Back in Me-Made-May earlier this year, I whipped up a version of Vogue 1179. I used a poly-lycra roll end from my stash in a reptile-ish print. But I wasn’t happy with it because it really needed an FBA to hang properly. And I felt like a frump every time I wore it. Definitely a wadder project, although I really really like the idea of this dress. I just don’t feel stylish wearing it. I even gave away my earlier red version because the fabric was only an 11 oz rayon-lycra and I felt so self-conscious wearing it.
So I took the latest rendition apart and saved the fabric by turning it into one of Burda’s shapeless boxy tops that take 30 minutes to trace, cut and sew (Burda 05/2012 #109+110).
I’m surprised at this, OK? I have never gravitated towards shapeless anything, but this was a gamble I was willing to lose. I like it. If it wouldn’t look weird, I’d wear this top three times a week. Why? There is nothing special about it. It’s just an over-sized box with a wide boat neckline that can maybe sorta fall into a cowl-ish shape on the front.
I made it more interesting for myself by adding the shoulder ties and pulling them up to about a 10cm width.
Lots of room in this, I think, is what I’m liking. It’s not figure conscious, which translates to comfort, physically and psychologically, perhaps. It was a good use of the fabric. And now that I know I like shapeless tops and they don’t look as horrible as my mind’s eye insisted, I’m not afraid to try more.
Mezzo Couture 
That top looks so good on you, it’s hard to believe it’s basically just a rectangle!
Good thing you turned that cloth into this fantastic looking top! Although I would like the neckline to be a lot more obviously cowl shaped. Nevertheless, nice looking top and the shoulder ties are a simple addition that really worked!
That was a great save and the top looks fabulous – the shoulder ties are a nice touch.
Love the shoulder ties! So smart. This was a great way to save that fabric, funny how shapeless really does work sometimes! It’s especially nice with that skirt.
Brilliant save! Well done you and you look fantastic in your ‘new’ top.
I have quite a few dresses that could do with this treatment. Thank you for the idea.
What a transformation! The looser top with the skirt is perfect, flattering and not at all shapeless. The shoulder ties make a huge difference (would have never thought of that).
I initially thought the ties were a bit ‘young’, but I am liking them!
An excellent save – agree, the new top looks great, much improved.
The focus went from wide hem at the dress bottom to “look at my shoulders and waist” fun top…great turnaround! I’m a sucker for shoulder ties!
Anything to pull attention from bottom width – haha!
Yes to this- a wonderful save! Last week I was dressed for work in a blah knit and spur of the moment chopped it to a tunic after coffee- liberating!
Well, isn’t that what McQueen used to do? Look at some gorgeous tailored garment and take scissors to improve it!!
Oh to be in the same galaxy with that talent!
Excellent save. That top looks so good.
Yes, a good illustration that success does not equate to complexity. You look great, I can imagine this would look entirely different in other fabrics, a very useful pattern.
I’ve made this one a couple of times too. I think a looser top really works with a narrower bottom, exactly as you are wearing it here, great looking outfit.
You picked a great fabric. I love it! It looks like it was made for this skirt. Nice you personalized this to your own style too!
Love your fabric-so glad you gave it a second chance! The skirt is a perfect pairing. I did not think “Frump” when I saw the initial dress, but i agree that the new iteration is more “you”.