Chemise Rarely Fails To Flatter

The chemise dress is popular these days and with good reason. It’s a flattering style for many figures and it is very versatile.

The dresses shown here are sewn from Kwik Sew pattern No. 2145. I like Kwik Sew because its patterns and instructions incorporate many short-cut methods that save time but still result in a garment that looks professionally made. If your fabric store doesn’t carry this pattern line, you can order it by calling Kwik Sew Pattern Co. Inc., (800) 328-3953.

If you don’t want to make the dress yourself, a seamstress can make it for you and you’ll still save money.

I’ve dressed one chemise up with a fake fur collar and cuff set; the other with another homemade creation, a lovely lace skirt with scalloped edges and a satin ribbon tie belt. Here are some other ideas for changing the look of this dress: A dressy vest in anything from tapestry to velvet.

A detachable shirt collar and cuff set.

A slim belt and matching jacket.

A silk overblouse left unbuttoned or cinched at the waist.

Designer version (center)

Black wool dress by Bill Blass, $1,300

Black suede pumps with open toe by Delman, $145

Black and gold earrings by St. John, $70

Total: $1,515

Dress For Less versions (left and right)

Wool jersey fabric by Landeau at Minnesota Fabric stores, $35.42 Kwik Sew Pattern No. 2145, $6.50 (blue dress)

Emil Katz navy scalloped-edge lace starting at $4.95 per yard, $12.37 (red dress)

Three-piece collar and cuff set from Donna Salyers Fabulous Furs, $49

Black suede pumps by Calico at major department stores, $49

Total: $152.29

MEMO: The best fashion bargains featured in this column are available in book form. Send $9.95 to Dress For Less, 177 Sound Beach Ave., Suite 6, Old Greenwich, CT 06870.