Getting Through the Work Week:
The Peplum Top
Even though I work largely out of my home, there are times when I need clothes for business meetings. I need something to wear for this humid south Texas heat. We are all trying to dress for work with the summer weather
in mind. Casual Monday through Friday
would work well for these hot summer months.
But that’s not the way it works.
You still have to dress work appropriate for your specific job, Monday
through Thursday. Here’s an idea that
allows you to be at the top of your dress game at work, while giving that suit
a rest. The pattern for this top is the popular Vogue 8815.
I love the modern print of Paintbrush.
The color combination of
red, white, tan and black goes with so many things, you already have in your
closet. I paired the top
with a black wool crepe skirt Burda Style 01/2008 #109 blogged here.
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Sewing Details
I prewashed the fabric in warm water and dried on perma press. There was no shrinkage but it did need some pressing!
Notions: Rayon Lining-Diamond White
Gutermann Thread-020
YKK invisible zipper #501
Pattern Alterations: I did my normal FBA (1/2″) and lowered the waistline by 1″. I wanted the blouse to fit at my natural waistline because it is more flattering on me.
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The pattern goes together quickly. I used stay tape at the neck and waistline.
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I also
lined it edge to edge.
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Back
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Side
My outfits have to do double duty. I’m going to make capri pants with the Red Cotton Stretch Sateen to wear with this top. Another idea for this fabric is a fun shirtwaist dress like McCalls 6506.
To finish
off my look, I put on a vintage Anne Klein belt from my Mother’s closet
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and I’m also trending the white nail polish!
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I would love for you to leave a comment and share with me what are you wearing to work to beat this summer heat?
You do have an interesting situation with your wardrobe. I have been self-employed working from home before and I found it easy to work while 'under-dressed' only to have to scramble for a client facing look. Your outfit looks perfect for a Houston summer. I plan to make a peplum top in the raspberry plum. I'm not sure which pattern to use yet, there are so many. I have one from AtyleArc, and the Vogue, but Colette came out with a new one here: http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/hawthorn that has a cute collar and buttons down the front as well as a dress version so I will have to gather my patterns and over-analyze the situation.
I am working on a peplum top as well. When sewing for myself, I never seem to get it complete but hopefully this one will work out. making my muslin this week:)
I'm so jealous!!! Why didn't I let my sister teach me how to sew!!??? i tried sitting still but I was too hyper. ARG!!!
@Becki "over-analyze the situation" LOL!!!! I checked out that Colette pattern. Cute!! My only suggestion is with the collar style on the Collette pattern it needs fabric that will balance out the girly feel. I think the Raspberry/Plum Print will work better with a more "structured" peplum. @Ann Peplum tops are so easy! You've got this Ann.@Angela Well, it's never too late to learn to sew!!! 🙂
OK Roz, more peplum comments!I was looking at the reviews for this pattern on PR, and you peplum doesn't look as full as many of them. Did you fold out any of the pattern to make it more streamlined? Yours looks more flattering a little less 'poofy'.I also like the length of your peplum. Several of them look like they would be more flattering if they were shorter. Ya know – a little less screaming "PEPLUM" and more "flattering-simple-top". I guess its something that you just need to fiddle with the proportions to get it right. Yours is well balanced.
Becki, all I did was drop the waistline down to my natural waist. Where the pattern originally stops is not a good look for me. I did not change the peplum itself. A lot has to do with fabric choice. I used a cotton stretch sateen that is not drapey but also not too stiff-dress weight. Would you like a sample to check out the weight?
Looking fab, Roz! Super cute outfit on you all the way down to your trending toes!I'm making my first peplum now using Simplicity's Retro 1940's #1950. I just lack the finishing touches and really like it so far.
You'll love your peplum top, Dorcas!
You were smart to lower the waist, Roz. I didn't think to do this, and while I like my top, I'd be happier if it were at my natural waist instead of floating above it in such an odd place. You look very chic and professional with the skirt — but the capris will change the look altogether.
Thanks Cissie!