This is the third instalment of ready-to-wear trends that you can sew and recreate yourself. If you haven't read the first two yet, click on the category 'Sew the Trends' above.
Floaty loose-fitted dresses with frills and ruffles are still very trendy. So here are 5 current trends sold by popular fashion retailers that you can easily recreate with existing sewing patterns and sew yourself. All sewing patterns featured are from indie pattern designers. As a small business myself, I like to support other small businesses. If you see a pattern or fabric you like, follow the links to purchase it from the designer or fabrics shop.
PS: I am not compensated in any way for your purchase – I am just passionate about supporting other small businesses.
1. Frilled Hem
Like I said, loose-fitted dresses with frills and ruffles. This dress with the frilled hem band is super cute and reminded me of a dress pattern I recently used and loved! The dress pattern has a button placket but you know, it it isn't necessary to use. You could hack the pattern and make it your own style - that's why we sew, right?!
Ready-to-wear look (left): V Neck Smock Dress by Mango
Sewing Pattern (right): Myosotis Dress by Deer & Doe
Don't forget to check out my pattern review of the Myosotis Dress ...
Use light to medium weight fabric like chambray, rayon or double-gauze work beautifully to recreate the look. Here are a few Rayon fabrics available on my online fabric shop:
2. High-waisted wide leg trousers
Suit your style and hack the pattern into a tapered pair - I have a pair of those. You can add ties to recreate this look easily.
Ready-to-wear look (left): culotte trousers with tie waist by JDY
Sewing Pattern (right): Emerson Pants by True Bias ... the picture is the mid rise version but the pattern also comes in a high rise version that sits above the belly button.
Light to medium weight woven fabrics such as linen, cotton, rayon challis, and chambray are ideal for this type of trousers.
3. Jump Around!
Stay warm and cool! I was a little cold when I wrote the blog post and thought what could I sew to warm me up a little. The hoodie is easy-fitting without being too baggy, with contemporary drop shoulders and full-length cuffed sleeves.
Ready-to-wear look (left): Hoodie by New Look
Sewing Pattern (right): Stella Hoodie by Tilly & the Buttons (part of her book 'Stretch')
If you want warm and cosy, make them in sweatshirt fleece or French terry but also Cotton Jersey work well for a spring/autumn version. This has been on my sewing list this year. These are some the fabrics available on the website:
4. Button Up!
A loose-fitted button up shirt - comfy and stylish. Pair it with tights and boots for cooler days or with trainers or sandals for sunny days. A button-up shirt is a great wardrobe staple.
Ready-to-wear look (left): Shirt dress by ASOS
Sewing Pattern (right): Kalle Shirt Dress by Closet Case Patterns
Soft fabrics like tencel, linen, rayon challis and silk crepe de chine work best for a fluid and drapey Kalle. Crisper fabrics like poplin, chambray, voile, flannel and traditional shirtings will create a more structured silhouette. Check out some of the fabrics available in the online shop:
5. More Button-Ups
This type of shirtdress is a perfect breezy option to keep cool while looking great all spring and summer long or throw on a cardigan or blazer and you’re all set for fall and winter!
Ready-to-wear look (left): Shirtdress by Stradivarius
Sewing Pattern (right): Alder Shirtdress by Grainline Studio
Fabrics similar to trend 1 & 4 are perfect.
I hope I gave you some great fashion inspiration. If you have a dress or garment from a ready-to-wear shop that you would like to sew, comment below and I will try my best to find a matching sewing pattern for you.
Happy Sewing,
Maria