Why Simplicity 8546 Can Be The Perfect Shirtdress

It may seem early for some of you, but Easter and Mother’s Day (here in the US) will be here before you know it! So, today I’m going to tell you why Simplicity 8546 can be the perfect shirtdress. It’s flattering and easy to make and very comfortable to wear. This is a versatile pattern so let me break down the details.

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Simplicity 8546 perfect shirtdress front belted
Simplicity 8546

Pattern Details

There are variations for length, sleeve, collar and cut out (cold shoulder) on the pattern. I did make this in the longer version to make the maxi dress. I had actually made this in the Fall of 2022 with this GORGEOUS fabric I was gifted by Minerva Fabrics. Inseam pockets are included in the dress as well.

There is a back yoke and pleat the adds some style and helps with ease of wear as well.

Be aware that the pattern does call for a lot of buttons. I have some resources below that will help you in marking and sewing those buttonholes.

This Dress

The reason I say that Simplicity 8546 can be the perfect shirtdress is because of the versatility. As I mentioned above, those spring holidays are coming soon and many people like to wear a comfortable yet feminine dress. I’m telling you now so that you have time to gather your fabric and supplies to make this one.

Simplicity 8546 dress front

Because the fabric is so bold, it’s best to use a pattern that has few style lines and details. That way you make your fabric the star of the show. This particular fabric is a viscose challis that is exclusive to Minerva. It is soft, breathable and washes and dries extremely well. Here is another Minerva exclusive fabric that I used for a different project.

Simplicity 8546 perfect shirtdress back belted

Pattern Changes

The only change I made to this pattern was to close the slit on the sides. On the pattern envelope, the dress is worn as a duster, unbuttoned. I simply closed up the slits and wear this as a maxi dress.

Why Simplicity 8546 Can Be The Perfect Shirtdress

Stylish: This is such a versatile pattern that has many variations. You can certainly find one you like.

Easy: This pattern is pretty quick and easy to put together. The thing that may take the longest is all the buttons and buttonholes that are a part of the front.

Comfortable to wear: In the pictures, I show this both belted and unbelted. There is no belt included in the pattern, but that is easy to remedy if you choose.

Be bold: A bold, colorful fabric is a great springtime option.

All of these items below will help you with this pattern or any pattern that involves making lots of buttonholes!

Simplicity 8546 Buttonhole guage Chalk pencils

*Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.

Easy Spring/Summer Shirtdress…McCall’s 6885

I made another dress for warm weather. This time I used M6885 which is a shirtdress with a front band/placket. This pattern is for woven material and has a variety of sleeve and style options. Frankly, I wanted to make a shirtdress and this one was much easier than some of my other patterns because it only has the four buttons in front, rather than several going down to the hem. With that being said, this is a pull-over style dress. 


I made View C, which they say to use cording as your belt. I like it unbelted, but you can certainly use what you like for the belt. 



I didn’t make any changes to this pattern. The material I used is a cotton shirting so it washes well and is lightweight (great for hot, humid summer days).

Now, on to the next project (once I figure out what that will be). Happy sewing…