Style Arc Sydney Designer Dress

I am 6 feet tall and usually a US 12. I made size 10 in this pattern, adding 1 inch to the bodice and 2 inches to each skirt piece. This made the dress the same length as shown in the photos, but the bust seam was lower than my bust point so I may reduce the bodice extension during my next make.

I found construction very easy due to a Style Arc video posted on their YouTube page. I didn't even read the written instructions as I had a paper pattern and the writing was very small...so I just went straight to the video.

The hem band at the bottom creates the cocoon shape, but it doesn't allow me to stride my full length while walking (I have very long legs). That doesn't bother me so much, but could if I was wearing all day.

I made this dress in a very drapey viscose. I wouldn't make it in anything more structured as the skirt is VERY volumous and the drape is needed. I will purchase the expansion pack which slims the skirt down, then try it in a linen. I also chose to interface the hem band which worked well as far as how it looked, but didn't allow the hem band to stretch enough to fit the skirt, which caused some tucks around the hem seam. This wouldn't happen if a different fabric was used for construction.

All in all, extremely comfy and could be make in a variety of different prints/fabrics for different occasions.

Apologies if the photo doesn't upload - last time I used a screenshot it went wrong.

I made this dress in some fabric I bought from a charity shop labelled 'vintage.' It's really lovely - like a lightweight poplin with a sheen and enough body to let the seams balloon out.

It went together beautifully apart from some stupidity on my part with the pockets (it's not the highest notch but the next one down....). The seams are long and if you're Frenching them you'll need plenty of thread. I French seamed everything except the pocket seams which I will bind, and they all worked fine.  I've seen reviews complaining about the hem band being too tight but it's exactly the same circumference as the dress hem so I don't know how that's happened.

The one star removed is - as others have said - for the instructions. I've used Style Arc before and had no problems although I appreciate that they're not great for beginners.

However, there were several issues here.  There's nothing on the hem band pattern piece about cutting one from interfacing, but then the instructions tell you to add the interfacing. Throughout the instructions the hem band is alternately referred to as a band and a facing - two different things. Furthermore, there are no actual instructions for attaching the band. Eye roll.

Also, towards the start you're told to join the side seams and it's not clear whether this refers to the bodice or the skirt. I chose tye skirt, which was wrong, and which causes confusion later on.

If the instructions are going to be scant they should at least be accurate.  But the dress looks fab, exactly the right length for me (5'8") and I will be making another one.

The Sydney Designer Dress is full of drama. It's voluminous but at the same time simple. It's even simple to sew. No zippers or buttons. I made a size 8 but sewed it in to a size 6 at the bust. My pockets pulled the seams a bit but that problem got fixed by stitching the pocket bags to the dress.