7 Ways to Style a Swing Dress

Want to figure out different ways to style a swing dress? Look no further! I'm a huge fan of swing dresses as the shape is flattering on my body shape. What swing dress pattern am I using? Well, funny thing about that... I'm using a top pattern that I've made into a dress!

I decided I wanted a raglan swing dress so I based my dress on the Love Notions Rockford Raglan pattern. This is a raglan with a semi-fitted bust while being loose through the waist and hips. The Rockford features a top or tunic length so all I did was lengthen the tunic length an additional 9 inches. This achieved a dress that hits a few inches above my knee. I opted for a long sleeve dress as I'm often cold and we're transitioning into fall.

✨The Rockford Raglan is $5 for the Featured Friday deal for Friday October 13th only. You can use Ksews10 for an extra 10% off any Love Notions order including Featured Friday patterns. ✨

For fabric, you want to use one that drapes and swings well. This dress is made from Mily Mae Fabric Zayna Brushed Polyester. I'd also recommend bamboo spandex, modal spandex or rayon spandex. 

Now let's talk about styling! 

As you can see, shoes can change the style easily. Whichever pair of shoes you choose, you'll get anywhere from a casual look to a more dressed up appearance with heels. 

The simplest look is just throwing on a pair of sandals or heeled sandals. Nothing else needed.

Adding a jean jacket adds dimension and warmth. This one is from Amazon and is paired with wedge sandals.

Love a wrap? It changes the neckline appearance without actually having a different neckline. I've paired it with short boots. It would work with a jean jacket too. 

I'm not a huge hat person but you can't deny how a hat can change an outfit. The real difference with this look though is the thin belt which pulls in the waist creating a new silhouette. 

Adding a duster cardigan and boots is my go-to fall look. This duster is made from mashing the Boyfriend Cardigan with the Arlington puff sleeve. I have a blog post of how to do this hack. It's a medium weight Urban Wave Rib from Mily Mae Fabrics. 

Since this Rockford Dress doesn't have pockets, a crossbody helps hold keys and a phone. Add a pair of flat sneakers and it's the perfect casual look.

Feeling cold? Just add leggings. The only downside with leggings is that the dress fabric can stick to the leggings.

Traditional Raglan Wears

While I hacked the Rockford into a dress, it's a great standard raglan option too! Just make the pattern following the tutorial. It can be sewn as a sweatshirt style or tee shirt in both shirt and tunic lengths. 

 

This is the banded shirt length with long sleeve and cuffs. This is made from French Terry and using rib knit for bands. 

Here's it as a tee in top length with short sleeves made from Rayon Spandex. I sized down since Rayon Spandex grows with wear. 

Hacked Colorblock Sleeve

A few years ago I used the Rockford Raglan to make this colorblocked sleeve version using scraps. I also added a back seam since I was limited on my fabric cut pieces. When you find a great base of a pattern, hacking is much easier since you know the fit.

Here's a video of my tips on making this Rockford version. 

The Rockford Raglan (and the kids Wrigley Raglan) are $5 for the Featured Friday sale today, Friday October 13, 2023 only. Use code Ksews10 to get an extra 10% off any purchases.

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