May 2015 Mini Wardrobe Plan

Silk Charmeuse-Sunshine Twist, Black/White Pinstripe, Black/Ivory/Lemongrass Tweed, Cream Stretch Sateen

Spring is finally here to stay and it’s time to stop procrastinating and recharge your wardrobe.  I’ve put together 4 fabrics and selected 8 pieces from 6 patterns for May’s mini wardrobe plan (MWP). With all the possible combinations in this MWP your sewing time will be well spent.  And with a few smart and versatile accessories you will be ready for almost any occasion.  All fabrics are from Sew Much Fabric.

The Basics

The key to any good wardrobe plan is basics. Let’s start with a classic Black and White Pinstripe in a year around wool and cotton blend fabric.  I selected the top, pants and skirt from Butterick 6030, a wardrobe pattern.  The top is cropped, a current trend, but if that’s not for you just add a few inches-that’s the beauty of sewing. The top looks great for weekend glam when paired with the featured skirt or pants and a pair of sandals. Add a jacket and you’re ready for the office. The pants are a classic shape and the skirt is flowy but not too flowy which works great for the workplace, casual wear or special occasions.

The Pop of Color

Get ready for summer’s social whirl with this sunny shade of yellow silk charmeuse.  It’s the perfect pop of color against the Black and White Pinstripe.  I’ve paired Vogue 1387 (view A) and the skirt from Butterick 6030 for a simple but elegant look for  dressier occasions.  Add any color accessory of your choice (turquoise, coral, silver or gold to name a few) and have yourself a ball!  Try combining the blouse with the Black/White Pinstripe skirt (or pants) and you have a great outfit for a lunch date.  

The Completer

This Black/Ivory/Lemongrass Tweed pulls it all together.  This fabric has a slight open weave so use a fusible interfacing to give the fabric that extra body for structured garments.  The jacket (Burda Style 2/2015 #119) is a Chanel-styled jacket with self made fringe.  Combine the jacket with a coordinating dress (Vogue 8972) and you have just created a very chic look!  Pipe the dress with the Cream Stretch Sateen or Black/White Pinstripe suiting fabric for added interest.  

Bonus!

I’m using the Cream Stretch Sateen, Burda Style 4/2015 #116 (jacket) and Simplicity 1696 (pants) as a bonus look to help round out your weekend glam attire. These easy and adaptable pieces blend right into this MWP.  Wear the jacket with the tweed dress (Vogue 8972) to a meeting or add the Black/White Pinstripe top with both cream pants and jacket for a night out at the movies.  

These “clothes encounters” are a winning combination of texture, versatility and style.  Have fun mixing and matching.  And for those that purchased the very first MWP you can add this Month’s Plan to extend your wardrobe combinations even more!