Sweetheart Pink Valentine's Night and Day Dress

I loved the yoke skirt version of the Night and Day Dress since the first time I saw a sneak peek of it on Gertie's Instagram before it was even released. It ticked all the boxes of my ideal skirt, particularly the flat front with fullness at the sides and back (as I've talked about before.) So I was excited to finally make it in time for Valentine's Day last year. This was my version then.

It fit well, but I was a little worried about the drop waist, as I already have a long torso and so a drop waist tends to make me look like all torso with stubs for legs. When I tried it on, as much as I had anticipated absolutely loving it, I was a bit underwhelmed. It felt a bit tube-like through the extra long torso, though it was definitely better with a belt.



This year, I wanted to try again. This time I had an idea to really highlight the waist as a focal point so that I didn't feel like all torso. I went with a bright shocking pink (my favorite!!), and found some slightly darker pink velvet ribbon to use as a trim around the waist. I was very happy with how it turned out! 

I also decided to make a sleeveless square neck version of the bodice this time, and do a quick alteration into a sweetheart neckline. While I was making it, I had the idea to use the velvet trim around the neck as well. This ended up becoming one of my favorite parts!




I really wanted to go for a nipped in waist, so I went for a really snug fit. I've been losing quite a bit of weight over the last 6 months, so in the worst case, I figured, if I make it too small I'll fit into it eventually. But I think boldly going for a very snug fit really helped pull in the waist, which also helped visually break up the too-long torso problem.

I had another backup, just in case I wasn't pleased with how the dress looked as is - a waspie corset!

I got this short corset from Timeless Trends during a great sale, and it has become my absolute favorite. Because it's short, it is so easy to move in! It just cinches the waist right in, but is really quite comfortable and I'm much more mobile in it than other typical corsets I've gotten before.

Fortunately, I think the dress works great without the corset, but wearing it makes it pop a little more. Here you can see the difference with and without the corset on!





Overall, I'm MUCH happier with this version than my first (which is now too big for me anyway.) I love the fullness of the skirt and the way it hugs my curves. Can't wait to make more!