The leaves are changing, and rich jewels tones are taking over our wardrobes: mustard, navy, plum, forest green…

During a trip to Mood Fabrics in NYC, I happened upon this beautiful navy swiss dot cotton crepe fabric. I instantly pictured it as a sleeveless button-down shirt. This might seem a little strange, especially if the weather is already getting colder where you live (here it’s still above 80°F!) but a good sleeveless button-down is my secret weapon for the fall: it’s perfect for layering! Worn under a sweater, it’ll give you that elusive perfect preppy look by letting the shirt collar show without adding bulk under the sleeves.

To transform the Bleuet dress into a shirt, I simply traced a new hem line at the hip notch, and added a hem allowance of 2 x 3/8”.

I’m wearing it here with a pleated skirt I made a few years ago from a Burda pattern. To recreate this outfit, the Chardon skirt would be ideal – its belt loops would help you complete the look with a thin belt!

Are you going to try this hack of the Bleuet dress?