When is a shirt not just a shirt? When it's McCall's 4780 (Misses' sizes 10 to 24), a stylish topper that has the panache of a tailored jacket--without the time investment. A pointed collar, princess seams and button-up placket are standard on this semifitted shirt. The mid-thigh-length view with deep side vents looks especially fashion-forward in a bias-cut stripe, with long, set-in sleeves grounded in contrast, turn-back cuffs. Or for utter elegance, fabricate in silk shantung and add patch pockets. Is shorter more flattering for you? The demure hip-length version--perfect in lightweight linen--features the narrow, purchased trim of your choice to trim a topstitched collar and cuffs and peek from the placket and front tucks.
McCall's 4780, View A
Robert Kaufman Fabrics
Handkerchief Linen/Ivory (shirt)
60% linen/40% cotton
Novtex 10194/Bone (trim)
74% acrylic/15% polyester/11% nylon
McCall's 4780, View C
Michael Miller
C1455 Chic Stripe/Turq
100% cotton
Jazz Set
Tune up your wardrobe with McCall's 4782 (Misses' sizes 6 to 20), a cool fusion of spare lines and hip fabrics. This jazzy, lined jacket has real chops for work or taking five, plying an Eastern groove in bust-to-hem darts and an optional mandarin collar. Choose a chunky weave and bebop your way to a riff of self-fringe at the neck, front and cuffs. Or swing into the upper fashion echelons via embroidered silk in an alternate view in which the jacket's long, set-in sleeves progress into single-button vents.
McCall's 4782, View A
Hamil USA
Allegra-China/Purple/
Tan/Mauve
99% acrylic/
1% polyester
McCall's 4782, View B
Silk Safari
Sakura/K22 Celery
100% silk
McCall's 4782, View C
Covington Industries
Brodie/15 Chambray
100% cotton
Sew News contributing editor Susan Voigt-Reising is a life coach and communication consultant. For more information, visit www.svrcommunications.com.
Shirt Thing
Jazz Set