Take your two B panels and sew along the top. Adjust your machine’s stitch length. You will want the stitches to be lose for this part. Do not backstitch when you finish.

Take your two B panels and sew along the top. Adjust your machine’s stitch length. You will want the stitches to be lose for this part. Do not backstitch when you finish.

Lay down your top and bottom panel. The bottom’s width should be equal to the width of the top by now because of the shirring magic you did.

Pin the top and bottom panels, right sides together.

Sew along the shirring stitch line. Carefully. You will want to flatten (or “comb” to the direction opposite the stitch line) the shirred panel while you sew.

This is what you’ll have after you sew the panels together. Repeat the steps above to the back panels of your maxi dress.

Attach the elastic to the top part of your dress. Follow the instructions for attaching the elastic here.

Note: Instead of having the elastic close to the top (the part of my dress nearest the tape measure), though, you will want to have an allowance. You will sew two lines along your elastic casing. Make sure that your elastic will fit the distance between your two stitch lines.

And yes, that’s basically it. You’re done!
At this point, you have a choice to make your own “scarf belt” using some fabrics that will beautifully clash (or match) the fabrics you used. Of course, you can also use your own store-bought scarves or belts.
*this allowance is for the “folded over the belt” look, as demonstrated on the runway. The allowance can be 2 inches or none; it’s entirely up to you.