LINEN MAXI DRESS | NEW LOOK 6665
I love fit and flare dresses, and this linen maxi dress is giving me all the elegant, classy, and glamorous vibes. The smile that came across my face when I tried on the dress for the final hem is the standard that decides what deserves a hanger in my closet. While rebuilding my wardrobe, if I can look in the mirror, smile, and look forward to wearing the garment I’ve made, it’s a win. If it doesn’t do that for me, it goes to the donation box. And trust me, I have several pieces in that box right now. I love this new direction I’ve taken along my sewing journey. It feels so good. Let’s get into the details.
Pattern Information
NEW LOOK 6665 is a sleeveless, fit and flare dress with a lined bodice, optional shoulder ties, bodice piping detail at neckline and armholes, center back invisible zipper and length variations. The bodice includes a midriff panel, front pleats, and back darts. The skirt has front and back pleats, and side seam pockets.
The pattern is available in print option only, with a limited size range of 4 – 16. It is rated as AVERAGE and I agree. However, I do believe that an ADVANCED BEGINNER with lots of experience may be able to complete this project. Perhaps the piping and zipper installations will be the most challenging parts. You can watch the invisible zipper installation in THIS VIDEO for tips.
Fabric Information
The fabric suggestions on back of the envelope are as follows; Chintz, Cotton Types, Crepe de Chine, Gingham, Linen Types, Poplin, and Sateen. I used a MIDWEIGHT EUROPEAN LINEN from Core Fabrics in the color Copper. I absolutely love their midweight linen. It’s high quality and feels great against the skin.
The linen is a great choice for this dress. It has just enough drape for movement in the skirt, but also allows for enough structure to achieve fullness to create the flared effect.
My original plan was to use this BEMBERG CUPRO LINING in the color Sand for the bodice, but I changed my mind after cutting out the lining, and decided to use the linen instead. I’ve used the Cupro lining before and it’s the most luxurious lining I’ve ever used so far.
As of today, August 29, 2025, all products shipped to the United States from Core Fabrics will incur a tariff charge. Although this will definitely have an impact on their sales, Core Fabrics has put out a statement to their US based customers detailing how they’re trying to make this transition easier for us. You can READ THEIR STATEMENT HERE. Also, as part of my collaboration with Core Fabrics, you can get 15% off your entire order by using my code (ANITA*15) at checkout. (This is an affiliate code.)
Inside the Garment
I used my BABY LOCK CHORUS Sewing Machine and BABY LOCK VIBRANT Serger to sew the dress. Here are closeup photos of the inside and outside of the garment.
The uneven hem on the bodice lining is an easy fix, but I’m leaving it for now.
Notions Information
The notions listed on the envelope are; Thread, 22″ Invisible Zipper, 2 1/8 Yard of 1/8″ piping. Optional Ties: 1 1/4 yard of 1/4″ ribbon. Core Fabrics sent me GÜTERMANN THREAD and a YKK 22″ INVISIBLE ZIPPER
Alterations Information
I sewed a muslin of the bodice because I wanted to make sure I achieved my desired fit. Since the skirt is not fitted, I wasn’t concerned with that part. Following the finished garment measurements on the bodice side-front pattern piece, I cut a size 8 and sewed the suggested 5/8″ seam allowance. It was skin tight and I wouldn’t have been able to move in the dress. So, instead of going up a size (because I love the fit at the shoulders, armhole and neckline, I removed the side seams and sewed a 1/4″ seam which gave me the fit I wanted. I added 3/8″ to the side edges of the side-front and back pattern pieces, which gave me a 5/8″ seam allowance again. This front view is the muslin after the alteration.
This is the side view of the muslin after the alteration. You can see the lines where I removed the original 5/8″ seam allowance. Reducing the seam allowance was the right move for me because if I had gone up a size, the armhole opening would have been just a tad bit larger. I could have solved that issue by sewing a larger seam allowance at the shoulders, but as I mentioned above, everything else was perfectly fitted to my desire. I didn’t want to adjust any other parts of the bodice. Taking that 1/4″ seam allowance and adding 3/8″ more gave me the 5/8″ allowance I wanted, just in case I needed to take it in a bit after the second fitting. But I didn’t have to do that because the first alteration worked out.
I cut out my linen with the adjusted pattern pieces and sewed a 5/8″ seam allowance. Please note that the horizontal pull lines on the back of the adjusted muslin (100% cotton bedsheet) are not present on the 100% linen fabric. I knew that the linen fabric would relax a bit with both pressing and wear. Therefore, I wasn’t concerned that the linen bodice would be too tight for my taste. If I were sewing with a different fabric, I would have made the adjustment to give me more room on the back bodice (letting out the side seams more). If you’ve ever worn a fitted linen garment, especially pants, then you’ve probably experienced how the garment loosens up a bit during wear. For that reason, I tend to sew fitted linen pieces more snug than I would another fabric. I do like a close fit on bodices when sewing fit and flare dresses. I’m happy with the final fit. I omitted the piping detail from my dress.
