Fall (or Autumn if you’re fancy) seems to people most peoples favorite season. and I can totally understand why. The leaves change as the brutal heat starts to subside, the bugs die or hibernate or whatever they do, you can enjoy a nice hot toddy or make smores by a fire. There’s football season for the fans and the holiday season starts off with Halloween.

I’m sharing some basic pieces I consider a staple for this season. Let me know in the comments if I missed you’re fave item!

Sweater

Que my Maya Rudolph voice “Sweater Weather”. It’s time to start bundling up.

Free: A basic sweater patterns with drop shoulders and banded hem, sleeves and neck is the NH Heather Sweater. Available in two size ranges 0-14 and 12-28. I would opt for a heavier sweater knit, maybe even a cable knit. For the days when you want to feel cozy but it’s a little warm opt for the Azalea Sweater which has short puffed sleeves. I would go with a lighter sweater knit or rib knit for this one.

Indie: I love colorblocking and the Stereo Sweater by Misusu patterns is a fun pattern for just that. There are so many options for this sweater, two sleeves, banded or elastic hems and almost endless with colorblocking options. Another pattern with several options is Sheridan Sweater by Hey June. Choose either an banded crew neck or a built up bateau neck; cuffed bishop, elastic bishop or bell sleeves and banded or hemmed finish.

Big 5: Though you reach for a sweater when it’s chilly out its still fun to add a cutout detail. Simplicity 9679 & 9680 have a sexy shoulder/neckline cut out which adds some interest to basic sweater. I love that this pattern has an extended size range over to envelopes. Another asymmetrical take on a sweater is Vogue 1929 which features a dress off one shoulder and long sleeves with thumbholes.

Jeans

Jeans are really a year round garment, but if I had to limit it to one season it would definitely be fall. Skinny jeans with flats, flares with boots, boyfriend with sneakers or wide leg with mules. Whatever style you like I got you!

Free: Mood Sewciety offers a high rise wide leg jeans pattern in the Ren Jeans. With a size range from 00-32 it is inclusive. Instruction are available on Mood’s blog post and include photos for reference. If you prefer a wide leg consider Unfettered Patterns 1001 which also has a high waist. Unfortunately this pattern is not inclusive on sizing as it one of their earliest offerings. If you do fit within the size range note that their are limited instructions but you can watch video tutorials for the more difficult parts.

Indie: I own the Isle Jeans by Chalk and Notch, though I have not sewn them yet. They give you the option of a flared or wide leg which is why I grabbed them. They lack a waistband, opting for a facing instead, but still feature a fly and beltloops. Another pattern that I own but haven’t made are Closet Core’s Ginger jeans. These are a staple for many, with two views a low rise straight (more mid rise in the larger sizes) and a high rise skinny.

Honorary mention (not pictured): The Megan Neilson Dawn jeans which are designed for non-stretch, selvage denim. Customize your perfect pair choosing from a concealed button, exposed button or zip fly; a straight, tapered, wide or shorts fit and tall, regular or cropped length.

Big 5: Butterick offers B6912, which has a traditional take with coin pocket and back yoke. View A is a midrise skinny and view B is a high rise straight. It’s Palmer/Pletsch pattern so expect expert guidance on how to achieve the perfect fit. Mimi G gives us three different fits depending on body type; slim, average and curvy, in S8516. These are mid rise, skinny jeans complete with a coin pocket and back yoke as well.

White Blouse

What better to wear with those jeans than a classic white blouse? Or if white is too traditional for you play with pinstripe or plaid shirtings.

Free: The Wren shirt from Mood includes a simple button up collared blouse as well as a alternate sleeve option. The Fabric Store’s Noa blouse is a traditional blouse with a back yoke, pleated back, collar and cuff.

Indie: Closet Core has a couple of button up blouses, but the Jenna Button up is a chic, oversized blouse. It has an enlarged back yoke and drop shoulders. Another oversized option is the Karl blouse by Sewing Machina. I love that it has the option of tie cuffs.

Big 5: Simplicity 3002 is a new fall pattern that offers a fitted silhouette due to its princess seams and back darts. Note the classic shaped hem and collar. Choose from a concealed or visible button placket and a cuff or hem band. Know Me 2052, by Beaute Jadore, is a trendy, oversized blouse that features drop shoulders, a chest pocket, double cuff and curved hem.

