How To Draw a Summer Dress

Every designer loves to draw pretty dresses of different shapes and colors. Today I want to share with you how you can draw a summer dress in your fashion sketches in a few easy to follow steps. This tutorial will show you how to sketch a basic summer dress design for the hot days, but you can change details around and make it your own. Are you ready to draw a girly, romantic summer dress together? Let’s begin!

How to draw summer dress step by step tutorial cover – draw a dress, draw clothes, draw dresses, summer dress – how to draw a summer dress

Step 1: Basic summer dress guidelines

One of the first things to think of when we draw a dress is the pose of the model because it changes the way we see the designs. So when drawing a summer dress that is nice and flowy choose a pose that does not look stiff. Click here to download the figure template used in this tutorial.

Start by pulling a straight line just under the chest and two vertical guidelines from the center of the shoulders down. Mark the length of the dress a little bit above the knees.

How to draw a dress tutorial step by step 01

Step 2: Draw the overlapping

Curve up slightly the line under the chest. This will be the seam connecting the bodice to the skirt and it’s curving up to create the illusion of volume of the model body.
Draw a diagonal line starting from the middle of the left vertical line to the point where the right vertical line meets the curved up seam.
To make the illustration more dynamic and interesting let’s replace the length guideline with a wave. Note that the wavy line starts below the length guideline. Then it goes up and finishes back on the guideline.

How to draw a summer dress step by step 02

Step 3: Draw the rest of the dress bodice

Using the vertical guidelines draw the rest of the dress bodice. Make sure both parts are aligning well. One should not be shorter than the other.

How to draw a dress hemline

Step 4: Add the straps and the skirt

Time to draw the straps of the dress. Make them medium thick. The straps should end in the center of the shoulders. Don’t separate the straps from each other too much.

The second part is to draw the skirt part. This is basically a straight line connecting the bodice to the hem with the exception of the waist area. Right at the waist make the line becomes wiggly to indicate the folds that form there because of the pose of the croqui.

How to draw dresses -tent shape guideline

Step 5: Draw the bows on top

Draw the bows on top of the straps. You may use the steps shown in the illustration below or refer to the “How to draw a bow” tutorial for a more detailed version of the bow.
Add short lines of different lengths close to the seam that connects the bodice to the skirt.

How to draw a summer dress step by step 05

Step 6: Draw the folds: dress hemline

Similar to the “How to draw a flare skirt” tutorial now we are going to transform the hemline once again.
Pay attention to the shape of the folds, which are not simply waves.
Add the back of the dress and some lines to indicate the folds from the hemline up- some shorter and some longer.

How to draw a dress skirt folds

Step 7: Color the dress in a bright color

Probably the most fun part when you design and draw a summer dress is when you get to choose the colors and patterns. Pick a fresh color to go with the light mood of the design. Yellow, lime green, baby blue or bubble gum pink all look great on summer dresses.
Add slightly darker shadows around the folds. Note that the shadows around the folds don’t go from end to end. They are most prominent at the hemline and the seam that connects the bodice to the skirt.

Fashion sketch coloring the dress in light yellow color

Step 8: Draw a floral pattern

It’s time to get really creative and draw a pattern for your design. Summer dresses typically go with floral patterns
The smaller the pattern, the more delicate and girly the dress will read.

How to draw a summer dress step by step 08

Finish the fashion sketch with the styling of the model that corresponds with the dress. Draw wedges, a hairstyle with loose curls and of course don’t forget to draw a smile on the face of your model – these are the best accessories for a nice fun summer dress.

Fashion illustration of a girl wearing yellow floral dress

How you know how to draw a summer dress and you’re ready to create your own version of it. Change the length, the straps width, the bow kind the color and patterns and have fun!

Happy drawing!

Love, teya

3 replies on “How To Draw a Summer Dress

  • Kzahn

    I mean i was sent here by my teacher to learn how to draw…..Didn’t wanna know but now i do…did i ever have a choice? do we have choices any more?Anyway i don’t think i’ll be drawing a summer dress anytime soon. Im a boy for pete’s sake!

    Reply

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