I was planning to shorten the dress a bit to make it tea length, but when I tried it on for hemming, I squealed with delight and decided to leave the maxi length. I definitely plan to make it again in a tea length. To make sure the skirt would fit accurately with the bodice at the waist, I added the same 3/8″ addition at the side seams of the back and front-side pattern pieces. Everything fit together perfectly. 🤗
Styling Options
I plan to wear this linen maxi dressed up and down. I’ve styled it here with simple gold jewelry, a pair of animal print kitten heel sandals and an animal print purse. I’m wearing it to church on Sunday with a camel colored tote bag where I keep my Bible, Notebook and other items I use during the sermon and Small Group Study after service.
I also styled it with my favorite animal print Mary Janes and crossbody bag. I can easily take this dress into fall by adding a cropped sweater cardigan and a pair of boots. You could also add a fitted t-shirt, mock turtleneck, or full turtleneck underneath.
Here are a few photos while wearing the dress in a seated position. It’s very comfortable while sitting. I will try to remember to take seated photos for all garments moving forward. If you don’t see them, it means I forgot.
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! 💕
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This Post Has 85 Comments
Gorgeous dress. I have never used a New Look pattern. How would you rate the difficulty of this pattern and how thorough are the instructions. Thank you.
Just beautiful! I had to come over here from Instagram to read this. I ordered this pattern today and have my first linen picked out. I am the sewist that finds a TNT and just loves to crank out more. The fit of this is what I’m loving most. Thank you so much for sharing. I have been thinking of splicing together a top and pleated long skirt, but now I don’t have to. You look amazing in this!
Yaaayyy! I’m so glad to hear you’ve found the pattern that already has the design features you desired. Thank you for coming over to read the blog. Have fun sewing your dress.
OMGosh 🙌!!! Another out of the park beautiful garment Anita. I enjoy your blogs sooo much🙌🙌🙌. Thanks a bunch.
Thank you so much, Pamela! I’m very happy to know that you enjoy my blog posts. 🤗
I’m so glad to see someone use the Core Fabrics Euro Linen. I’ve had it in my cart for a while but have never bought fabric online, so I’ve always hesitated. It looks fantastic!
Also sewing this pattern in linen makes it feel soooo elevated. I would have totally ignored this pattern if I hadn’t seen this version. Gorgeous!
Lily, I absolutely love Core Fabrics European Linen. It feels amazing. 🤗
The dress is so lovingly constructed. I sew handbags mainly, but you have inspired me to get back quickly to garment sewing. What is most striking for me though, is the strength, power, grace and life lived that I see in your hands.
OMGoodness, Jacqueline! What a joy to hear that you’re inspired to get back into garment sewing. And your comment about my hands really touched my heart. Thank you for your beautiful words.💕💕💕
You did it again, Anita. The dress, the fabric drape, the fit and color… stunning!
Thank you Naomi! 💕
The design, the fabric, the color, the accessories….beautiful. You are so talented. Wear this lovely creation in good health.
Thank you so much, and I will wear it in good health. 💕
Hi, Anita. The dress is gorgeous and, as always, your execution of the pattern is amazing. I’m curious to know how you handled the back closure on your muslin. Did you use an invisible zipper for it as well? Many thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Hi Jo! Thank you so much. Yes, I used an invisible zipper to close the bodice on the muslin. It was longer than the bodice but didn’t matter. I just needed to test with the same closure to see the true results.
Your dress is absolutely beautiful, and perfect fit! Thank you for sharing your fitting techniques.
You’re very welcome. 🤗
Love your dress
Thank you Delores! 💕
Another beautiful dress. Thank you so much for sharing your process and the rational behind each decision/ change.
Peace and Blessings hu
An absolutely beautifully fitted and finished dress on an equally stunning model! 😊 Thank you so much for sharing, I now realise why my linen mix trousers start off by fitting well then feel a bit loose, not me this time! 😂 Always enjoy your emails and blog posts, very much a privilege to have so much good information, thank you 😊
Wendy, I’m so glad this post helped you to discover why your linen trousers were loose after wearing for a while. Nope, it’s not you. 😂 I’m happy to know that you enjoy the emails and blog posts. Thank you for being part of my community. 💕
Gorgeous! Love the pockets and thank you for your details on the bodice alterations.
Definitely saving this for future reference
You’re very welcome, Sue! 💕🤗💕
As soon as I saw the email, I was blown away by the fit of the dress. This fits you to a “T”.
