Summer Dresses (and More) Ready to Wear Looks to Sew this Summer

I thought it would be fun to sit down and take you through a little style adventure I've been on lately. I pulled together ten different warm-weather outfit ideas—some inspired by things I saw online, some suggested by my lovely community, and a few straight from my own Pinterest board. It's been such a joy dreaming these up, and now I want to share what I’d make (and wear!) for each look. Perfect if you’re looking to sew women's summer clothes that feel fresh and wearable.  You can watch the video version here: 

Let’s kick things off with a romper I tried on at a local boutique. It was probably a linen-rayon blend and felt amazing—light, breezy, and surprisingly flattering. I thought, “I need to make this!” After a bit of sleuthing, I landed on the True Bias Rory Jumpsuit as my base pattern. I’ll skip the waist cinching (not my thing) and just let the fabric drape. I already had the perfect poppy-colored linen-rayon from The Sewing Studio, so this one’s definitely happening soon. (And don't forget to check my Resources page for discount codes)

Look two was one Jenny had pinned—it's a cute little plaid-and-solid mix with a skirt that plays with direction and texture. For the top, I'm sticking with the True Bias Aster Tank in a warm cinnamon woven from Fableism, which pairs beautifully with the cobalt-and-orange madras plaid I chose for the skirt. That plaid is going to shine in the Spaghetti Western Henrietta Skirt, especially with all those gathers and pockets. The whole thing has a playful, summer picnic vibe and I’m very into it.

For look three, I went back to a striped knit summer dress I pinned forever ago. I remembered loving the shape when I made the Tilly and the Buttons Coco dress years ago—so that’s what I’m using again! The original is sleeveless, but it’s easy to hack the Coco by skipping sleeves and using a knit binding to finish the armholes. I’ll use a cotton-spandex jersey from Minerva*—it's yarn-dyed, so the stripes stay on grain and it’s a dream to sew. This one will be so wearable and comfy, but still totally put-together.

Next up, look four is this easy-breezy outfit that’s perfect for dinner out or movie nights. It's a little elevated, but still casual and comfortable. For the top, I’m using the Style Arc Posy Knit Top in either white or cream viscose jersey*. The soft drape makes it a winner. The shorts are the Itch to Stitch Brampton*, which have a paperbag waist and an optional sash. I’m using a marigold linen blend* for the shorts—just bright and cheery enough for summer. I can already picture this outfit with some cute flats and a straw bag.

Look five is a swimsuit—because yes, I love sewing swimwear and I couldn’t resist this print-mixed inspiration! The new Greenstyle Creations Kokomo pattern was exactly what I needed: it comes in multiple cup sizes and has several style options. I picked a bold floral patchwork print for the main fabric and paired it with a minty two-tone check for contrast—kind of a Harley Quinn vibe but in a beachy, fun way. I think this one’s going to feel flattering and creative, and I’m weirdly excited to make it.

Look six was inspired by a Boden summer dress dress I saw in a catalog that felt a bit edgier than their usual stuff. I picked the Fiber Mood Alberthe pattern, even though it’s for wovens. I’m making it in a fuchsia rayon ponte* from Mood—stretchy enough that I can skip the zipper and maybe size down. The result should hug the body more, like the Boden original. It’s such a simple, wearable dress, but that bright color and subtle shaping will give it a chic little twist.

Now let’s talk about look seven, which was inspired by a Johnny Was summer dress one of my community members shared. Total boho vibes. I’m going with the Closet Core Nicks Dress—but making some changes! I’ll use the blouse version, omit the elastic, and add two custom tiers for a mini-dress length. Mood has this stunning panel print* that looks like a scarf—perfect for getting that artsy, block-printed feel without having to add actual trim. I’m excited about how luxe and unique this one will look.

Look eight has a real bohemian-caftan vibe, with mix-and-match prints and fun trim. I’m using Vogue 9328, a versatile dress pattern with lots of sleeve options. I’ll add a center seam to the front skirt panel for more print play. For fabric, I picked two block prints from The French Seam—one peach and white, the other a mix of green, blue, and pink. I’m planning to alternate them along seams or use them as appliqué-style stripes. It’s going to feel breezy, artsy, and just right for summer strolls.

The ninth outfit came from a Talbots summer dress, and while the original is woven, I’m making mine in knit because: comfort. The Wardrobe By Me Mirri Wrap Dress was a perfect match with its faux-wrap bodice and flowy skirt. I found this cotton-spandex knit at Stylemaker with little peacocks and florals that matches the Talbots vibe perfectly. It's one of those throw-it-on-and-go kind of dresses that still feels polished enough for the office, brunch, or wherever your day takes you.

Finally, look ten was submitted by Amy, who asked for something flattering for a pear-shaped figure. Love that! I paired the Seamwork Zinnia Skirt*—lengthened a bit—with the Seamwork Hansie* woven tee. The Zinnia has a full button front and a fitted waistband that really highlights the waist, especially with a belt. I picked a soft dusty-blue Robert Kaufman linen* for the skirt and a crisp rayon poplin for the top. The real fun is in the embroidery—you can go minimal or bold with it, depending on your machine and style. It’s such a summer-ready pairing.

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_{And don't forget to check my Resources page for discount codes}