How I made THAT viral red rose top that all the it girls are wearing.

Woohooo! I am talking about that Red Rose Halter top from 'With Jean' that has been seen on many celebs and very recently, Dua Lipa in June. If you don't know what I am talking about here is an article from Who What Wear.

I just about love everything that Dua Lipa wears and have replicated a few things she has worn. I thought this red halter would be a fun garment to try to recreate.

The Pattern

Analysing the garment from several angles in various photos allowed me to really understand the garment shape, construction and fabric. I decided the easiest way to draft this was to drape it on my dress form.

I used draping tape to mark out the style lines of the garment on my dress form. I then pinned on some scrap jersey fabric and traced out the style lines using a pencil to create the pattern pieces.

I then adjusted the shape of the pattern pieces (armscye and neck mostly) with a french curve directly on the fabric. Using a tracing wheel and pattern paper, I traced the fabric pattern pieces, traced over these marks with a pencil and then added 1/2" seam allowance (all except center back which was 1") for sewing.

Originally, I had the back neck piece as a separate pattern piece however, I decided to join it onto the shoulder seam to make the front bodice and halter one pattern piece. This made it easier to blend the neck curve pattern piece for a more seamless look like the original.

I cut out a sample in black 4-way stretch and sewed it together to fit on the dress form. It was a good fit. I decided to remove the back seam and cut that pattern piece on the fold. I found some wonderful crepe jersey online and decided to make the final version in this. I only needed 1 meter!

Cutting

As I decided to line it with the crepe fabric to hide the seams, I cut two front bodices (one mirror) for the left and right. So a total of 4 bodices. I cut the back piece on the fold twice. I sewed the left and right fronts together at center back first and then the side seams. I did this twice to form the outer layer and the "lining". I sewed these together right sides facing along all edges leaving the center back neck open. This is so I could turn the garment right sides out. I pressed all the seams and hand stitched the center back seam together at the neck. I think next time I would use something like an o-ring or some neater method to finish this seam.

To make the rose I took my 2 x 18" ruler and used it as a template and traced out the rectangle. I cut this and sewed it in half lengthwise with two rows of gathering stitch (~5mm in length) in a 1/"4 seam allowance. Due to the thickness of the fabric I wasn't able to gather the edges of the rose (gives more of an open rose effect, rather than the bud) without risk of breaking the threads. So I just shape both ends of the tube to be more rounded, turned right side and started rolling up the tube to make the rose bud shape. I used a glue to secure the start end end of the rose and as I rolled it to keep it all together.

I placed the halter on the form and marked out the placement of the hook and eye. I hand sewed these in place and for the final photo pinned the rose to cover them.

Ran out of red thread with one seam to go, and all I had left was maroon... I can notice it, but maybe no one else will :)

Anyway.......here she is...

This was a fun pattern to try and recreate and the fabric was amazing to work with. For next time, it would be fun to try and crochet a rose or use silk/satin fabric instead of using crepe fabric. I think this would get a more realistic looking flower. Also this was my first time draping a garment on the form. This was a really exciting process and I am keen to experiment with this type of pattern making again soon.

Styling tips  

This would look awesome on hourglass and apple shaped body types. Careful with the rose placement on hourglass shapes, perhaps moving it away from bust area to the neck area or add some elastic or a ribbon and wear it as wristlet or hair tie. Wear as is with denim shorts or jeans or over an oversized button up shirt and midi bias skirt.

Anyway, let me know if you enjoyed this post and what other things you might like to see made.

Until next time,

Sarah x