Wardrobe Alter Ego: Casual Chic
The third woman in our story about the wardrobe alter egos is Casual chic. She is the one who puts comfort first. So, for example, she will wear the same relaxed trousers at the office during the day and at a party at night.
This outfit consists of two of my favourite patterns (even though I usually don't pick between my patterns). It's two patterns which make the best and essential wardrobe, and you can make it in any kind of fabric It's, of course, the No. 7 Vanløse set and No. 27 Berlin coat.
Who is the casual chic woman, then?
There is no way you will compromise on being comfortable. Being able to move freely is the first need that should be fulfilled for you in clothing. You, of course, want to look put together and pretty, but it's essential that your clothes are practical for every aspect of your life. You want to unite comfort and style in style while looking cool and chic.
In your clothing, there is ALWAYS pockets, and you prefer pants for both party and at work. You love a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt and a sweater for your everyday life. You could easily have a monochromatic wardrobe where you only stick to one colour. This will be a way for you to be sure everything goes with each other in your closet. You want to stand out in your monochrome outfit and let the colour be the wow effect without giving up comfort. You want to be able to mix and match every piece of your wardrobe without thinking too much about it. Don't get fooled; this does not mean you're lazy because you're certainly not! You care about minor details such as a matching hair clip or your make-up. Maybe your sneakers are in a unique colour that goes with an element of your outfit. So even though you love comfort, it must have structure and "oomph". You want to look cool! Casual in the laid-back cool way that radiates calmness and being on top of things - chic! You may have dresses in your wardrobe, but they are made in a fabric with stretch of some kind, and they have a different colour or texture to it - and they have pockets! You're not classic in your expression but more chic in a sporty and cool way.
Fabrics
Choosing fabrics is very important to you as it needs mobility. You need to be able to move in the final result of clothing! You love materials that don't need too much ironing and that have stretch in them. It can be something other than a jersey, but you aim to find fabrics with comfort-stretch or natural stretch. You don't have anything against prints or colours as it adds something extra to your style, so your outfit isn't labelled as minimalistic, even though you're not a maximalist. You're perfect in between with these choices of fabrics at House Of Fabrics, our fabric shop.
Note: If you find something you would like to buy, please look for international shipping options. If your country is not on the list, please contact me, and we will find a solution.
HTDF patterns
You want clothes that can allow you to move, so the choice of patterns is of great importance. In addition, you want a casual look and feel without it looking sloppy. You can see my picks for you here:
Difficulty 1 & 3
This is a PDF pattern. If you desire a printed pattern, you will find it here.
This pattern includes two styles, a shirt and a top.
Version 1: Shirt with a gathered peplum. It has a wing sleeve with gathers. Close the front placket/collar with buttons or snaps.
Version 2: Short top with a tie in the waistline and a 50s-inspired shawl collar.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabric. Cotton, Silk, Wool, Viscose, Cupro, Linen or Polyester The final look of the garment will depend on the type of fabric you choose. Not suitable for jersey.
The download includes both A4/letter (29 pages) and A0 (2 sheets)
Incl. Size EU 32-54/UK 4-26/US 0-22
All pattern pieces are layered in sizes.
NO overlapping pattern layout
Find online instructions here
Sewing instructions are also printable
The pattern is incl. 1 cm seam allowance
You will need:
If you want to print your PDF patterns in a print shop, we recommend Patternsy
#no9rønne
Difficulty 1
This is a PDF pattern. If you desire a printed pattern, you will find it here.
An unlined coat with a jewel neckline, darts in the neckline and long slits in the side seams.
Version 1: Has long 3/4 sleeves
Version 2: Have long sleeves shaped with darts in the elbow line.
Fabric: Medium to heavy-weight woven fabric Wool, Linen, heavy silk or punto Milano. The final look of the garment will depend on the type of fabric you choose
The download includes both A4/letter (44 pages) and A0 (3 sheets)
Incl. Size EU 32-54/UK 4-26/US 0-22
All pattern pieces are layered in sizes.
NO overlapping pattern layout
Find online instructions here
Sewing instructions are also printable
The pattern is incl. 1 cm seam allowance
You will need:
#no27berlin
If you want to print your PDF patterns in a print shop, we recommend Patternsy
Difficulty 2/3
This is a PDF sewing pattern - if you desire a printed pattern, you will find it here.
This blouse has a simple cut and versatile usage. It has been designed for the active and efficient woman desiring stylishness for both evening dress and casual wear. A classic blouse with a princess cut, raglan sleeve, and round neckline. This is a perfect basic blouse with a lightly fitted shape. Includes two versions.
Version 1: Slightly fitted style with a seam CB.
Version 2: Has extra width at the back and a yoke detail.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabric. Cotton, Silk, Wool, Viscose, Cupro, Linen or Polyester The final look of the garment will depend on the type of fabric you choose. Not suitable for jersey.
The download includes both A4/letter (24 pages) and A0 (1 sheet + 1 A4 page)
Incl. Size EU 32-54/UK 4-26/US 0-22
NO overlapping pattern layout
Find online instructions here
Sewing instructions are also printable
Pattern is incl. 1 cm seam allowance
You will need:
#no3kastrup
If you want to print your PDF patterns in a print shop, we recommend Patternsy
Difficulty 4
This is a PDF pattern. If you desire a PDF pattern, you will find it here.
This pattern includes two different coats with a beautiful relaxed fit inspired by the 60s. The coat has a lapel collar, side seam pockets and a yoke.
Version 1: Coat with classic two seams sleeves.
