BUTTON FRONT DRESS | MCCALL'S 7472
I’ve been waiting to make a button front dress, and I’m thrilled to add this beautiful garment to my new wardrobe. It aligns so well with my new focus on garment design and fabric choices. I can’t stop smiling every time I look at the dress. This has become my absolute favorite button down shirt pattern and it’s my 4th time sewing it. I was so pleased with the outcome of the FIRST SHIRT and decided I would sew every version (except View A). I have not shared the last shirt I made (View B) because I’m waiting to make a pair of pants to wear. Here’s a look at View C. Let’s get into the details.
Pattern Information
MCCALL’S 7472 is a variation of the classic button down shirt. It is a loose-fitting shirt and tunic with raglan sleeves, hem and collar variations. Views A and F have sleeve tabs to fasten the sleeve in place when rolled up. Views A, C, D, and F have chest patch pockets (C, D, F have pocket flaps with buttons). Views C, D, E, and F have button cuffs at the end of the sleeves. Due to the length of the side slits, the wrong side of fabric will show on View D. There is a self fabric belt included for View E. View B has a stand-up collar, while the other views have pointed collars. Here are some closeup views of the dress.
The company rates the pattern as EASY. However, I would rate it as AVERAGE due to some of the required sewing skills that a beginner may not have mastered yet. It requires sewing a continuous lap on sleeve; attaching front bands for buttonholes and buttons; collars and collar stands; and curved hems. The pattern is available in both Print and PDF options, with sizes ranging from 6 – 22.
The pattern instructions were pretty straightforward. However, there were a couple of notable mistakes.
- Instruction #26 says to leave the end with buttonhole marking free when sewing the TAB (15). This is incorrect. The end with the buttonhole marking must be closed for obvious reasons. Leave the opposite end open.
- Instruction #38 says to press under 5/8″ on long untouched edge of CUFF (13). The notch is missing from the pattern piece. Press under on the long end opposite the buttonhole markings.
Fabric Information
The pattern envelope lists Lightweight Woven, Crepe de Chine, Challis, and Lawn for the shirts. I used a beautiful MULTI STRIPE RUST/CREAM DYED COTTON VISTA WOVEN from LA Finch Fabrics on a recent shopping trip. This fabric is thicker than the other fabrics I chose for this pattern. When I laid eyes on the fabric, I knew I wanted a maxi dress. But this fabric screamed “button front” so I combined the two elements and created a button front maxi dress. The fabric is structured and very easy to sew. It’s available in two color ways.
Inside the Garment
I used my Baby Lock Chorus sewing machine and Vibrant Serger to sew the dress. Let’s take a look at the inside of the garment.
Notions Information
You will need 1/2″ buttons for all views and the number required depends on which view you’re sewing. I used these cute WHITE PEARLIZED CAT EYE BUTTONS from Hobby Lobby They were on sale for .99/card. According to in-store and website advertising, buttons are always on sale.
Alterations Information
I cut a size 8 but wanted more ease at the hips. Therefore I added 1.5″ to the front and back pattern pieces at the hip and blended from the bottom of armhole opening to hem. This gave me a total of six extra inches of ease at the hips. I also lengthened the hem by 20″ and sewed a 2″ double hem. I eliminated the slits on the side by accident. I forgot to leave them open and didn’t realize it until after I had already serged the seam allowance. I like the dress the way it is, so I will leave it as is and add slits in my next shirt dress. There’s definitely still enough room to walk in the dress without restriction since I increased the width. Since I extended the length, I added more button holes for a total of twelve for the front closure, and six for pocket flaps and sleeve cuffs. That’s only three extra buttons than the recommended fifteen. I omitted the fold tab for folding up the the sleeves. Therefore I didn’t need the two buttons for that function. Here are a few photos of the altered pattern pieces.
Styling Options
There are several styling options for this button down shirt dress. It can be dressed up or down with heels, sandals, boots, sneakers, loafers, or flip flops. You can wear it loose, belted, or layered on top of other garments. First, I styled it with a pair of beige, open toe pumps, pearl accessories, and a camel colored crescent purse. I’m showing the collar folded down and popped up here.
