I sewed this dress about a month ago and the weather changed before I even got around to posting about it! This was my first time sewing the Southport dress pattern in an adult size after recently making one for Caroline, and I love the finished piece so much I have already sewed up a second one and am making plans for my third. This pattern is truly a wardrobe staple in the best way and I can tell that my closet is going to fill with many more of them, in both the mid and maxi lengths, and in an array of fabrics.

For those who go nuts for pockets in dresses, it has pockets! While I don’t require pockets in all of my dresses, I do appreciate them in a maxi dress. Other things I love about this dress are the relaxed bodice, the button front, and the waist tie. I wasn’t fond of the front slit in concept but have grown to like it, though I am considering putting side slits in a future variation just to see how I like it.

This was my first time sewing a garment out of truly flowy fabric. I was nervous about it but it ended up being pretty easy. Cutting it was really the hardest part, especially the long skirt pieces…trying to keep the stripes straight all the way down took some patience and attention to detail. Scroll down for all the pattern and fabric details, my notes, and a gallery with more images!