The South of France oozes timeless, sophisticated luxury and the fashion is no different. What better way to embrace the culture on this stop of Euro-Summer than by whipping up a few beautiful pieces, made SO easy by some très chic patterns.
Overall, we’re going for part-tailored, timeless fits, in-keeping with the sophisticated ‘quiet luxury’ that blew up on social media last year, and some part-flowy/ruched fits to help keep cool in the heat of the summer. The moodboard is keeping it very monochromatic, but the addition of small pops of clashing colours make an outfit so fun if that’s your thing.
1. The Waistcoat
Waistcoats have been back around for a couple of years now and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere. They just make you look so effortlessly put-together – the epitome of French style. The Veronica Vest by Just Patterns has darts that mean it’s fitted in all the right places and can be made more or less fitted using the back adjuster.
This in a white linen, paired with a matching white skirt is an absolute must. You’ll be mistaken for a local in no time.
2. The Classic Skirt
Speaking of a matching skirt,The Assembly Line’s Pencil Skirt pattern is IT. Like the vest, it has darts to hug curves in all the right places, and the style is simple enough that you can very easily adjust this to your desired length. For the longer length, you can add in the slit at the front or back to avoid the dreaded restricted walking shuffle (I have personally been victimised by this on a number of occasions). The sizing is also really inclusive, ranging from XS to 3XL.
It is pitched to the more advanced sewist, but don’t let that put you off. Take your time with it and it will be so worth it. I plan to use this for a skirt in a mini, midi and maxi.
3. Quick dip?
With the unique twist neck detail, the Kaia Swimsuit by Papercut Patterns is crying out to be worn for a day-trip to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Cannes/St Tropez/Nice/all of the above. It’s effortlessly cool and feminine, and with a built-in shelf bra and the option to adjust the pattern in a number of ways, it’s so flattering for every body shape and preference.
You can buy the pdf pattern for UK sizes 6-20, or the curve pdf pattern for UK sizes 16-34. Make sure to use swimsuit elastic (much more resistant to chlorine and heat) and a ballpoint/stretch needle and you’re good to go!
4. The Dropped Waist Revival
Friedlies have been well ahead of the curve with the Aurora Dress, perfectly executing the dropped-waist style dress that’s high on the fashion agenda this year (all the way from the Roaring 20s). The simple fitted body with mini or maxi flared skirt creates a beautiful silhouette that will be perfect for warm evenings sipping cocktails in Cannes.
As always, the pattern comes with a follow-along YouTube video which is perfect for the visual sewist, especially for the zip-installation if you’re new to this (it’s a lot easier than you think!).
5. The Boatneck
The boatneck was introduced into modern fashion by no other than French fashion legend Coco Chanel (originally dating back to the 19th century French Navy – who would have thought), and so how could we possibly miss the opportunity to include a boatneck pattern for your next trip to its very birthplace.
The Puff and Pencil Boatneck Dress truly is the perfect pattern to fully embrace the effortlessly classy French neckline. It is so simple, with a fitted body that flows out subtly from the waist. It has an invisible zipper and is another pattern that comes with video guidance. If sleeves are your thing, Puff and Pencil also have a whole range of patterns that make it easy to add-on to your fancy – a pick-and-mix of pattern designs if you will!
Phew, sewing for Euro-Summer really can have us working through our fabric stash quickly. Any chance it needs a refresh? We may be able to help… stay tuned!
