Faking It – Sew A Fake Dress (Woven Edition)

You know that moment when someone compliments your dress… and you grin, knowing it’s actually a top and skirt? That’s the joy of faking it.

Matching sets are everywhere right now—especially shorts and shirts, or pants and crop tops—but I reckon this trend is even more magical when it’s a skirt and top that pretend to be a dress. It’s a sneaky little sewing trick that gives you twice the styling options without anyone knowing. Wear them together, and it’s a dress. Wear them separately, and you’ve got a whole outfit rotation ready to go.

In this blog, we’re sharing our favourite faux dress looks made with woven patterns. Think floaty rayon, soft linen, breezy viscose. From button-ups to camis, gathered skirts to sleek shapes—it’s all about looking like a dress but sewing smart.

Let’s take a peek inside the (not-so) secret world of the fake dress...

Kate – Spill The Tea Blouse + Easy Does It Skirt
Rayon crinkle from Tessuti (Australia)
This combo has that soft, swishy movement that rayon does best. The subtle gathers of the blouse meet the relaxed waistband of the skirt with just enough tuck to give that “is it a dress?” illusion. (Spoiler: it’s not.)

MarySarah – Spill The Tea Blouse + Easy Does It Skirt
Rayon challis from Fabric Mart (USA)
This version brings all the effortless energy of a one-and-done dress with none of the limitations. And rayon challis? Floaty perfection.

Melanie – Low Key Cami + Coastal Skirt
Bamboo rayon from Super Cheap Fabrics (Australia)
Simple. Modern. So wearable. This set looks just like a breezy sundress and feels just as good. The bamboo gives it that luxe drape that skims and flows.

Kim – Low Key Cami + Coastal Skirt
Rayon (USA)
This is summer in an outfit. Kim’s version shows how a relaxed cami and easy skirt in the same print = instant dress vibes.

Kate – Lyrical Shirt + Gathered Skirt
Rayon from Super Cheap Fabrics
This one gives romantic ‘shirt dress’ energy with a twist. The soft pink floral is made even prettier with a red border print, used to highlight the sleeves, tie, and skirt hem. It’s a clever way to bring harmony to the look while still having fun with fabric placement. Matchy but with a little extra magic.

Meredith – Low Key Cami + Coastal Skirt
Rayon from Spotlight (Australia)
A fab example of how store-bought rayon can deliver designer results. This is casual cool, wrapped up in a not-really-a-dress moment.

Sam – Rise & Shine Top + Easy Does It Skirt
Viscose denim
This set is all about structure and silhouette. Sam’s outfit fakes it with a fabric that holds shape but still moves—hello, secret workwear! 

Kate – Rise & Shine Top + Easy Does It Skirt
Linen from East Coast Fabrics (Australia)
I wanted a matching set I could tuck in and wear as a fake dress whenever the mood struck—something that could go from brunch to barefoot. This linen combo hits that sweet spot: tailored, but totally relaxed.

Lucinda Sgro – Sweet Talker Bubble Sleeve Top + Easy Does It Skirt
Cotton doona cover from Aldi
Yes, you read that right. A doona cover. Lucinda’s clever upcycle proves that bold sleeves and a matching skirt make for one heck of a ‘dress’.

Whether you’re sewing sets to double your wardrobe or just love the freedom of mix-and-match outfits, faking it has never looked so good. And honestly, it’s kind of addictive.

So next time you reach for a dress… maybe fake it instead.