Version 2: Coat with a beautiful cape/wing sleeve.
Fabric: Medium to heavy-weight woven fabric like wool, linen or heavy silk. The final look of the garment will depend on the fabric you choose. Not suitable for jersey
The download includes
A4/letter NO overlapping pattern pieces (81 pages)
A4/letter WITH overlapping pattern pieces (57 pages)
A0 NO overlapping pattern pieces (4 sheets)
A0 WITH overlapping pattern pieces (3 sheets)
Size EU 32-54/UK 4-26/US 0-22
Find online instructions here
Sewing instructions are also printable
The pattern is incl. 1 cm seam allowance
You will need:
#no22tangier
If you want to print your PDF patterns in a print shop, we recommend Patternsy
Difficulty 2
This is a PDF pattern. If you desire a printed pattern, you will find it here.
A relaxed fitted shirt with a notched collar, chest pocket and two bust darts on each side.
Version 1: Has long sleeves with wide cuffs.
Version 2: Has short sleeves with narrow cuffs.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabric. Cotton, Silk, Wool, Viscose, Cupro, Linen or Polyester. Works well in fabrics with comfortable stretch. Not suitable for jersey.
The download includes both A4/letter (30 pages) and A0 (2 sheets)
Incl. Size EU 32-54/UK 4-26/US 0-22
All pattern pieces are layered in sizes.
NO overlapping pattern layout
Find online instructions here
Sewing instructions are also printable
The pattern is incl. 1 cm seam allowance
You will need:
#no26hamborg
If you want to print your PDF patterns in a print shop, we recommend Patternsy
This is a collaboration with Grisette, a French designer.
Difficulty 1-2
This is a PDF pattern. If you desire a printed pattern, you will find it here.
This shirt has three versions. All with a lot of widths and a cutline detail on the side.
Version 1: Skirt with length under the knee and waistband.
Version 2: Skirt with calf length, a waistband and slanted pockets.
Version 3: Angel-length shirt with waistband and slanted pockets with pocket flaps.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabric. Cotton, Silk, Wool, Viscose, Cupro, Linen or Polyester the final look of the garment will depend on the fabric you choose. Not suitable for jersey.
The download includes both A4/letter (26 pages) and A0 (2 sheets)
Incl. Size EU 32-54/UK 4-26/US 0-22
All pattern pieces are layered in sizes.
NO overlapping pattern layout
Find online instructions here
Sewing instructions are also printable
The pattern is incl. 1 cm seam allowance
You will need:
If you want to print your PDF patterns in a print shop, we recommend Patternsy
#no24antheuil
Difficulty 3 & 4
This is a PDF pattern. If you desire a printed pattern, you will find it here.
This pattern includes two versions. Wide-leg trousers with a pleat on the front, slanted pockets, a high waist, and a waistband.
Version 1: Has a fly and a single welt mock pocket on the back, belt straps, and cuffs for the hem.
Version 2: Closing in the CB with a zipper.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabric. Cotton, Silk, Wool, Viscose, Cupro, Linen or Polyester. Works well in fabrics with comfortable stretch. Not suitable for jersey.
The download includes both A4/letter (46 pages) and A0 (3 sheets)
Incl. Size EU 32-54/UK 4-26/US 0-22
NO overlapping pattern layout
Find online instructions here
Sewing instructions are also printable
Pattern incl. 1 cm seam allowance
You will need:
#no14madrid
If you want to print your PDF patterns in a print shop, we recommend Patternsy
Difficulty 2
This is a PDF pattern - if you desire a printed pattern, you will find it here.
This sewing pattern includes two different styles a pair of trousers and a blouse. Use it together or as separate pieces.
Version 1: Blouse with a cowl neckline and pleats on the shoulder. It has an empire cut on the front and a slit in the back.
Version 2: High-waisted, wide-legged trousers with a dart on the back. The waist is finished with a facing and closed with a zipper in the side seam.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabric. Cotton, Silk, Wool, Viscose, Cupro, Linen or Polyester. Works well in fabrics with comfortable stretch. Not suitable for jersey.
The download includes both A4/letter (50 pages) and A0 (3 sheets)
Incl. Size EU 32-54/UK 4-26/US 0-22
NO overlapping pattern layout
Find online instructions here
Sewing instructions are also printable
The pattern is incl. 1 cm seam allowance
You will need:
#no7vanløse
If you want to print your PDF patterns in a print shop, I recommend Patternsy
Jewellery
You're the woman with a small amount of jewellery, but with a special meaning of significance for you. Each piece in your jewellery collection is of great importance to you. Your jewellery is sentimental and not of style- or trend meaning. You wear the same pieces for everyday use as for a party.
Weekday vs Special occasions
You don't know anything worse than feeling uncomfortable in your clothes. You hate feeling trapped, as if the clothes own you and not the other way around. So for parties, you would rather wear jeans and sneakers and give it extra with glitter, sequins and a bold make-up choice and your hair put up in a new way. Rather than wearing a dress and heels. You may be more colourful for a party than a day at the office, but the theme is always the same for you as described earlier. When going to a party, you put together the clothes you already have and use them for everyday wear with clothes or accessories with glitter or sequins that you use for special occasions. It will create the wow effect and make it completely different from what you wore to the office last Wednesday, even though it might be the same pants. For the outfit in the picture, would you maybe wear the top with jeans and the pants with a white t-shirt to tone it down for everyday life, but you put them together for a monochromatic look for parties and a wow effect. When going to a party, you wear colours that catch the curious eye and lots of glitters!
Your 3 keywords are:
Comfort, details and chic
