Sewing Circle: Good patterns for work clothes
Q: I was just wondering if you can recommend any sewing patterns for corporate wear? Or patterns where I can use a nice material and make it look like corporate wear. I work for a pretty corporate environment and I am over all of my work clothes, but in Australia to buy a nice dress you are looking at about $200 AU which I think is way too much!
I responded to Rhiannon that she might want to check out a post I did a while back when I bought a bunch of work-ey patterns. Since then a few new ones have come out, but
those are some great ones to start with.
You can find good patterns for work wear at any of the
big pattern companies, if you imagine making them out of suitable suiting or
heavier weights, generally in dark or solid colors. Simplicity also has the Amazing Fit
collection, which has lots of choices for pants, dresses, even a blazer
pattern! I'd definitely check those out when they're on sale at the fabric
store (if they do that in Australia). If
you're a pro seamstress or good at tailoring, you can certainly make your own
pants, blazers, etc., but even an intermediate sewist can probably make some
really nice work dresses. (I've done a
couple I'm proud of, but not all have turned out great. If you search "work dress" on the
search on the right sidebar of my blog, you'll see my posts about them).
Readers, have you used a pattern for work clothes with great success? What do you find is a good balance between buying and making clothes for a more professional environment?
Readers, have you used a pattern for work clothes with great success? What do you find is a good balance between buying and making clothes for a more professional environment?
And just for fun, here are a few fun inspiration pics for work wear...
So, what do you say? Any tips for Rhiannon?
So, what do you say? Any tips for Rhiannon?