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- š§µ They Asked Where I Got ItāThis Shirt Dress Did All the Talking
š§µ They Asked Where I Got ItāThis Shirt Dress Did All the Talking
š¼ Itās polished enough for a client meeting, easy enough for errandsāand somehow always gets compliments.

Designer, Co-Author: Rima Bajracharya. Sewing Pattern Secrets, TheSewingBrew.com
Most shirt dresses either scream āstiff office uniformā or āmeh weekend throw-on.ā But what if one dress could do bothāand still make you feel like youāve got it together?
The Work/Stay Shirt Dress is that unicorn. Clean lines. Polished structure. AND enough room to move. Whether youāre hustling through meetings or just want to look like you're running the show from home... this dress delivers.
š Letās unpack the power in this one pattern.
š” SPS Pattern Vault: Why This Pattern Works
āļø Built-in confidence: Between the sharp collar, tailored cuffs, and structured yoke, youāre halfway to power-dressed the minute you stitch the last buttonhole.
āļø Polished but practical: The pleated skirt isnāt just stylishāit gives you room to move, sit, and slay all day.
āļø Teaches while it works: This pattern has smart construction that walks you through intermediate-level techniques without hand-holding or head-scratching.
š Pattern Specs at a Glance
š§µ Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
š Style Lines: Front yoke, pleated skirt, sleeve cuff, and classic collar
š Fit: Tailored through bodice with ease in the hip
š©āš« Video Lessons Include in the database:
Lesson 3: Button Placket
Lesson 9: Collar
Lesson 10: Sleeves & Cuffs
Lesson 11: Yoke & Pleats
āļø Yardage: About 3 yard
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š§¶ Fabric Picks That Do the Work (So You Donāt Have To)
Your fabric should do as much heavy lifting as your needle.
ā
Chambray ā For a soft, casual everyday feel. Classic choice for a reason. Soft, structured, and lets the details shine.
ā
Tencel Twill ā Drapes like a dream but still has body; great for a luxe trendy look.
ā
Linen Shirting āAiry with natural texture, softens beautifully over time and perfect for casual everyday feel to brunchtime to perfect travel outfit.
ā
Shirting Cotton ā For crisp, clean office vibes with classic feel and works well for collars and cuffs
š” Pro tip: A subtle stripe or micro-check gives it designer energy with minimal effort.
šÆ Want Patterns Without the Drafting Drama?
ā If youāre a Sewing Pattern Secrets member, log in and start sewing! This one is already waiting for you inside the database.
š If you havenāt grabbed the database yet, nowās the time.
Right now, you can still get lifetime access to 155+ curated patterns, video tutorials, ebooks, and planners.
āļøPattern Hacks for Everyday Wins
Want to go from pattern follower to pattern hacker? Try these:
š Swap the sleeve cuff for a 3/4 sleeve with a tab and buttonāelevated but casual.
š Lengthen the skirt for a midi vibe thatās fall-friendly.
šØ Block the yoke in contrast fabricāchambray body + print yoke = ready-to-wear chic.
š§µAdd side seam pocket
šØ Bonus Tip: Play With Texture & Detail
Use contrast topstitching on corduroy or denim for a utility twist
Try printed cotton lawn for a vintage-inspired version
Add satin buttons on crisp poplin for a modern-chic blend
š Style It and Actually Wear It
šæ Day at the Market: Pair with tan sandal, a woven tote bag, and a nice pair of sunglasses.
šļø Office Ready: Add a wide belt, loafers, and a cropped blazer.
ā Casual Weekend: White sneakers, rolled-up sleeves, and hair in a top knot.
š¬ļø Fall Transition: Wear over tights with tall boots and a longline cardigan.
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If you're the kind of sewist who craves precision fit, couture finishes, and elegant resultsāespecially for womenās garments in sizes 6 to 24Xāthen youāll want to take a hard look at Design Secrets.
Itās the perfect companion to Sewing Pattern Secrets, built for women ready to level up their skills and create garments that look like they walked off a runway (not a craft table).
Inside Design Secrets, youāll unlock on a year long drip:
š¹ 24 exclusive womenās patternsāeach one couture-inspired
š¹ 129+ video lessons on fine sewing, fit adjustments, and finishing techniques
š¹ Advanced ebooks, tools, and fitting guides
š¹ A private community of sewists who are serious about elevating their craft
š¹ Structured delivery over a yearāso you never feel overwhelmed
ā”š§µš„Now access your paid Design Secrets subscription on Mobile Apps. (Youāve got to pay separately and first)
This is where the real transformation happensāfrom pattern follower to pattern designer.
š Want in? Click here to learn more about Design Secrets Ā»
⨠Final Stitch: The Real Reason to Make This Now
This isnāt a sew-it-and-forget-it dress. Itās a pattern youāll reach for again and againābecause it nails that rare combo of looking put-together without feeling done up.
Whether youāre chasing kids, chasing goals, or chasing coffee between calls, the Work/Stay Shirt Dress has your back (and your buttons).
Happy Sewing!!!
Rima
Donāt have the Sewing Database Yet? We offer a database of over 156+ sewing patterns, instructions, 50+ supporting sewing tutorials, 5 ebooks, 1 Flashcard System and 2 planners. Learn more.
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