I first saw Helen Papke make it in various gray fabrics; silk, cashmere, safety pins(!) as a jacket. I'm sorry to say I can't find the photo but if I do I'll post it. Magical garment! Here's a photo of the unsinkable Helen at one DOL. She made the shirt draped over her chair. The buttons are felted lips.
I've considered several ways to make it but, as per my usual method, I chose a fabric for the first go 'round that I wouldn't mind messing up. I can't remember where I bought it, I'm sure it was online because I remember when it arrived I said to myself, "Well THIS isn't what I thought it was going to be!" But it's turned out to be a really nice fabric and easy to work with.
It's a lightweight synthetic black and white stripe with a semi-permanent wrinkle. When I say semi I mean when you wash it the wrinkles stay; when you iron it the thing goes flat. A problem if you don't know in advance. But, it worked well for the facing pieces, made them lay flat, I liked that.
I made the longer version, using the selvage for the collar and vintage 30's buttons. I narrowed the sleeved. I don't like bell shaped sleeves, they get in my way. I love this pattern. It's well written and worked the first time. You know that doesn't happen often!
I'm going to make this in several types of fabric. I have an old kimono that I'm thinking of taking apart and remaking with this pattern.The longer version is supposed to be made with shirting fabrics but I think, with the addition of pockets, it will make a great leight weight jacket to go over my long and drapy tops.
Helen made the shorter version for her jacket. It was fairly structured because of the weight of the fabrics which was very pleasing. She embellished it with several hundred safety pins, big wow! Dang I wish I could find that photo!
Here's the link to the pattern. http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1274-products-15137.php?page_id=716. Give it a try.