I’ve been intrigued by the Sew House Seven Bridgetown Backless Dress for such a long time. From the front it looks like a modern dress perfect for the beach bar but from the back it’s got this sexy draped open back thing going on. So fun.
So, I was really excited and jumped at the chance to sew one up for my IndieSew Blogger Team post this month.
I stitched it up in teal palms rayon challis, which has great drape and looks completely ready for a casual beach wedding. Don’t you think?
Part of my hesitation with this pattern was that I was worried it would look too plain from the front. I love that the teal palms fabric make sure that isn’t the case. I did add the optional band at the bottom of the skirt but you really can’t tell with this busy fabric. I think that detail would be really beautiful in a solid colored dress.
The dolman style sleeves are new for me. I don’t usually go for that style but I LOVE how the drape of this rayon fabric makes it look so good. This dress took a bit of getting used to for me, if I’m honest. Truthfully, I think it might be because I’m in the 40s and this style is more modern than I’m used to. Maybe?
I had to wear it a while around the house to accustom myself. My neighbor who took these pictures for me (thanks Alex!) made me feel really good about this style. It’s good to break out of our style patterns sometimes! This Bridgetown Backless Dress is definitely helping me do that. Now all I need is an invitation to yer beach house. 🙂
Note: The fabric and pattern are available at IndieSew. They were made available to me as part of my agreement on the Blogger team. My opinions, however, are all mine.
Masha says
I love this dress on you. I have been really intrigued by this pattern, but mama requires a heavy-duty bra to hold everything up and in place – I feel like the back is too low for that.
Melissa Q. says
I do know what you mean! I don’t require heavy-duty equipment but I do like equipment! I feel like a cool solution is to wear a cool bralette or lacy, fun bra. You know, make it work FOR you!
Margaret Looby says
I feel the same way about sewing for my appropriate age & comfort. This looks fabulous on you! Certain outfits & smiles while wearing them can at least blur the lines so I don’t feel like I’m sewing too old for myself either! Thanks for sharing!
Melissa Q. says
Thanks for your kind words! I find that my age can make it hard for me to embrace new styles but I try not to pay attention to any ‘rules’ about what I can or can’t wear at a certain age. Who made up those rules anyway? And, if you ask me, sewing my own clothes means constructing my own rules about style. It can be a long journey but exploring my own style in my own way feels even more important in my 40s. 🙂