Plotting my Bridesmaid Dress

My little sister is getting married in September and I need a navy knee length dress because I will be one of the 2 bridesmaids. The other bridesmaid already ordered her dress in Midnight Navy Poly Taffeta from Kenneth Winston (style 5042). We plan on buying orange Pashmina shawls in case it is cold in September...

My sister's wedding moodboard

I was hesitant as to which pattern to sew so I made my own pin up paper doll (tutorials Oonaballoona and Llady Bird)... I drew the Colette Macaron, Gertie Sultry Sheath and BHLSophia and a few more options... Those below are my first attempt at using my Me-Paper-Dolls!

Gertie's Sultry Sheath vs Colette Macaron

But since I already own the pattern (and my husband voted for it too!), I will start by sewing a muslin of the Gertie's Sultry Sheath (from the book Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing). My plan is to change the back to a deep low V neckline. That usually helps to create the illusion of a smaller waist or not as overwhelmingly broad shoulders... I might shorten it quite a bit too to hit at a more flattering spot on my muscular legs.

I will probably sew mine in navy silk dupioni or shantung.  Underline in Silk Organza (or cotton fuzzy if boning show through), use steal boning and line it in silk crepe de chine maybe? (or rayon bemberg or silk habotai) I am toying with the idea to have my underlining and lining come from Dharma and to paint the lining but it will probably be too much work (but their silk are so much less expensive)...

I am 40-34-40 inches with 38in high bust (or 34G bra) at 162 lbs, 5'3" : I am tracing the size 8 at the shoulder, 10 at bust, 12 at waist and back to 8 from the hips down.

I am unsure if the dress will be too simple, so I may be adding a little drape at the waist line like the pink floral version made by Gertie herself. OR a self fabric covered belt OR pretty bows like this version of BHL Elisalex bodice and Charlotte skirt made by Katy & Laney! Here is my Pinterest board dedicate to that project.

Pretty bows from Katy & Laney (source)

I might sew 2 purses (Clutch pattern from Etsy) for me and the other bridesmaid, either orange or nude.

I plan to wear nude wedge heels ; I will go to Bottes Imperial in Montreal to have them custom made by an old-school cobbler... :D

And I will also sew my daughter's dress... But that is for another post!