It’s March, which officially* means we can start planning our spring/summer makes. I’ve scoured the runway shows and paired a few key looks with sewing patterns to recreate your own versions. Let’s take a gander…
A Hot Dopa-minute
Colour blocking, or ‘dopamine dressing’ as it’s being bandied about now, is EVERYWHERE. This trend is something we can all tap into. Whatever your favourite hues, don them from head to toe and feel those happy vibes shine through.
Head to toe colour not for you? Proenza Schouler shows us how to inject some colour without going the whole hog.
In terms of sewing this up, it’s totally open to interpretation. Use sewing patterns you already have and love, and search for bold fabrics from your favourite indie brands. If you’re not sure which colours work for you, this is the perfect time to hit your high street and try some bits on. See what works and what colours you like pairing together before committing the time and expense of sewing anything new.
Prepped and ready
Preppy styles with a 60s twist were all over Christian Dior’s SS22 show and I absolutely bloody love them all. Whether you prefer to go super girly or a bit androgynous, this collection has something for everyone.
As with dopamine dressing, it’s all about solid colours here. To recreate the orange two piece, the Style Arc Harriet Jacket is a close match, or use any blazer sewing pattern (see blazer section below). Pair with a simple mini skirt like the Barkly Skirt from In The Folds or Sew Over It’s Ava Skirt and choose your favourite colour for the ultimate mix and match outfit. The black and white pinafore + shirt combo has me all aflutter. Take your favourite button up shirt sewing pattern and layer it with a deep-v pinafore like Seamwork’s Dani Pinafore and you are good. to. go.
Blade. Laser. Blazer.
Yep, they’re still going strong. If anything, blazers seem to be coming more and more of a staple for everyday wear. Perfect with jeans and a tee, a floaty dress or to finish off a classic tailored look, blazers are more versatile than they initially seem.
Lucky for us, there’s blazer sewing patterns aplenty out there. For looser shapes there’s the Richmond Blazer from Nina Lee and Friday Pattern Company’s Heather Blazer. If you prefer a more classic shape that still oozes cool, try The Blazer from The Avid Seamstress or Closet Core’s Jasika Blazer sewing pattern.
If proper blazers feel a bit too formal for you (or too complex to sew), try the Artemis jacket from I AM Patterns. It has the feel of a slouchy blazer but a more relaxed fit, plus it’s perfect for beginners.
Line of Beauty
You can bet your last Rolo that stripes will make a comeback every spring summer. Rest assured, that Rolo’s safe for summer 22. The great thing with stripes is that you can wear them year after year, so they’re well worth your time and fabric investment.
Bold stripes ruled the roost, bringing a sense of fun and maximalism that feels doable even if you’re not a maximal dresser.
Dalston Mill Fabrics currently has a bold red and white stripe cotton poplin that would be perfect to recreate the Schiaparelli shirt dress, and it’s in black and white too if you want to go monochrome like Caroline Herrera.
The Low Down
Possibly a knock-on of wanting to ditch the joggers and loungewear, necklines seem to be plunging that bit lower, and hemlines are edging that bit higher. These styles might not be for the faint hearted, but it’s refreshing to be breaking free of the prairie-style buffet dresses that have dominated the last couple of years.
For that exposed décolleté, the Sicily Slip Dress from Sewing Patterns by Masin seems to suit everyone, and I’m currently cutting out a True Bias Calvin Wrap Dress. Both these dresses are a bit slinky and revealing, but totally wearable and perfect for layering in case you do want or need to cover up a bit more.
I hope this post has brought you some inspiration for your next sewing projects. It feels like there’s a shift in shapes and colour, feeling somewhat more optimistic and empowering. Perhaps the possibility of a semi ‘normal’ season ahead has us taking a step away from loose, flowing shapes and into more defined shapes in bold statement colours. What’s not to love?
*Not official at all, it is in fact, pissing down and threatening to snow.
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