10 Layering Basics for the Fall
Layering is a science and an art. Put the two together and you come up with a stylish outfit to get you through the fluctuating temperatures of seasonal change. Wikipedia defines Layered clothing as "the wearing of multiple garments on top of each other. Flexible clothing can be worn to suit the requirements of each situation by adding or removing layers, or by changing one layer and leaving the others." Sounds scientific to me. We here at PatternReview have figured this science out and are able to give you the art of layering. So join us in review of 10 Basic Layering garments that will keep you warm in Fall.
1. The Cardigan
We can all remember our mothers or loved ones yelling as we ran out the door, "Don't forget a sweater!!" They knew that we would be shivering once the sun went down. Soft, comfortable and easy to bring anywhere. PatternReview has SEW many options of cardigans to make, in fact many blog posts on our favorites. Last year we updated our Wardrobe Essential - Cardigan Blog Post. See it here.
Just one of the many patterns that PatternReview has in stock:
Itch to Stitch - Lisbon Cardigan
The Lisbon Cardigan is your everyday essential. Perfect for layering, you can wear the Lisbon Cardigan over a blouse, a T-shirt or a dress. Keep one in your carry-all purse so you will never again feel chilly in air-conditioned offices, restaurants and movie theaters. With two sleeve options and two length options, you can customize the cardigan based on your preference.
Buy Itch to Stitch Lisbon Cardigan
PatternReview Members in their Itch to Stitch Lisbon Cardigan:
Left: marec* Right: Lieslp* and Tarrbaby*
*Click on PR name to read review
2. Leggings
Leggings are the perfect answer to get us through the transitional seasons. Wear them with your long tunic or under a short skirt. You will be so comfortable and warm. Last year we collaborated with Discovery Fabrics and fabric matched some favorite legging patterns in our Wardrobe Essentials - Leggings. See it here.
Find these TNT leggings in our PatternReview Shop:
Jalie - Clara High-waisted Leggings
The Jalie Clara leggings are by far a favorite among the PR community. Jalie revisited it's classic legging pattern and updated it with ingenious seaming (no center front seam) and a gusset. View A has a wide contoured waistband. View B is finished with an elastic at the waist. Three length options: mid-thigh shorts, capri, ankle.
PatternReview Member, iSewQuiltArt, models her Jalie Clara leggings:
3. The Hoodie
If we have learned anything from our teenagers it's that the hoodie is really comfortable. In fact I'm wearing a zip-up hoodie as we speak in the air conditioned office. The hoodie is here to stay and you have so many great patterns out there to choose from. Last year we created a Wardrobe Essential - Hoodie Blog Post. See it here.
Find this TNT hoodie in our PatternReview Shop:
Cashmerette - Stanton Hoodie
Cashmerette created a fun and active pullover/zip-up pattern which is inclusive to all shapes and sizes. The Stanton Hoodie lets you create an athleisure piece that looks smart and feels great, because it's custom-fitted to your body. This pattern offers a pullover and a zip-up version. The hoodie features a curved yoke at the shoulder with the great fit of a set-in sleeve. The roomy pockets let you leave your purse at home and run free. Get playful with color-blocking or go monochrome for a chic look. From the yoga studio, to the coffee shop, you'll be looking sharp.
Buy Cashmerette Stanton Hoodie
PatternReview Members in their Cashmerette Stanton Hoodies:
Left: MaggieNY* and Jamilla* Right: Samstress*
*Click on PR name to read review
4. The Blazer
The classic Blazer can easily go from dressy to casual depending on what you wear along with it. You can find a great list of blazers on this older post we had created, The Blazer Blog Post. See it here.
Find this TNT blazer in our PatternReview Shop:
Closet Core Patterns - Jasika Blazer
The Jasika Blazer is a classic tailored jacket with a semi-fitted shape that will never go out of style. With just the right amount of polish and detail, Jasika is a wardrobe workhorse and a mighty skill builder. Our instructions use modern speed tailoring methods, fusible interfacings and minimal hand sewing to make tailoring fun and accessible for everyone; make a blazer you'll want to wear forever.
This jacket is fully lined and features a classic notched collar, single button closure, back vent, shoulder pads, welt pockets, gorgeous two-piece sleeves and a flattering shape that skims the curves of the body. Optional details include pocket flaps, topstitching, decorative sleeve cuff buttons and leather or suede elbow patches.
