I like to make simple, sleeveless dresses to go with many of my favorite jackets.  A cotton dress will hang nicer and resist wrinkling if it is lined.  To make a lined dress, I cut the lining using the dress pattern pieces an inch or two shorter than the dress and disregard the facings.  Sew the dress fronts and back together at the shoulders; repeat with lining.  Sew the lining to the dress at the neckline.  You can individually "pillowcase" the armhole seams, then open and sew the side/lining side seam in one.