Allie Olson Highlands Wrap Dress

For a wrap dress there is quite a lot that goes into this make.  The Highlands Wrap Dress is a woven dress with a faced V-neckline, elasticised back waistband, hidden button waist tabs for security and waist ties. There’s a midi and a maxi length with a long slit and short sleeves or no sleeves with armhole facings. There are many beautiful ones on IG.

I graded between sizes, in between a size 6 and 8 at the bust to a size 10 at my waist. I left it at a size 10 over the hips although my hip measurement was a size 8. You do have to get the size at the waist right because although it is a wrap dress, it is secured by hidden tabs and press studs.

I liked the back waist band as it gave definition around the back but I didn’t need to insert elastic into it; it was already the perfect size for across my back, on my waistline. It didn’t need to be cinched in any further!

I love it. It's definitely an elevated wrap dress.

There's loads more detail on my blog https://lovelucie.org/2022/03/23/highlands-wrap-dress/

I loved the look of the maxi sleeveless wrapdress on the model, but I have made up a midi length sleeved dress due to my requirements. I will make a sleeveless version for the summer ( clue - I like the pattern)

The construction of the wrap is interesting on this dress. The button tabs ( once I got my mind around them) provide a very secure fastening, and I certainly did not have any wardrobe malfunctions as a result. Whilst the skirt panels are fairly straight, the addition of the side slits give a nice bit of movement.

I like the set in back waistband as this gives a bit of structure to the wrap dress. I omitted the elastic from this section as the fit was fine without it.

There is plenty of stitching/ understitching / top stitching in this make - but that does give a nice finish to the garment.

I did add a popper to the bodice wrap- I’m never  completely comfortable otherwise!

Two considerations when making this up - the pdf takes a lot of printing - I think I would consider paying for printing if doing again.And watch the seam allowances. They are smaller than standard so less room for adjustment or you will make up the garment too small if you don’t spot this!!

I bought the Highlands Wrap Dress pattern specifically to use with my Nani Iro as the fabric wasn't wide enough for the skirt pieces of any of my other wrap dress patterns. Whilst a wrap dress is simple and easy to wear, this particular pattern is a little more complex than it may appear, as it has closures (hidden buttons and button tabs to make sure the dress stays closed), and an elasticised back waistband which adds more shape to the garment. It's also an exercise in precision and detail, a lot of pressing (my Hot Hemmer got a workout), and the whole neckline/garment front is stitched, understitched, then topstitched.

I cut the size for my measurements and didn't toile - risky behaviour I know, but luckily the dress fits perfectly. I reduced the length (because I'm not very tall!) but unfortunately I made the mistake of not changing the length of the slits; so at first pass the slits were a bit risqué! As I had already basically completed the whole dress at this point, I handstitched the slits closed, but this is basically the only adjustment I'd make for next time. This is such a beautiful garment in the end and I'm so pleased with the outcome.
@frockingloulou