Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

Build a Not-So-Basic Capsule Wardrobe

Plan as you go, and enjoy dressing every day
Threads #220, Winter 2022
Separates with stylish details and fabrics combine into ensembles with panache. Patterns and fabrics: Sewing Workshop.com, Left: Sterling Jacket in cotton/linen-blend jacquard; Crane Street Tee in cotton jersey; Hudson pants (modified) in linen. Center: Ikina II Jacket in rayon challis; Swing Tee in rayon/spandex jersey; West End Pants in rayon/polyester knit. Right: Maison Joggers in cotton jersey.

It has been interesting to observe how people have addressed their clothing situation during a two-year hiatus from standard routines. Some didn’t break stride and wore exactly what they have always worn. Others got into the sweats-and-running-shoe mode. Whatever your dress code is now, there has definitely been a shift in how we dress and what we sew, and I bet you have a new viewpoint, too. I know I do.

When the pandemic broke out, I ended up working by myself in a studio that four of us normally shared. Jeans and sweaters were my daily staples. Jokes about wearing nothing but sweats became the standard line. Sales of joggers exploded with online retailers. Major newspapers ran articles on the “10 Best Sweatpants.” It’s all we could think about, and then it got old. We missed the wider range of clothes in our closet—and we had time to do something about it.

I developed a plan that brings sewers together (virtually) and leads them through the creation of a fun, versatile wardrobe of separates. You can create your own yearlong wardrobe-building plan, too. Based on engagement with our customers and photos of garments on our social media platforms, I’ll share what I have observed about what people want to sew and wear now.

Read on to learn how to choose patterns that work together and fabrics and colors that you’ll enjoy sewing and wearing. Devote time to sewing one new piece a month, and you’ll soon have a range of outfit options that are more than the sum of their parts.

Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.

Start your FREE trial today and get instant access to this article plus access to all Threads Insider content.

Start Your Free Trial
Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Discuss

  1. buckarina | | #1

    Where do I find the "web extra" with suggestions for patterns??

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights