I'm interested in making a dress that laces up the sides like this one (http://armstreet.com/store/clothers/1/150.html) does. I'm not sure what the best way to do it is, though.
It appears to me that this dress is probably loose enough to pull over the head without any actual opening and fit is accomplished by the lacing which is attached to "D" ring shaped lacing rings. Round lacing rings would work just as well.
I have a dress like that, and as Mythrin said, it does just pop over the head, and the laces are used to tighten the sides to achieve a fitted look. It has what I'm calling a gore on each side--an extra panel of fabric that the laces tighten around/across. Here's a closeup shot:
(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/7547261/111884384.jpg)
I'm not sure how you'd go about making that, although you might start with a pattern like Simplicity 9891 (http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=9891), which has a fitted-and-flared silhouette, and then add the extra fabric in between the side seams. (guessing).
Okay, thank you. That's helpful. :)