Fall! Fall! Fall 2009 Sewing is in the queue!
The shift dress can sometimes be mistaken for the sheath dress. Especially when there is a little more shaping in the waist area. The truth is they produce to very different silhouettes and more or less attention to the waistline.
Shift has no waist shaping or seam. In other words is comfortable to wear, kind to the waistline and very versatile.
Sheath is designed to tightly fit the body. Can be short and sexy.
I like both style of dress. But at times I find myself somewhere in between not wanting the dress to be too tight and a little more shapely than the average shift.
This fall/winter I plan to make two Vogue sheath styled dresses.
Vogue 1118
Vogue 8594
Which do you prefer? The shift or the sheath?
Yeah but if you're plus size a shift and a sheath are the same thing - anything that hides that waistline works! *LOL* I make a mean sheath that has the "illusion" of a waistline but is probably closer to a shift dress!
ReplyDeleteFor me, each has its place. If I wear a shift, I am more comfortable with a short hemline. If I wear a sheath I want it to extend to the knee. Incidentally, I find that my shifts are all casual, and my sheaths are all for work!
ReplyDeleteI don't like shifts on me, they end up look sack-like and shapeless. I love sheaths and find them much more flattering. I have Vogue 8594 in my sewing queue at the moment amd I think the waist detailing is lovely. I've even considered piping it for more definition. I prefer a fitted waist.
ReplyDeleteSheath for me. I'm with Carol on this. Shifts look like tents on me.
ReplyDeleteI have the Tracy Reese sheath pattern too but no real plans for it yet!
I think the sheath is more flattering to the figure. I especially like the first one.
ReplyDeleteI like both for different reasons. I do have 8594 cut out and ready to sew. I LOVE that pattern.
ReplyDeleteI like both. The sheath is so classic and stunning. And like you said the shift is so comfortable and easy to wear. I agree with Antoinette, if its a shift a shorter length is better.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other ladies... I like the shift. The sheath looks like a moo moo on me.
ReplyDeleteSheath for me too. Both of those patterns are on their way to me already, looks like they will be popular!
ReplyDeleteI like your title :)
ReplyDeleteMy preference would be sheath...I just like that style on me best...but I also like shifts :)
Great choices,these two are also on my list.
Hmm...I always thought I couldn't wear a shift dress because of the sack thing. But I'm finding that if its well-cut and has some shaping a looser dress can be very comfortable,especially for summer. Still love sheath dresses though. Probably my favorite style.
ReplyDeleteI like them both...
ReplyDeleteSheath! Sheath! I like shifts but only with belts, lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm both a shift and a sheath - depending on my mood and the state of my waistline! Like you I have just bought Vogue 1118 so I'm really looking forward to seeing how you get on with it.
ReplyDeleteI like both, the shift because - as you said - of the comfort factor, but the sheath because it shows a bit more shape. As much as I like the waist definition I don't like anything that fits too tightly either. I was thinking about sewing Vogue 1118 also. Wonder how many others are planning on this one? Maybe we should do a sew along!
ReplyDeleteAlthough my body is doing some shifting I still prefer the sheath. I just got my Vogue Pattern magazine and have been eyeing 8594 too.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for stating your opinions on this. Sharon I think the sew along would be great. The problem with me is I'm always going in ten different directions. Is there anyone else interested in a shift/sheath sew along?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
C
I like both. The Sheath is a timeless style that never goes out of fashion. At least not in my wardrobe and it's a great staple for the work wardrobe. The shifts are casual/comfy but, if made with the right fabric and an above the knee hem, it can transition into a very nice party dress.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading this post I realized that I do not have either in my closet. I don't ever go anywhere that I would wear a sheath dress (I think they are beautiful on). I haven't made a shift because I am afraid of the sack o' potatoes look. I think they look really cute on other people though. I think I need a sheath dress but I am a little leery of the fitting. Both of your sheath dress patterns are very cute!
ReplyDeleteI like both, but have only made shifts. I would love to make a sheath if I can get over the fear of inserting an invisible zipper, Which I have done before, but the experience was not memorable.
ReplyDeleteI would love to participate in a sew-along.
I never understood the difference between shift and sheath. Thanks for explaining!
ReplyDeleteSheath for me too.It´s more flattering to the figure.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to look like a bombshell, sheaf. If you want to breath and walk, shift. I'll leave it to your discretion.
ReplyDeleteI like both; however a sheat will be more flaterring to my figure.
ReplyDeleteOh the Sheath - it will look stunning on you.
ReplyDeleteWell, today I'm wearing a shift....belted! I do like a sheath as well. Sometimes the danger with a shift is that it can also look like a mumu if you're not careful!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the sheath if I'm feeling fit. Both are nice but it depends on where you intend to wear it. For example, a summer day? A shift would be nice. For a more elegant, sleek evening look? Then the sheath. \
ReplyDeleteOverall, I like the sheath. Anytime I wear anything like a shift, my DH asks, "Why are you wearing that pregnancy dress?" @!#*)!@*&#)$@#&* Men...
Sheath. I have HUGE boobs and would look completely pregnant in a shift
ReplyDelete