Faking It – Sew A Fake Dress (Stretch Edition)
Love the look of a dress but live for comfort? This one’s for the stretch sewists.
There’s something so satisfying about sewing a top and skirt in the same knit fabric and watching it transform into the idea of a dress—comfy, stretchy, secretly two pieces. It’s the perfect way to get dressed quickly, feel put together, and still have the freedom to wear each piece your own way.
In this blog, we’re sharing our favourite fake-it outfits made with stretch patterns. From slinky tanks to banded tees, swishy skirts to figure-loving fits—these sets are so good, no one will guess they’re separates.
Melanie – One Shoulder Tank + Turning Point Handkerchief Hem Skirt
Lightweight poly elastane knit
Equal parts sleek and statement. The fitted tank pairs perfectly with the asymmetric, drapey skirt for a look that reads like a chic modern dress—but feels as comfy as your favourite loungewear. Win-win.
Kate – Hello Gorgeous Puff Sleeve Tee + Symphony Skirt
Liverpool knit
A touch of structure from the liverpool makes this combo feel dressed up. Add a belt (like I did here) to trick even the most eagle-eyed into thinking it’s a full frock.
Kate – Chasing Butterflies Batwing Top + Slay All Day Skirt
Sweater knit in animal print
Cosy meets cool. This winter-ready set fakes the look of a slouchy sweater dress—with all the warmth and wild vibes of animal print. The batwing top adds that relaxed drape, while the fitted Slay All Day Skirt keeps it sleek and shapely. Snuggly, stylish, and definitely not a dress (but no one will know).
Erica – One Shoulder Tank + Heartlight Skirt
DBP from JoAnn (US). Aussie equivalent: Lush Fabrics
Soft. Stretchy. Secretly two pieces. This one’s playful and wearable—DBP gives it that comfy second-skin vibe.
Sophie – One Shoulder Tank + Turning Point Handkerchief Hem Skirt
Viscose jersey
A stunning set that fakes it with style. Sophie’s version shows just how well viscose jersey drapes into something that looks way more dressed up than it feels.
Steph – Keep It Simple Tee + Turning Point Handkerchief Hem Skirt
Ponte
Steph’s belted look brings structure and polish to this stretchy set. It’s the kind of outfit that goes from desk to dinner in a blink—and still looks like a dress.
Kate – Flawsome Top + Heartlight Skirt
Viscose elastane
Super soft, super wearable. This pairing gives ‘throw-on-and-go’ vibes while still feeling styled. The curved shapes of the top and skirt work in harmony.
Kate – One Shoulder Tank + Go With The Flow Skirt
Rayon elastane
This one’s a flowy fake-dress fantasy. The flared One Shoulder Tank gathers into a wide band, with a soft flounce cascading along the asymmetric neckline. Paired with the sweeping maxi skirt—finished with the same waistband—it looks and moves like a dramatic summer dress, but it's secretly a set.
Terri – Carefree Cuffed Tee + Sporty Lounge Skirt
Double Brushed Poly (DBP)
Terri’s set is the ultimate fake-out—it looks polished and elevated, but it feels like loungewear. The cuffed tee pairs effortlessly with the Sporty Lounge Skirt, complete with pockets and a drawstring waistband, all in super-soft DBP. It gives off “casual dress” energy with just enough detail to look like you’ve made an effort (even if you haven’t).
Sam – Endless Summer Tee + Sporty Lounge Skirt
Cotton jersey by Swafing from Sew Good Knits
Sporty meets sweet. Sam’s combo is casual cool at its best—perfect for beach walks or coffee runs, and definitely ‘not-a-dress’ dressing done right.
Maureen – Carefree Cuffed Tee + Sporty Lounge Skirt
Lightweight merino wool
Relaxed, effortless, and quietly luxe. Maureen’s set is the definition of elevated loungewear—soft and breathable in lightweight merino, with the casual silhouette of a tee and skirt that look like a laid-back knit dress. It’s the kind of outfit you want to live in, but still feel totally put together.
Stretch lovers, rejoice. You can have your comfy cake and eat it too—with outfits that look like dresses but wear like your favourite set.
From everyday to event-ready, faking it in stretch fabric is one of the easiest ways to feel put together without giving up comfort. And honestly? Once you start, you’ll never stop.
