I’m not a 70’s fall floral dress kind of person. Most floral patterns scream Little House on the Prairie to me. However, I saw this fabric and it kind of spoke to me. Even though it has a flower pattern, it seemed more 70s-inspired dress and less Laura Ingall’s.
Top row left to right: boden dress, anthropologie summers dress, tuckernunk dress
Middle row: brown purse, sweater coat, blue purse
Bottom row: suede boots, leather boots
There is a scene in the movie Cruella that centers on the iconic department store Liberty of London. In the first few seconds, you hear Emma Stone talk about how fabulous the store is as people walk by on the street. Everyone in the scene is well dressed in muted neutral tones, pleated skirt dresses, beautiful dress coats, tall boots, and either newsboy or floppy felt hats. So, when I saw this fabric, that is what I thought of. Maybe boho isn’t the best way to describe it, but the muted colors and fall floral dresses make me think of this scene and its 70s fall fashion vibe.
Design Breakdown
This dress is basically a style sampler—a little from here, a little from there, and somehow it all came together. I pulled pieces from three different patterns to get the exact look I wanted:
The pockets (yes, POCKETS!) are borrowed from Simplicity 1370. I stick them in every dress I sew because they’re the perfect size—roomy enough for keys, phone, or snacks, but not so huge they make your hips look like cargo holds. If it works, why switch it up?
The bodice is from Butterick 5985. You’ve seen me use it before (hello, Sewing with Stripes & Styling a Linen Dress for Fall posts). I reach for this pattern a lot because it fits well and has that simple, no-drama style that plays nice with different looks. Honestly, when you find something that works, why mess with it?
The skirt comes from New Look 6491. The instructions said “gather the skirt.” I said, “no thanks,” and went with pleats instead. Gathers looked a little too messy for my liking, and pleats just feel more polished.
So in short: it’s a little bit Butterick, a dash of New Look, and a sprinkle of Simplicity. Kind of like a recipe—except instead of soup, you get a 70’s-inspired floral dress that’s perfect for fall.
Details – Fall Floral Dress
All these separate pattern pieces played surprisingly nice together—no sewing drama required. And let’s be real, the pockets are hands-down the best part (because who doesn’t want a place to stash snacks or hide their phone at awkward family gatherings?). The bodice is fully lined, but the skirt? Nope. I refuse to waste good fabric on a hidden lining no one will ever see. Unless the design absolutely calls for it, I’ll stick with the old-school solution: just throw on a slip. Problem solved.
How to Wear It
I styled my fall floral dress with tall camel boots, a leather bag, a long camel-colored sweater coat. Instant cozy-chic. Honestly, it’s the kind of look that says, “Yes, I’m going out for dinner, but no, I didn’t overthink it.” The sweater coat is the same as the one I wore before—just in a different color, because when you love a piece, you obviously buy it twice.
For a more casual vibe, swap in a denim jacket add low boots, and grab your blue quilted tote bag because it’s basically perfect. It’s just the right size for all the essentials: wallet, phone, fresh flowers (yes, really), and a magazine or two. In other words, everything you need for a brunch-with-the-girls starter pack.
Closing Thoughts
So there you have it: a 70’s fall floral dress that’s equal parts cozy and chic. This handmade fall dress, complete with pleated skirt, fall floral dress outfit vibes, and yes, pockets, is the ultimate retro fall dress for brunch, dinner, or anywhere you want to look effortlessly stylish.
Until next time.
