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Pearl is an easy-to-wear smock dress with a relaxed fit and romantic details. Comfortable, versatile, and beginner friendly, it’s the kind of piece you can throw on for everyday wear while still feeling thoughtfully put together.
Designed to be quick to sew, Pearl comes together in a day and is just as enjoyable to make as it is to wear. The softly gathered raglan sleeves are finished with cuffs for a touch of volume and shape, while the scoop neckline features a drawstring that can be adjusted to your preference.
A center front seam and delicate keyhole detail add subtle charm, and the hemline hits just below mid-thigh for an easy, breezy fit that layers beautifully across seasons.
Whether sewn in a crisp cotton, airy gauze, or romantic floral print, Pearl is the kind of dress you’ll want to make again and again.
This bonus variation gives Pearl an even more romantic feel. The sleeves are lengthened to a breezy 3/4 length and gathered into cuffs for added volume and movement, while a gathered hem ruffle transforms the silhouette into an effortless midi dress.
All of the original details remain the same, including the relaxed fit, adjustable drawstring neckline, and delicate keyhole opening at the center front. The result is a version of Pearl that feels a little more elevated while still remaining effortless and beginner friendly.
Whether paired with sandals in warmer months or layered with boots and sweaters as the seasons change, this variation is designed to be worn again and again.
Ilisa is wearing the Pearl dress in a size 4 graded to a 6 at the hips. We lengthened the body 1 1/2", increased the sleeve length 1", and increased the bonus sleeve length 1 1/2". Her measurements are bust: 34" (86.4 cm), waist: 25 1/2" (64.8 cm), hip: 38" (96.5 cm), and she is 5'9" (175.3 cm) tall.
Alexandra is wearing the Pearl dress in a size 18. We shortened the body 1 1/2". Her measurements are bust: 45 1/2" (115.6 cm), waist: 38" (96.5 cm), hip: 48 1/2" (123.2 cm), and she is 5'5" (165 cm) tall.
Fabric and Fit
Fabric recommendations
Pearl is designed for light to medium weight woven fabrics that highlight the dress’s soft gathers and relaxed silhouette. Linen and chambray create an easy, everyday look with a bit of structure, while batiste and lawn feel light and airy for warmer weather.
For added texture and visual interest, try clip dot, seersucker, or double gauze. Quilting cottons and shirting fabrics give Pearl a slightly more classic, casual feel, while rayon challis, rayon crepe, cupro, silk, and Tencel create a softer drape with beautiful movement.
Because the silhouette is simple and versatile, your fabric choice can completely shift the mood of the dress—from crisp and casual to fluid and romantic.
Fitting tips
Pearl is designed with a relaxed silhouette, but a few simple adjustments can help you customize the fit to suit your body. Length adjustments are especially impactful in this design. You may want to adjust the armhole depth for a more comfortable fit and mobility through the bodice, and lengthening or shortening the dress allows you to tailor the silhouette to your height and styling preferences.
It’s also important to pay close attention to your bicep measurement in relation to the sleeve cuff measurement. If needed, you can easily add additional room to the cuff for a more comfortable fit.
- Understanding ease will help you pick the right size or sizes. This tutorial will teach you all about design and wearing ease.
- Follow this tutorial to lengthen and shorten a sewing pattern.
- If you want to blend between sizes, use this video tutorial.
- If you need to adjust the armhole depth, use this tutorial
- Here are fitting tutorials for the shoulders and sleeves.
- Here are tutorials for small bust adjustments and full bust adjustments.
