drafting process for this dress was the dropped shoulder. In a traditional fitted shirt or dress, the shoulder seam sits right at the edge of your natural shoulder; extending this seam to fall at the upper arm can create a relaxed, slouchy look. The secret turned out to be lowering the sleeve cap (the curve in the sleeve pattern) so that the seam lays smoothly without creating an angle where it connects with the bodice.

This is the second draft of the Zephyr Dress. In my first try, I didn’t quite get the shoulder seam right, and I placed the dropped waist too low on the body. (And this is why we always make a mockup!) It worked out, though: I cut the skirt off my first attempt and turned it into a top.

One of the perks of making clothes rather than buying them is that you get to be creative with the details. For this dress, I wanted a fabric with more stability for the pockets and facing, so I chose a quilting cotton in a fun print.

Overall, I’m very happy with this piece. Although the airy silhouette of the dress is perfect for hot summer days, I find myself wearing it throughout the year: it works equally well with sandals or with tights and boots.