A Roscoe Dress Hack
I’m so excited to show you all my amazing dress! When I first saw this fabric from Lady McElroy it was love at first sight. There was something about this orange and the hints of green and fluro pink throughout that was just a dream. If you don’t know, I’m huge on colour and colour combinations so this just spoke to me. It’s got a beautiful drape but still retains its structure. It was absolutely perfect for the project I’d been wanting to try.
My intention was to make something trans-seasonal. Something that I could easily layer in the colder months and wear on a hot day in summer. I had a particular style in mind but the problem I encountered was I couldn’t find the pattern so I got a little creative. I used the Roscoe pattern from True Bias to achieve this look. For the most part I used the pattern as intended, I just made three key changes. I shortened the bodice (and will shorten in more for my next one) to account for the gathered skirt. The gathered skirt was two rectangle pieces cut at 28” in length and the whole width of the fabric. The last change was moving the opening of the front to the back. I followed the instructions, I just merely put the opening in the middle of the back bodice piece rather than the front. Aside from those three changes everything else remained the same.
The look that I was after was a nice gathered neckline across the front where it wrapped around the back and tied into a cute bow. I achieved this look by switching the opening to the back. I could have easily made the dress as instructed and worn it back to front but I wasn’t sure how that would translate across my bust with the back bodice at the front. I think it worked a treat and I’m really happy with the pattern and print combination. It’s the ultimate street style flair while still maintaining a softness.
For styling, I went for my standard converse shoes with socks for this. It’s my go to with dresses but I have many other looks planned. I recently got into knitting so I’m very excited to knit a vest so pull over the top or possibly a cardigan. I’m thinking in a green and pink mix or an orange and pink mix. I’ve also worn this dress with thermals underneath for added warmth and that has worked a treat! For summer, you’re probably thinking it’s got huge sleeves but the beauty of that is that it’s so breezy and breathable that my body is free to well, breathe. Did I mention it’s super lightweight too? Feels like i’m wearing nothing really which is also really helpful when layering.
Overall I couldn’t be happier with this make. I had a vision and it came together wonderfully. It’s on high rotation and we’re still in winter so there’s no doubt that I achieved my trans-seasonal dress. Who said you can’t wear bright colours in winter? Hopefully I dispelled that myth for you all!
