Get the RTW Summer Look with Sewing Patterns

Simplicity dropped their summer patterns last week…. lots of dresses and also I expect Vogue to follow suit either this week or later on next week. But I thought it would be great to take a look at some summer trends I’m seeing online at RTW shops and what we have seen from some of our newer and a few older patterns that have been out for quite some time.

S9605 - Its a brand spankin’ new summer pattern from Simplicity. Although I think it will be a popular pattern I feel as if the ruffles on the sides might be a tad little too wide but that’s an easy fix. The pattern calls for a woven fabric for this but you can also make this in a jersey knit. I found this top in two locations. But let’s focus on Ann Taylor for now. It is their Floral Smocked Shell retails for $59.50 I saw this style on their site numerous times with different fabrics and the flounce or hem finished in different ways.

The pattern calls for bias tape and elastic to gather the waist but if you feeling daring you can try something new (I’m talking to you beginners) you can shir that instead. It’s not hard at all it just takes a little bit of practice.

Lets keep going especially since I’ve been somewhat focused on paths and fitting pants and shorts and making sure that my wardrobe is working for me and I’m wearing it vs. a bunch of beautiful items that I will never wear.

Next up!

S1887 - These have been around for quite some time. It is under their easy-to-sew category for Simplicity and it’s a great pattern because not only do you get pants, shorts but you also get skirts. The nice thing about this pattern is you get an elasticated back waist band. Great pattern to have in the stash.

Sure enough Ann Taylor has a Tie Waist Shorts in a linen blend online. It retails for $69.50. They also have these in Gingham fabric and they even have a pair that has a scalloped hem with a satin stitch so that gives you a few fun ideas that you can do with this pattern, So cute!

Can you all tell I spent some quality time at Ann Taylor’s website? I did, but I will say I love their clothing, its well made and it has a classic style.

Here is an out of print pattern and I’m pretty sure a lot of you have it in your stash… I know I do.

S8175 - It is a pencil skirt with slash pockets and a tie… which you can forgo altogether. I know I have in the past. As I said its no longer in print but you can find it on Etsy or ebay. Yes the pattern has a slit right in the front middle but you can move that to the side if you prefer…. which I tend to do. I’ve also made this skirt in corduroy and stretch twill. Great pattern!

Ann Taylor has a beautiful Carmine Pink Pencil Skirt made out of linen… again perfect for the summer.

Since we are on the topic of skirts, I thought we should look at wrap skirts.

New Look 6456 - Great wrap skirt pattern, view B and C have these pockets but I would not even think about adding those….. View A has summer written all over.

Of course Ann Taylor would have a wrap skirt… how could they not and in a hot summer color. Look at this beautiful sunny yellow. They call the skirt a tie waist godet skirt, I don’t quite see the godets in this but I do see how the skirt is cut in panels that flare out. You can get a similar feel with the New Look 6456.

Lets go back to shorts because it’s summer and I have been looking at a lot of shorts lately. I bet you have too.

V9008 - These are flat front or pleated shorts in three different lengths. I have made the Dani Shorts, The Lander shorts and I’m about to make these as soon as they go on sale at my local Joann’s. This pattern is still in print and gets great reviews.

Ann Taylor has a plethora of shorts that you can check out and that you can make with this pattern.

B6872 - It’s another brand new pattern, this time from Butterick’s spring collection. I suspect this pattern will be rather popular. View A is rather lovely! This would look great in a printed linen or an eyelet fabric.

Talking about that eyelet fabric…. Ann Taylor was thinking our speed. Look at this black dress, it even has a little bit of ladder lace in between the tiers. Take a look at their Eyelet Midi Flare Dress its only available in black …. which hey something a little more dressed up for summer but it’s summer so I would go with a lighter color for this for sure! If you are doing view A you will have to take off a little bit of fabric off the flounces at the shoulders or not.

B6758 - Its a button down shirt dress with a flounce tier. I think this pattern might be an older pattern from Butterick… as in like a perhaps a year old. Don’t quote me on that…. but pick a summer fabric like double gauze and you are in business.

I got an Instagram Ad for Vineyard Vines, I see them at our local mall but I’ve never been inside… I loved this dress. perhaps not in this bright hue (although it caught my eye!) but it is made out of double gauze. Its their Seastitch Double Gauze Shirt Dress this beauty retails for $188.

One more because it’s summer and it’s great to wear a nice summer dress that you can throw a jean jacket for those summer nights.

M8090 - Its a loose fitting dress with tiers. Perfect for summer, you can make this in seersucker. This pattern has been around for quite some time. It has a lot of ease so make sure that you pay attention to that when you are picking sizes.

Here is a great dress from Vineyard Vines and look at that….. its made out of seersucker. They call it the Harbor Tier Dress. Love how they add a band in between the tiers to break up the stripes.

M7360 - Its a loose fitting pull over top with three different types of sleeves. Great pattern to wear with shorts, to be made in a tunic length and wear with sandals. Use linen, cotton gauze or a cotton lawn for that summer vibe.

Who loves JCrew? I absolutely love them. They have some great summer items like this Cotton Poplin V neck shirt. Ive also seen this shirt in white double gauze.

One more because how can we do this summer RTW to sewing patterns without talking about an indie pattern.

The Shelly Tank by Alissah Threads - its a brand new pattern. Its a beginner friendly one shoulder fitted silhouette tank.

Its a popular seller at Jcrew…. the One-Shoulder Tank. They have it available in allllll the colors. I’m fairly certain that you can make this for a lot less than what it retails for…. including the cost of the pattern download and fabric.

S9612 - This is a wardrobe pattern from Simplicity. If you look closely you will see pants and sailor shorts on the pattern cover. It sure doesn't look like much…. hence why I always tell myself go check out some RTW to get that sewjo inspiration flowing. You will have to move the location of the invisible zipper…. why do they think a zipper in the back is a good idea? But that’s an easy fix. Move that zipper to the side!

Ann Taylor has these great sailor shorts. Only available online. Perfect for summer! They elevated the look with subtle piping details, welt pockets and decorative buttons. Use S9612 to Sew the Look!