Have you heard about The Big Stitch Challenge by the British Foundation. Still a couple days left if you want to take part.
The Challenge is to buy an item from your local BHF shop and refashion it.
I found this XL mans shirt and the mini gingham fabric shouted retro style to me.
Cutting off the sleeves and the edge of the shoulder I then cut up side seams. Once opened up I shirred across the back at the waist line.
For the front shaping I added 3 darts at the waist and shaped/reduced the front side edge before reattaching to the back.
Folding back the collar and front facing I pressed into place and stitched on a button to hold in place.
The buttons were also an upcycled, cut off of a previous worn out item!
Now I have new shirt that goes perfectly with my new retro crop trousers, Simplicity 8342.