I didn’t intend to post two similar dresses in a row, but here we are! For my Easter dress this year I used a small bolt of beautiful red and cream floral toile that I got on sale a while ago from Missouri Quilt Co. I paired it with a similar pattern to my recent wintry dress, with a pleated skirt, which I had picked up while antiquing in PA this winter.

This time, though, the pleated part was NOT the top part of the skirt as had been my experience so far, but instead is a pleated loose peplum that is laid on top of the assembled skirt pieces and then sewn together in the back side seams.

This means it hangs loose in the front, which I wasn’t sure about – but it is also easier to assemble that way.

I tried a model first to make sure it wouldn’t end up looking like an apron, and I haven’t gotten photos of that one yet, but went ahead and made it again as my Easter dress.

I like that the skirt layers do make this feel fancier, which is a great choice for a special-occasion dress that I also want to remain easily wearable.

I added pleats on the sleeve to dress them up a bit, and had tried the square neck version in my first trial, but for this one I cut little scallops on the neck corners and added a touch of lace. I really like the sweetheart style of neckline that I ended up with.

The buttons were a good match in color and era, old stock from The Timely Tailor.

I wanted to do a flashier hat since it WAS Easter, after all, but discovered I didn’t have anything that would work, so fell back on this 1940s favorite. I’m so glad it’s time to get out all the floral hats and fun summer shoes again!

Our back yard is in landscaping mode at the moment, so I didn’t have a fancy background, since these were just quick-before-church photos, but I really was happy with the dress and especially the beautiful fabric. I’m always a sucker for toile!

After our special Easter church service and fellowship meal, we came home to rest for a bit and then hosted a small Easter celebration here in the evening. Hope you all had a lovely day also!