Jersey Little Black Dress

I had some soft black cotton jersey left over from this top.

I followed through with my plan to make a very simple LBD, or little black dress, a style popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s.

From the article: Everything About Little Black Dresses – “A little black dress symbolizes effortless elegance, simplicity, and style. It is essential for every woman because it is iconic, versatile and timeless. Wear it as it is, or accessorize with shoes or jewelry”.

I need this wardrobe magic!

I knew I wanted a dress like a long tee shirt with short sleeves, a v-neck, and an optional sash. I used view A of New Look 6461 as the bones of my pattern, and also based the dress on a v-neck nightshirt I often wear, measuring to get the same amount of ease in the hips.

This came together very easily.  I used clear elastic on the wrong side in the seam allowance for the neckline, then folded it over, and stitched it down.  I had to piece together fabric for the long sash.  Due to a lack of fabric, I was afraid the front would be too short and applied a fabric facing.

I tried wearing it several different ways: with jewelry, scarves, belted and unbelted, flat and heeled sandals. I considered adding an elastic waist, but decided against it.  I wanted to keep the dress simple, and I didn’t want anything binding. I like the sash tied for waist definition, and it is supremely comfortable.

I’m feeling tres chic in my little black dress!