oxford button-up refashion into a summer dress!

I recently refashioned two thrifted button-up oxford shirts into a simple dress! It's light, comfortable, and so perfect for summer! :) Would you like to make one?! Here's how!

 Steps for bodice of dress (photos of steps below):

1. If necessary, take in side seams of the shirt you are using for the dress bodice. I took in the side seams about an inch on both sides. 2. Cut off the sleeves and turn edges under and sew a narrow hem. 3. If you want, you can gather the shoulder seams a bit. Sew basting stitches, and draw up the threads until you reach the fullness you desire. Permanent stitch along the shoulder seam to hold the gathers into place. 4.Try on your shirt wrong side out and mark where you want your dress waistline to be. I chose for mine to hit slightly above my natural waistline. 5. Cut off the bottom of your bodice shirt 5/8th of an inch below your markings (This 5/8th of an inch is for your seam allowances)

Steps for skirt portion (photos of steps below):

1. Cut off the sleeves and upper chest section of the shirt you're using for the skirt portion. 2. Sew a row of basting stitches 1/4 of an inch away from the cut edge of the fabric. Sew another row of basting stitches 1/4 of an inch away from the first row. 3. Gather up basting stitches until the circumference of the skirt portion matches that of your bodice piece. 4. With right sides together, line up button plackets, pin in place, and continue pinning all the way around the waistline. 5. Permanent stitch all the way around the waistline, 5/8th of an inch away from edge. 6. Press seam allowances up towards bodice. You could serge or overlock stitch the seam allowances if you want. I simply used pinking shears. You don't have to worry about hemming this dress either, just use the original shirt hem! :) *A note on fit: This dress is not super tight at the waistline. I have about an inch of wearing ease. This allows me to unbutton the top buttons and pull it over my head without busting the waistline seam. I plan on wearing it with a belt to cinch it in a bit more at the waist.

Happy Sewing! Check back to see how I style this dress for Thrifted Thursday! :)