For parties, weddings, banquets--any occasion that calls for that special dress--this is the book that lets you DIY sew something stylish and elegant, for a lot less than you'd pay for ready-made. These 26 dresses and separates range from short to long, from sweet to sophisticated, and from simple to dramatic to suit your mood, your style and the event. Beautiful photos feature garments sewn in a variety of elegant fabrics to inspire you to choose colors, prints and textures for a dress that is just right for you and for the moment.

Sewing patterns include:

• Gathered-skirt dresses with lacy overlays
• Simple, elegant shifts and empire-waist styles
• An easy, flattering shirtwaist dress
• A pintucked smock style dress
• Shirt and blouse combos that allow you to mix and match
• Dresses sporting a few well-placed frills for a look that's both girly and subtle
• Little bolero jackets for when you want a little more coverage
• And more...