6 Ways to wear a tunic dress

A Year of Zero Waste Sewing is now published, and I thought I’d show you some ways to wear one of the patterns in the book, the pleated top (which can also be made as a dress like I’ve done here). This pattern is still available on its own for the bargain price of $5AU (+tax).

I do love doing these type of blog posts!

1. On its own

Nothing could be simpler – just add shoes and an accessory. This is one of the joys of dress-wearing.


2. Jacket and jeans

A layered look with narrow legged jeans, leather slides, and the jacket from the very popular March zine (it’s also in the Year of Zero Waste Sewing book). Liking the casual vibe of this.


3. Cardi and leggings

A softer look with ribbed skivvy, flowing cardigan and zero waste leggings (free pattern). Smart-looking comfort dressing. I forgot about shoes. Maybe some sort of loafer/moccasin type shoe?


4. Blouse and boots

Sleeveless garments mean you can “add sleeves” with any top worn underneath. This white blouse is the zero waste Cendre top, worn with an indigo-dyed scarf and boots.


5. With a suit. Whaaat?

My 12 year old was helping me with styling and spotted this suit in my wardrobe (it’s the Aquascutum suit from this re-styling blog post). How about it, Mum? I confess I’ve rarely worn this suit, as we’ve become a pajama-loving household. But I like it! It definitely needed the splash of colour at the neckline.


6. With a skirt underneath

I actually wore this combo to an important family event earlier this year. It was outdoors on a very hot day (perfect for sleeveless) but I felt the dress on its own was a bit short, especially as I’d be spending most of the time lying on a picnic rug.

So I put the zw Bryer skirt underneath, and wore platform espadrilles, a hat and my favourite dangly earrings. I felt like the arty Aunt!

Cheers! Liz

4 Comments

  1. Tory Sonstroem on March 25, 2024 at 2:40 am

    My favorite part of this post is to be directed to your earlier projects, from before I found you. I love the Aquascutum remake and all of the interesting and helpful information! I love a menswear remake intended for a (ahem) mature woman — well-fitting (not slouchy) no midriff cropping, etc.

    Your origami inspired tunic is beautiful too, no doubt. I would be interested in seeing more of that from you if/when the inspiration hits 🙂

    • lizhaywood on March 25, 2024 at 9:42 am

      Thank you, your comment made me smile when I thought of all the avante-garde suit remakes with cutouts and cropping!

  2. Liseli on March 28, 2024 at 1:22 am

    I wonder how the suite combo works out in real life! Thanks for the ideas 🙂

    • lizhaywood on March 28, 2024 at 11:30 am

      It’s not too bad at all, but totally “ill-suited” for my current lifestyle Haha!

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