The time between March and May is difficult dressing season. Waking up in the morning, it’s freezing but by lunchtime you feel ready to don a summer dress!

A shirt dress is the perfect solution – easy to throw a cardigan over but still cool and casual.

You may remember this isn’t my first love affair with a shirtdress; last year I made the Alex Shirt dress from orange chambray. Though I was skeptical when I first made it, it’s one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe.

When I saw that March was Kalle Shirtdress Month for Project Sew My Style, I decided it was time for another pattern in my life. I used the Medium Tencel Denim. 

The fabric was perfect for this project but required a few modifications in terms of cutting. It has a tendency to unravel when moved around too much after cutting. I would suggest that you serge the edges as soon as you can.

The Kalle shirtdress didn’t disappoint. It’s different from the Alex in many ways, certainly enough to justify having both in my wardrobe. If, unlike me, you’re trying to decide which pattern is right for you, I made this handy table:

Both dresses feature excellent instructions, a back yoke and pleat.

If you’ve been intimidated to sew a shirtdress, the Alex shirtdress is certainly a little easier, with fewer moving pieces. If you’re ready to have something with more options, try the Kalle.

So there you have it, my perfect transitional piece in Medium Tencel Denim! What do you like to wear in early spring?