Start by drawing a contoured block if you want the dress to be very fitted, or add 2 to 4cm ease to circumferences if you like the fit to be a bit more relaxed.

Highlight underbust and waist level, then draw the new neckline choosing the coverage you want on front (we suggest 7 to 10cm above bust level). Then, widen shoulder dart by 1cm at neckline.

Measure armhole line from armpit to new neckline on front and make a matching measurement on back (this is not a rule though, you can have higher or lower back neckline).

Adjust skirt length 10cm above knee, then flare 5 to 8cm at sides.

Merge back and front at shoulder line in a temporary way and draw the shoulder strap 4cm wide from back to front. Shoulder strap starts and ends at armhole, but on shoulder line is drawn 1,5cm inwards.

Reduce back waist dart and discard 2cm from center back to shape it. Blend to zero at neckline and hip line, then cut through the lines to get:

• back shoulder strap + leftover small section (don’t throw it away!)
• back bodice
• back skirt
• front shoulder strap + leftover small section (don’t throw it away!)
• front bodice
• front skirt.