The fabric is beautiful, the color is spot on, especially heading into fall. Yes, you can definitely wear a cardigan with it when it’s a little cooler.
Thank you for sharing as always and for taking the picture of you sitting down.
Thank you so much, Lynette! I’m glad you enjoyed the seated photos. Have a wonderful weekend. 💕
Haven’t even seen the entire post yet, but I know this is a beautiful dress.
Can’t wait to see the entire blog of everything…..it fits you perfectly.
You know it has to be good when you stop to post before you read the entire post. Thank you for making me smile. 💕
I absolutely love your emails, Anita. The pictures are so well done, and your fabric choices are so perfect, and you absolutely look beautiful in all your creations. Thank you for including me on your email list. Sincerely, Kim Oliver
Hi Kimberley!!! Thank you so much. I’m really glad to know you’re still enjoying my blog posts. You’ve been here for a very long time and I appreciate your presence more than you know. THANK YOU my SEW Sister! 💕💕💕
Anita, this dress is beautiful. Perfect fit is the goal and you have achieved this. I have begun to rethink my projects and fabric choices based on what I see you make. Keep going! P.S. This past week I made a trip to the LA fashion district and found some beautiful fabrics that have me inspired.
Deborah, it blesses my heart to hear you say you’re enjoying being in my space and that it’s helping you with your own journey. I love that you took a trip to LA Fashion District. Now, you’re really about to have some fun. Have fun sewing with your new fabrics.
You are simply elegant❣️
Thank you Ms. Hunt. 💕
That colour, wow, wow, wow. It is just gorgeous and the fit is unbelievably super. 20/10
Charlene, that’s exactly how I feel about the color. OMGoodness!!! It is amazing! Thank you so much. 💕🤗💕
Another great make. I love that share your reasons for changes.
Thank you Octavia!💕
This dress and you are a knockout. The fit, color and style are impeccable. I love the blog. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and time.
Thank you very much, Michelle. I’m so glad you love the blog. 💕🤗💕
Anita, this is a darling dress. The copper color is ideal to finish the summer and kick off the fall. I really like the drape of the fabric, the midriff panel, pleats and pockets. You certainly picked another winner. Your closet is shaping up with a lot of beautiful and versatile items. I can only imagine the joy you will experience as you wear each one. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, De! Yes, I’m taking this dress straight into fall after summer. My closet is beginning to look intentional. 💕
Hi Anita
Your newest creation is absolutely beautiful. I have learned so much from you. Thank you. You have given me the confidence to take some risks with my sewing which in turn has helped me improve my skills. Thank you so much.
Oh my goodness, Terry! You’re blessing my heart. It really makes me smile to know that you’re learning and improving your sewing skills by being here. And I love that you’re taking risks. I’m so happy to have you here.💕💕💕
Your copper European linen dress is gorgeous! I love the design fit color and maxi length…it’s beyond classy and a garment you will have for years to come. You have incredible taste! It’s a pleasure watching your blog!
Oh, thank you so much Marjorie! Yes, I plan to wear this dress for years to come. It is well constructed and will be cared for gently. Thank you for reading my blog. I’m so glad to hear that you enjoy reading.💕
This is simply perfection, Anita! The color, the fit the silhouette is all PERFECT. I am squealing in delight right there along with you 💕
Francine!!! Oh my goodness! I’m so happy with this dress. Thank you for squealing with me and making me smile from my heart. 🤗💕🤗
Anita, as always you have done beautiful work! That dress looks marvelous. The drape of the linen is just right, very flattering. The design is very nice, too bad it doesn’t come in larger sizes, but that is New Look. Perhaps it could be graded to fit a larger size without compromising the design.
Thank you so much, Christine! Yes, it’s so sad that New Look has such a limited size range. I’m sure it can be graded up, jut not sure how much before losing the intended design. 😩
Such a beautiful dress on you. Love the color and style. You have inspired me to sew again for myself, I have finished blouse B6856 that you posted. I am now starting dress 5893. Thank you for sharing your talent and your faith. Blessings.
Oh my goodness, Beverly! This makes my heart so happy. I love to hear that other women are sewing some of the patterns that I share. Congratulations on finishing your blouse and have fun sewing your dress. 🤗
Beautiful construction as always. Linen is one of my favorite fabrics to sew along with wool. I wish the dress had sleeves and came in larger sizes. sigh
Thank you, Kelva! I love linen too. And I’m so sad that the pattern doesn’t come in larger sizes. 😩
I love everything about this dress. The color is stunning, and I love the fit and flare style. I have a similar linen dress and I love it! Wonderful job as always! Your attention to detail and the cleanliness of your sewing are admirable. I love how intentional you are with your creations and building your wardrobe.
