Get the Ready to Wear Look with Sewing Patterns
I haven’t done one of these in quite some time. I do these so you get some inspiration as to what you can do with the sewing patterns that we see over and over again. They are very much inspired on Ready to Wear styles out there. Some patterns are older, but some are quite new.
So let’s start with Ralph Lauren because why not? I get ads for Ralph Lauren all the time. I love RL, there is something about that classic style that works year after year. Upon seeing the picture below with the model in the faux suede leather dress I thought, I’ve seen this pattern before. Sure enough I recall seeing something rather similar from Simplicity. its S9042, view B is rather close, you would have to add in a collar, get rid of the band and add a set of cuffs but you could get away without them too.
I don’t know about you guys but I miss Cynthia Rowley and her sewing pattern designs. I don’t think I’ve seen one issued in the last two seasons. But Instagram must know I love her because they serve me with Cynthia Rowley ads ALL the time. I saw this black dress with some rib knit at the waist and my mind reminded me we had seen something similar before, and Simplicity S9135 fits. You would have to add in some slash pockets but that’s easy to do, and if you are wondering what is a good slash pocket pattern I highly recommend Mimi G’s S9261 dress (I’ve hacked that pattern for knit dresses more times that I would care to tell you!).
Here is an oldie making a comeback courtesy of Simplicity. Its actually a really good one if you love Dior’s Marc Bohan’s designs circa 1966 Spring Collection. Don’t ask me how I thought of this one but I follow a Vintage Seller of Haute Couture on Instagram (Shrimpton Couture and the owner Cherie knows her garments well and does an amazing job as a vintage seller), she posted a picture of this vintage red dress from Marc Bohan. It retailed for $1,800 but it is now sold. But if you weren’t able to get your hands on the vintage couture you can use Simplicity S9466. This is a vintage pattern that was JUST re-issued as part of their Spring 2022 sewing pattern collection. I haven’t seen the pattern but you may have to add in welt pockets to this dress, but that is not a hard thing to do.
It is still pretty darn cold by us in the Midwest and since it’s winter its going to be cold for a while. I was just looking at this coat from JCrew. it is a Teddy Sherpa Coat… they had it in the most beautiful mauve pink hue. But like one of the stories of my life it is now sold out, but Simplicity comes to the rescue yet again. You can use S8797 to make this coat. Sure it may not be a double breasted coat but this is perfect, and I happen to love that the pattern calls Sherpa as one of the recommended fabrics meaning the pattern is drafted with this fabric in mind.
We have to do a little Sezanne because I’m all about skirts and knee high boots in winter time. So lets look at a few. My daughter loved this skirt and heck I did too! It is called the Alison Skirt from Suzanne, Free People has a similar design and they both retail around $200 plus. Its beautiful, but I’m pretty confident we can make this one. Enter Burda 6252. Can we just say it’s pretty darn close! You can find some beautiful supple faux leather or even corduroy and make it.
Let’s keep going because I absolutely loved this skirt. It is by Sezanne, and it’s called the Keira skirt. It too retails for upwards of $200, closer to $300 actually. I love designs like these because they are simple and classic. Simplicity came in again with a pattern for it. It is Simplicity S9048.
Do you guys follow some of these Fashion Influencers on Instagram who post these pictures of fabulous clothes in beautiful places? I follow a few. I remember this pattern from McCall’s last year. It was McCall’s M8178. This is a dress with godets. I loved this dress, LOVED IT! But I must admit I ran out of time to make it and I saw an Influencer proucing around in a fuchsia and pale pink dress. She looked beautiful. Luckily for me she had a Like it to know it link… and its a ShopBob dress! Of course, like all good things this dress is now sold out in all sizes. I get another chance to make it this summer and I’m going for it! I actually think it would be great sew along because it’s got godets.
Lets do one last one. I know I’m late to this party but this pattern has been in my stash waiting for me and I suspect that some of you have it too. But as I was glancing at some of Altuzzara’s designs this red dress caught my eye. Red, knit and with just enough fun. Yes, I will have to make some modifications but that’s what pattern hacking is alllll about it.
So what do you think? As much as I like to say at times, I’m bored by this last sewing pattern release I have to admit the sewing pattern companies are giving us the looks, they are keeping up with the ready to wear trends and it’s up to us to sew it!
