The funny thing about being a sewist is that when sponsored ads pop up while I’m scrolling Instagram or other platforms, they catch my interest for reasons the marketers aren’t exactly going for: Rather than jumping to add the item to my cart, I often jump to thinking about sewing patterns that are similar to the design.
That line of thinking inspired today’s post!
Today I’ll be sharing eight ready-to-wear looks sold by popular fashion retailers that you can replicate using existing sewing patterns. One of my favorite features of this post: all of the sewing patterns featured are from indie designers!
Supporting small businesses has always been a passion of mine. I think it’s important to support artists who are working hard at their trade. If you see a pattern you like, follow the links to purchase it from the designer!
I am not compensated in any way for your purchase – I am just passionate about supporting artists! 😉
1. A high-neck, flowy dress
RTW Look (left): Mergana Babydoll Mini Dress from Anthropologie
Sewing Pattern (right): The Wilder Gown from Friday Pattern Company {the gown pictured below is from the Curvy Sewing Collective via @whatabimakes}
The neckline of the RTW dress immediately made me think of the recently released Wilder Gown! It’s been making its rounds on Instagram and I don’t hate it! It’s gorgeous.
How to replicate this look
Using dark background, floral ditzy print, lightweight material (like this Tencel Lawn in Sundown Daisies or this John Kaldor Hermione floral or this Dainty Floral Poplin), sew the short dress version of the Wilder Gown with long sleeves.
More inspiration
Buy it
This Swiss Dot Dress has a different neckline but the tiered layers create a very similar maxi look.
The layers, the neckline – this Button-Front Tier Midi-Dress has it all!
If the neckline makes you swoon, this Snakeskin Print Dress might be for you!
If wearing separates is more your thing, this Silk Poet Top has all the darling details.
Make it
Find more Wilder Gown Inspiration on the Friday Pattern Company’s blog.
–
2. Chic Overalls
RTW Look (left): Long Jumpsuit with Pockets from Zara
Sewing Pattern (right): Yanta Overalls from Helen’s Closet
How to replicate this look
Lengthen the straps of your Yanta Overalls (View B) and use D-rings instead of buttons. Omit the front bib pocket for a more-jumpsuit-less-overall look (like the RTW). This Viscose Linen Noil in Smoke is close to the color of the fabric used in the RTW version above.
You might even want to shorten the length of the legs and widen the bottom if you like the flare on the RTW version.
More inspiration
Buy it
For a more artsy look, this loose sleeveless jumpsuit fits the bill (& is super similar to the Yantas)!
These pocket overalls are also a close match.
Make it
There are loads of #YantaOveralls on Instagram – great inspiration!
Alexandria lengthened the straps of her Yantas and created loops (in place of buttons/buttonholes) which added really lovely detail to these overalls! You can follow the steps Katie Kortman shared on her blog to copy the look.
I actually recently ordered this olive cone mills denim and these jeans buttons to create my own short pair of Yantas (so stay tuned!).
These white denim Yantas are the white couch of my #momlife dreams.
–
3. Boho Dress
RTW Look (left): Vine Tie-Neck Flare Dress from Ann Taylor Loft
Sewing Pattern (right): Roscoe Dress from True Bias
How to replicate this look
Use a tiny printed woven fabric with a great drape (like this rayon poplin or this rayon challis) to make View B of the Roscoe Dress.
More inspiration
Buy it
This maxi (affiliate link) doesn’t have a ruffle bottom, but has all the other flirty details!
Make it
This whimsical Roscoe Dress by Endearing Everyday makes my Liberty-loving heart swoon.
You can hem the sleeves rather than gather for a totally different look!
–
4. Lounge Pants
RTW Look (left): Trouser Sweatpants from Madewell
Sewing Pattern (right): Hudson Pant from True Bias {the pants pictured below are from The Doing Things Blog}
How to replicate this look
Make yourself a pair of Hudson Pants (View A) in a cozy fabric like this Heathered Doubleface Brushed Knit.
More inspiration
Buy it
These joggers in cashmere sound like what lounging dreams are made of.
Make it
Trish Stitched made a full loungewear set using the Hudson Pants!
I really like the dark gray Tori used for her Hudson Pants.
Stonemountain & Daughter Fabric has a gray Bamboo/Cotton Sweatshirt Fleece and matching Ribbed Knit so you could make your Hudsons with a very cohesive aesthetic!
–
5. Mini Skirt
RTW Look (left): Button-Front Mini Skirt from J.Crew
Sewing Pattern (right): Tillery Skirt from Blank Slate Patterns
How to replicate this look
Make the Tillery Skirt Pattern (mini) with corduroy fabric (this amber corduroy is almost spot-on!) and jean buttons. Omit the front pockets.
More inspiration
Buy it
The skirt pictured from J.Crew also comes in black.
This green skirt has fun oversized buttons. The flap pockets look very retro.
Make it
This olive green corduroy would look great with this pattern.
–
6. Button Front Dress
RTW Look (left): Square Neck Button Front Dress from Universal Threads for Target
Sewing Pattern (right): Fiona Sundress from Closet Case Patterns
How to replicate this look
The RTW look includes a waist tie which is a very easy addition.
If you like the corduroy look, Stonemountain & Daughter Fabric has a great selection. If you’re into the dark denim look, this Cone Mills Stretch Denim in Indigo would be perfect!
Both dresses offer photos of models wearing the dress as-is as well as over a blouse (like a pinafore). Style it how you like!
More inspiration
Buy it
Rather than button from top to bottom, the skirt of this dress has a diagonal line of buttons – it’s such a neat design!
Make it
I think this rose corduroy would be so lovely for this dress.
–
7. Drape Front Cardigan
RTW Look (left): Chaus Plaid Long Double Knit Cardigan from Nordstrom
Sewing Pattern (right): Laurelhurst from Straight Stitch Designs
How to replicate this look
Using a double sided knit fabric, sew the Laurelhurst pattern to create your cardigan.
Reversible fabric is tough to find, but here are a few options: black and white stripes and polka dots, yam and raspberry double knit, and gray RS with green WS French terry.
To recreate the plaid look without a print showing on the reverse, this coral and navy hacci sweater knit would work.
More inspiration
Buy it
This simple gray drape front cardigan would quickly become a wardrobe staple – it looks just like Kimberly’s in the image above.
This one has a hood!
Make it
I’ve made this sweater before and it is super easy and fits great through the shoulders! It’s a lovely gift for a pregnant friend as it’s super easy to slip on during maternity leave to look a little better than you feel 😉 (can also be a great nursing cover-up).
This herringbone French terry in oatmeal would be lovely for this sweater.
–
8. Robe that doubles as a Topper
RTW Look (left): Daniel Rainn Floral Satin Burnout Open Front Topper from Nordstrom
Sewing Pattern (right): Suki Robe from Helen’s Closet
How to replicate this look
Using a lightweight woven fabric, make yourself a Suki Robe. Unless you plan to tie it, you can omit the waist ties and loops. You can use this tutorial to extend the front band to match the RTW sample above. You may also want to shorten it using these instructions.
More inspiration
Buy it
Every aspiring glamour queen needs a sequin duster in her closet, right?
Make it
Not only does Helen have a full sew-along for the Suki on her blog, but she also has several relevant tutorials for hacking this pattern.
–
Have you ever used your sewing skills to recreate a popular RTW style?
Share this:
resliced by Jordan 