Sew the trends - ready-to-wear looks you can sew yourself

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:

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  Rayon Crepe - Mustard Blossom

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  Rayon - Soft Blossom Navy

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  Rayon - Delicate Vine Navy

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  Rayon - Smoke Blue Sketch

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.

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  Rayon Twill - Grey

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  Viscose Linen Navy

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  Linen Rayon - White

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  Linen Rayon - Blush Pink Stripe

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:

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  French Terry - Grey Leopard

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  Cotton Jersey - White Black Check

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  Cotton Jersey - Colourful Polka Dots Navy

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  Cotton Jersey - Teal

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:

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  Rayon Twill - Olive

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  Rayon - Artistic Vibrance

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  Viscose Linen - Stripey Palms Blue

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  Viscose Linen - Stripe Cornflower Blue

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