This golden yellow gown features a sophisticated smocking pattern that calls to mind a honeycomb. Fashioned out of ethereal silk chiffon, the dress gets its classic shape and distinctive texture from the diamond-stitched smocking in the bodice. A softly draping full skirt results when the smocking is released at the waist. This age-old technique is perfectly contemporary: You’ll find dresses with the same color and texture in the Alexander McQueen spring/summer 2013 collection. To learn how to add smocking to your garments, read this article from Threads #167.

This 1940s dress is like light filtering through golden honeycomb. To make your own version, all you need is a short-sleeved, drawstring-neckline peasant blouse and a honeycomb smocking stitch, sometimes referred to as the diamond stitch. The honeycomb pattern is stitched on a grid, which you can easily follow in a gingham fabric. Alternatively, mark a temporary grid of points directly on…