Buy Closet Core Jasika Blazer
PatternReview Members in their Closet Core Jasika Blazers:
Left: Kiwigal64* Right: cherryrob*
*Click on PR name to read review
5. Unlined Jacket
There is nothing wrong with a simple cardigan but when you want something a little more structured why not make yourself an unlined jacket. A jacket that is comfortable enough to wear inside while we are in the in-between seasons is brilliant! Last year we created a Wardrobe Essential - Unlined Jacket Blog Post. See it here.
Find this Unlined Jacket in our PatternReview Shop:
Itch to Stitch - Hvar Jacket
One of the most popular unlined jacket loved by PatternReview members is the Itch to Stitch Hvar. Whether you are a veteran seamstress or a sewing novice, you are going to enjoy the simplicity and grace of the Hvar Jacket. This unlined jacket can transform a ho-hum outfit to the epitome of modern chic. In the Hvar Jacket, you will be fittingly polished at any event.
Buy Itch to Stitch Hvar Jacket
PatternReview Members in their Itch to Stitch Hvar Jacket:
Left: sandysewin* Right: Litapita* and vstevens0901*
6. The Vest
The vest is all about keeping your core body warm. You can also show off your favorite shirt under it with the art of layering.
Find this TNT vest in our PatternReview Shop:
Simplicity 1499
The older Simplicity vest pattern was designed by the American Sewing Guild. A timeless misses' vest can be made with symmetric or asymmetric-zip front, or open-front; all have convenient pockets. Finish your look with a stylish fleece headband
Buy Simplicity 1499
PatternReview Members in their Simplicity 1499:
Left: arubalass* Right: creatarian*
*Click on PR name to read review
7. The Jersey
No, not the state of New Jersey. The Jersey is the base layer that we all need. It is a form fitting, pullover knit shirt that keeps you warm under any of the above outer layers. But can also be worn as is, when an outer layer gets a little too warm. What are the ladies with the vests above wearing? They both paired their vests with jerseys.
Find this TNT jersey pattern in our PatternReview Shop:
Jalie 2805
Choice of t-shirts with 4 sleeve lengths and 4 neckline variations: Jewel neck (A), Mock turtleneck (B), V-Neck (C), overlapped V-neck with decorative buttons (henley) (D).
Buy Jalie 2805
PatternReview Members in their Jalie 2805:
Left: SewLibra* Right: DTsewingstories* and shumanata*
*Click on PR name to read review
8. Button-up Shirts
The Button-up shirt is a classic and tailored garment. It can be made in light weighted woven fabrics such as cotton lawn, linen or silk. As the jersey, the button-up can be used as a base layer. Sky's the limit.
Find this TNT Button-up in our PatternReview Shop:
Sewaholic Patterns - Granville Shirt
The Granville Shirt is a fitted button-front shirt with optional front pockets, and long sleeves with tailored plackets and cuffs. Front darts add subtle shaping, and the back princess seams are designed to fit the curve of your lower back in an extremely flattering way. The yoke is self-lined, and the two-piece collar looks sharp under a jacket or sweater.
Buy Sewaholic Patterns Granville Shirt
PatternReview Members in their Sewaholic Granvilles:
Left: HRigg* Right: SewSnoqualmie*
*Click on PR name to read review
9. Shacket
A button-up shirt to wear as outerwear, sign me up! Last winter the Shacket was the biggest trend and I was a little wary at first. Once I tried one on, I was sold on the Shacket. I can't wait to wear mine this fall.
Find this TNT Shacket in our PatternReview Shop:
StyleArc - Logan Shacket
StyleArc is on trend giving us an over-sized shirt style jacket, known as the Logan Shacket! This oversized jacket with slightly dropped shoulders, has a two-piece shirt collar and two large breast pockets. It also sports a rounded back yoke with a shaped hemline. There are secret in seam pockets and optional turn up cuffs.
Our members and their Logan Shackets:
Left and Right: Faithalina* and pamyjo2001*
*Click on Members' PatternReview Name to read their review
10. Accessories
From hats to headbands to scarves to gloves, accessories are a must when the weather starts getting chilly. It is so comforting to wrap a soft knitted scarf around your neck. If you find the right stretch knit a scarf is one of the easiest sews to make to instantly warm you up!
Find this TNT accessory pattern in our PatternReview Shop:
Simplicity 8811
Create a cozy look with this comfortable Misses’ knit sweater, infinity scarf, and headband pattern. The sweater features an open front with side pockets. Sized for stretch knits only.
PatternReview Member, SusanK50, shows us her Simplicity 8811:
What is your favorite Pattern for layering? Let us know in the Comments below.
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