Thank you Shonna! I”m having so much fun rebuilding my wardrobe. 🤗
As always Beautiful, thanks for sharing your Master Skills.
You’re very welcome, Suprina! 💕
Hello Anita. You do such lovely work. I haven’t made anything in over a year. I’m just gonna have to get out of this route that I’m in and get back with it but you’re doing great job. God bless you.
Hi Gwen! I’ve been in a sewing rut before and once you come out it feels so good. I would start with a very simple project that you know will turn out well. That way you get a win coming out of your sewing grout. Pull that machine out, sister. God bless you too. 💕
Hi Anita, PS to my orevious message. Last sentence should read ‘Thank you for keeping me posted’. Forgot to edit it plus I’m still waiting for eye surgery. Apologies.
Hi Anita, Thank you so much for sending me photos of your linen dress. The photo of the dress you’re wearing where you’re measuring something is absolutely gorgeous. The colours suit you beautifully. They’re my colours too. There are some beautiful fabrics around at the moment. I wish I lived in the US. We have lovely fabrics over here but they’re not quite as varied as in the States. You’re so lucky where you live. Thank you once again for keepin for keeping me oosted.Take care.
Hi Olive! Thank you for this sweet message. I hear your heart. I understand about wishing you had access to more variety in fabrics. I am blessed indeed to live in the United States. I’m happy you enjoyed this post. Have a wonderful weekend, Olive. 💕
I also have questions about the linen, Anita. Did you have to overstitch the outside edges of your dress pieces? Do you plan to wash the dress yourself or dry clean, because I think linen shrinks in washing? Just curious how you handled the fabric and how you will deal with it for cleaning. Thanks again for sharing — makes me want to dust off my sewing machine.
Hi Susan! Great questions! Yes, I used my serger to finish off the raw edges on all the skirt edges because linen fabric frays easily. I also served the center back edges of the bodice. That’s not necessary but I did it to add extra security for the zipper installation. I plan to dry clean this particular linen dress because of the bodice. I have another fit and flare linen dress that I will clean in the washing machine because the bodice is not as fitted so I’m not concerned about shrinkage to the point of not being able to fit the dress. And any shrinkage will relax and expand during wear. Yes, get that machine out and come sew with us.🤗
Another lovely creation, Anita! I like how you explained the alterations you made to the pattern, and you made a good decision to let out your regular size a little bit rather than going up a size. I never saw the inside of your dress, however, and I always enjoy and admire seeing the inside so I can appreciate all your hard work in sewing and finishing the dress. I know it’s as finished inside and out!
The fit on your dress is spectacular, and you look very fit yourself. Do you work out or visit a gym? I could never wear sleeveless so wish I had your lovely arms. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my GOODNESS, Susan! Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention that I didn’t add the inside photos. I had the outside images in the wrong section and totally forgot to add my inside photos. I’ve updated the post and added inside photos. I really appreciate you for pointing that out to me because I love showing the inside of the garments. Yes, I do work out at the gym. It’s been part of my lifestyle off and on since I was in my early twenties. Thank you for being here, Susan.
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!! I love the dress and the color.
Thank you so much, Bernice!💕
You did it again what a beautiful dress it looks gorgeous on you.
Thank you Debra!💕
Hi Anita
Well, once again, you nailed it. Color choice, pattern choice and all of your other choices make for this a lovely dress to add to your collection.
Barb
Thank you so much, Barb. 💕
What do I think? FABULOUS! Unbelievable fit, lovely material, gorgeous color choice. Plus, you are your own best model!
While the styles you’re drawn to are not ones I would wear, I love seeing your makes, and find your narrative most educational.
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!
Thank you so much, Virginia! I appreciate your kindness even when our styles are different. That really blesses my heart. I’m glad to hear you enjoy the blog posts. 💕🤗💕
The color is amazing! It’s amazing what minor adjustments will do for the overall fit. Absolutely stunning!
Thank you so much, Rocky! Yes, minor adjustments can make a big difference. 🤗
Only one word is needed: SPECTACULAR!
Ella!!!! Thank you so much! I actually feel the same about this one. 🤗🤗🤗
You did it again! You make me want to sew!! It is lovely.
Thank you ShaWuana! Come on and learn how to sew with us. 🤗
Another absolute STUNNING garment on you! Now I need to make another trek to Hobby Lobby… Thank you so much for the pictures and detailed descriptions of what you did and why. You are very helpful to us still struggling a bit with fitting our garments. You are much appreciated!!!
Thank you so much for reading the blog post and appreciating the detail, Michelle. I’m so glad you found it helpful. Yes, get your pattern because it’s a great one.
Anita,
Hello beautiful. Another gorgeous dress and fabric color. Stay blessed.
Thank you so much, Trish! 💕