Sweater Dress

I love dresses all year long! It the fall I simply opt for longer hemlines and sleeves as well as heavier knits. Of course you can always wear a dress over tights or leggings

Free: The side button detail of Mood’s Citrus dress makes this basic dress pop. The turtleneck and midi hemline are perfect for fall. Add some tights with heels or a knee boot for a total look. A more casual and cozy option is the this dress from Unfettered Patterns. It features drop shoulders, loose turtleneck, a loose fit and side slits. I would pair this dress with riding boots or sneakers.

Indie: I love Made for Mermaids patterns because each one gives you so many views to sew. The Christina is no exception, choose a top or dress, with three hem lengths and three sleeves. Combing the long gathered sleeves with the knee length dress is an ideal fall dress! If you prefer a simple silhouette go with the Alison Dress from Viki Sews. This pattern is one of Viki’s patterns that has multiple sizes from a 2-20. I love the thumbholes, scoop neck and aline skirt.

Big 5: One of my favorite fall dresses is Know Me 2050 by Aaronica B. Cole. (see here) It features a hip hugging fit, deep V neckline with an optional choker detail, dropped shoulders and loose sleeves. Perfect for a sweater knit! It can be worn over a cami or bodysuit for warmth or modesty. Two hem lengths allow it to be worn with sneakers or boots. New Look 6683 provides a looser fit with the option of a funnel or cowl neck. I love the cable sweater knit used on the pattern envelope. This looks great with tights and knee high boots.

Denim Skirt

I tend to wear shorts during the summer because they are simply cooler. If I wear pants I prefer a pair of wide leg pants made in a lightweight breathable fabric like linen, cotton gauze or a rayon.

Free: Both of these are going to be from Unfettered Pattern because they have two great options. The first #1033 is a midi length, traditional style skirt complete with a front slit, coin pocket and belt loops. The second #1026 is a high low short skirt that is great for summer but would also work well with tights and boots.

Indie: StyleArc offers a very similar midi length Tommie skirt with the front slit and five pockets that will certainly have more complete pattern instructions than the free alternative. It’s also more size inclusive. The Danube skirt from Itch to Stitch is another five pocket style that hits right below the knee with side slits.

Big 5: My two suggestions are from McCalls and they are very different. McCalls 8149 is a classic take that has three length options, mini, above the knee with a back slit and a below the knee with a front vent. Or go for nontraditional take with McCalls 8390 which is a paneled skirt also gives three views that all include a front exposed zip. View A has an exposed zipper with a front yoke. View B has an exposed zip along the front of the mini skirt. Lastly view C has a dropped waist with a gathered skirt.

Trench Coat

I love a trench coat, though oddly I’ve never made one. So I was looking for myself while compiling this list.

Free: For a no cost pattern the Lita Trench from Mood has some great features. It’s a unisex, lined, oversized jacket with a rain flap, raglan sleeves with tabs and a belt. If you prefer a simpler trench take a look at the Vera Trench from Fabric Store, it is unlined with bias finishings.

Indie: Gladys Trench by Viki Sewsis a semi-fitted, fully lined coat with a rain flap, welt pockets, bound button holes and belt. It has the unique feature of princess seams and a horizontal seam above the knee. The only downsize about some Viki Sews patterns, including this one, is they are single sized which makes it impossible to grade between sizes. Check the size chart to ensure you are buying the right size. On the plus side she does offer the pattern in four heights ensuring that you wont have to lengthen or shorten your pattern. Ellie and Mac offers another option ranging in size from an XXS to a 6XL, the Timeless Trench. This pattern also features princess seamed front, back darts and a belt. Options include in seam or patch pockets and three hem lengths (mid thigh, above the knee, below the knee). As a plus you can sew along with a video tutorial.

Big 5: The latest Fall drop from Vogue included a trench V2055 and I love it! It features everything I want in a trench- epaulettes, raglan sleeves, storm flaps, welt pockets, sleeve straps and a self belt. View A has an on-trench option of long panel to be draped over the shoulder. If you’re newer to sewing maybe that advanced pattern is a bit intimidating instead try Simplicity 8554. It lacks the buttons and is unlined, but still has optional flaps, pockets and sleeve ties. There’s also three length options.

DIY Fall Staples 2024