Closet Core Pauline dress

Difficulty: Advanced · Sizes: 0–20

Pauline from Closet Core is a dramatic, romantic statement dress with sleeves and skirt styles you can mix and match. A square neckline frames the face, while knife pleats shape the bodice at the waist and a back keyhole ties at the nape of the neck.

Pattern options

• View A: a sleeveless sheath dress with a straight skirt finishing just above the knee.
• View B: puff sleeves in two lengths and a midi-length tiered skirt.
• All views feature the pleated bodice, square neckline and tied back keyhole.
• Make the dress unlined or fully lined, with an invisible zip at the centre back.

Recommended fabrics

• For a more structured shape: light- to medium-weight wovens such as linen, poplin, seersucker, broadcloth, sateen, chambray or cotton shirtings.
• For a softer effect: rayon challis, viscose, Tencel, cotton voile or silk.

Notions and tools

• 16–18in invisible zip
• 0.5m of 10mm-wide elastic for View B sleeve cuffs
• 0.5m lightweight fusible interfacing
• Matching polyester thread
• Optional bias tape
• Marking tool
• Point turner