fabric and styling inspiration for the gallery tunic and dress

I’m getting the sense that the Gallery Tunic + Dress pattern is going to be very popular. Which is great, because it’s such an easy piece to sew, and it give you so many options and so much style! Here are a few ideas to get you started with choosing fabric and deciding how to wear it.

 

mosaicGallery

 

  1. Try making it in a bold print for a simple contemporary style. One of the very first samples I sewed while developing this style was in a really bold Lisette sateen (bright green with the abstract blue flowers), and it turned out really cute! I should locate it in our sample box and show it to you.
  2. It would be so cute as a dress in a yarn-dye stripe like this one. Whether you can pull off the socks with heels thing is up to you.
  3. A simple dress in cream rayon or silk is so soft and romantic.
  4. In cotton gauze or double gauze for hot summer days. This would be so comfortable! You might recall that the samples  shown in my introductory post were a double-faced cotton, and they’re both dreamy to wear.
  5. Try it in polka dots. There are many cute dots out there once you start looking!
  6. In chambray. Of course. But then, what doesn’t look good in chambray?
  7. Wear the dress over skinny jeans for a cute look.
  8. S teases me about the “half tuck,” in which you only tuck in part of your shirt. But it works so well for a style like this because it gives you a little shape at the waist without looking too buttoned up
  9. Try the half tuck with a pencil skirt, too. I love this look.
  10. If you do any sort of heirloom sewing you could add pintucks before cutting out your fabric. I’ll be doing a quick tutorial on this next week, so stay tuned! This would look especially elegant if you use a drapey fabric like rayon or silk.
  11. This is such a simple but chic look: tunic, cropped trousers, and sandals.
  12. Choose a yarn-dye striped cotton or linen for this look. I like how the front of the tunic is shorter, too.
  13. Gingham or checks would be darling.
  14. Sew the dress from a sheer fabric and wear it with leggings or even as a swimsuit coverup this summer.
  15. This style cute for curvy girls too. Remember, it’s all about balance. And watch to be sure it fits well through the shoulders.
  16. Here’s the dress worn tomboy style.
  17. Try it in flannel this fall. A buffalo check or plaid fabric would be cozy and cute.

How about a few more ideas?

Color block the dress. Like this. Here’s a tutorial to show you how.

 

gallery dress with color blocking

 

And of course, sew it in linen. I mean, what could be better for summer? Here’s a linen shirt to inspire you.

 

gallery-in-linen

 

And here’s a linen dress. How comfortable and chic is that?

 

gallery_linen_dress

 

Many more ideas for you, as usual, on our Liesl + Co. pattern styling ideas Pinterest board. And don’t forget the Flickr group for your finished photos!



 

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15 Comments

  1. JEB O'Barr

    How hard would this be to make sleeveless? I live in the deep south. I’ve ordered the pattern and can’t wait to try it out.

    1. Brenda

      I cant find where to get the pattern??? Can anyone help??

  2. I love this pattern and bought it a couple days ago! Can’t wait to sew it up! Right now I’m thinking shorter top/tunic in lovely light blue striped linen I’ve had forever! Finally putting it to good use! Thanks Liesel, I’m not at all surprised if this is very popular, it has all the advantages of a buttondown but simpler construction and just seems very wearable. Well done!

  3. Oops, sorry, I see I mispelled your name. Hate that. 😉

  4. I already ordered some buffalo check and some chambray for this pattern!

  5. I love these posts, sometimes I have a hard time seeing past my initial vision but these posts open my mind. Thank you!

    1. I’m so glad they’re helpful, Brittney! Thanks for letting me know.

  6. Carrie

    I’ve made one and love it! I’m planning on double gauze for my next and would love to make it sleeveless. It’s already in the 80’s here in TN! Any tips? Thanks again for such a versatile pattern, well done!

  7. I second how great these posts are. Maybe I’m just really into the kind of pictures you’re choosing, but I see these outfits and really want to sew them all. The original Simplicity Lisette pattern covers never did it for me. I’m sure if I saw all of those older patterns in grey linen then I’d flip for them too!

  8. Haha, yes, EVERYTHING looks good in gray linen!

  9. darci

    i love the “half tuck”. i try to get my girls to do it (7 and 10) but they just arent having it!

  10. Callie

    Looks like Madewell knows just how fashionable and flattering the Gallery Tunic is!
    https://www.madewell.com/newarrivals/dressesskirts/PRDOVR~E4817/E4817.jsp

  11. In order to add buttons, does the placket need to be expanded? I’ve seen some beautiful styling ideas that include buttons. Bought some gorgeous cobalt linen and can’t wait to start working on the pattern. Thanks!

  12. Dena

    Hello, I was hoping someone could tell me how I can get the pattern for the blue and white check ( short sleeve )
    blouse, I believe it is no. 13 in the gallery.

    Thank you.

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