Next I styled it as a duster with my skinny jeans (purchased), a cream camisole, camel colored loafers, belt, crossbody bag & crescent bag, and gold jewelry. I’ve also added a pair of open-toe pumps to this look with the crescent purse.
Finally, I’ve styled the dress with a pair of loafers, crossbody bag, and same gold jewelry for ultimate comfort.
What do you think?
I would love to hear your feedback. Scroll to the very bottom of this page to leave a comment.
Thank you for stopping by today! 💕
Other Related Links
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Learn to SEW Course
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
- Baby Lock Chorus
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
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This Post Has 31 Comments
Anita, you look beautiful in everything you create! You select awesome fabrics, great patterns and I love how you to try so hard to cover everything that would be most helpful for us to know. I’m old school and love that you use linings sometimes & I like how you take your time prepping, sewing and finishing your garments. It’s very clear you want us to succeed from your own experience first and to share your experience. It was the best blessing that I can across your website….that’s what I know for sure!
I really love all your showcases. You are so talented.
Love the outfits.
Love your dress!
Thank you so much.
Anita, you are a “gifted” seamstress. You look “adorable and fresh”. Thank you for sharing this project. Kim Oliver
Unbelievable, first sight I thought dress is perfect for a summer tea party….then add the belt transformed to a nice early evening at the movies….then you added the jeans…. Oh my goodness!!!! I envisioned a gathering with several girlfriends on a deck over looking the beach laughing an remembering good times!
Multiple looks, for multiple events….well done!!!
Thank you , Anita, for the insights on this pattern. I really appreciate your work and your dedication to elevating the garments you share with us. I love the way you styled the dress. My favorite looks are the dress with the belt and the dress used as a duster!
You are an inspiration in your use of fabrics and colours to all of us. Great use of one of your inventory patterns!
Love love love this dress and thank you for the info on your garment
Very nice on you, especially with the belt
Wow! I am amazed at good you aligned the stripes. The color combo and styling options make this a great choice. It looks so comfortable and easy to wear. Maxi dresses are your signature garment!
A couple of things:
1. I love that you’re using the patterns you have on hand. I know it’s not the “popular” thing but there is so much value in the older patterns and they shouldn’t be overlooked.
2. I thought you sewed a pattern straight from the envelope so it’s interesting to see the pattern changes you make.
3. This dress is so beautiful and versatile. I had to come over from IG to see it in all it’s glory!
I think it’s beautiful. The dress looks awesome on you.
Beautiful!
Love
Your example of creative manifestation of your vision. You are an inspiration. I too have been thinking about such a shirtdress. You made it so beautifully elegant. Thank you for sharing all your work going into the making of this , and all possible ways of wearing.
You look beautiful in your dress and the inside is so cleanly done! I yearn to sew half as good as you! You are quite an inspiration and a very stylish lady! Thanks for sharing!
Anita,
This may be your best make EVER! The stripes, the details, the alterations. I loved the dress belted AND worn as a duster! You always do a great job styling your makes, but this one is my favorite!
You look gorgeous in the dress – the color really looks good on you. I love the length. You did an awesome job on construction as well.
Thank you Rickey! 💕
Anita, Such BEAUTIFUL sewing!! Thank you for Sharing!
Thank you Dara!💕
This dress is gorgeous Anita! I love it styled as a dressy dress 😊 and the casual dress looks. It’s fabulous any way you style it actually! 😉☺️
Thank you so much, Myra! I love it dressy and casual too. I’m gonna have fun with this one. 🤗
You look awesome like always. It’s one of my favorite style, definitely I will make it. Thanks for sharing 🙏❤️🫂
My favorite look is you wearing as a duster jacket over jeans.
Thank you, Edith! I love it so much, and it’s very comfortable over the jeans. 🤗
Such a classy dress. I love it with the belt. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Hettie! Have a wonderful weekend.💕
Anita,
I have always thought that you are the most talented seamstress and this dress is no exception. I was amazed to see the detail that went into the making of this garment. How you matched the stripes at the collar and the shoulders is so well done. My favorite look is the first picture in the collection. I love the fabric too. Thank you for sharing your blog post. You are a true blessing.
Cathleen
Oh Cathleen, thank you so much! I really enjoyed making this dress and the way the stripes lined up made me so happy. I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you for reading my post. 💕