Buy or Make: 10 Summer Styles
Summer is here! I love to sew for summer, but I also love to shop for summer. I don’t know about you but, any time I see something online or in the store that catches my eye I start to think “ I can make that”.
Here are some popular ready to make pieces for summer along with the pattens I would use to create them for myself.
A skirt set is a must for summer. This set from Torrid features a crop top with puff sleeves and a gathered skirt that hits just below the knee. The model is wearing the set in black seersucker.
Simplicity 9550/9551 is a close dupe for the set. View A of the top has elastic at the hem and sleeves just like the inspiration set. The gathered skirts are almost identical in style, though the torrid skirt has an elastic waist and the Simplicity version does require a zipper. Use any lightweight woven fabric-think seersucker, linen, chambray or challis.
I love this easy, breezy crinkle gauze pants set from GAP. The pieces are actually sold as separates (top and pants) which is great for those, like myself, who aren’t one size.
The Tamarama Set by SwimStyle Patterns is almost an exact dupe allowing you to pick which color you want as this set only comes in this denim blue. As a bonus this pattern also gives you the option for a short set! I would likely stick to a cotton gauze, but you sew this up in any lightweight woven.
This sexy little dress is from Target. It’s available in black, red and ivory. It features a double strap halter style and an above the knee hem.
Though a maxi the Celine dress from Viki Sews is very similar. You can easily omit the bottom tier. Since it’s not a halter it provides more back coverage, but I think this is great as it will provide more support. A poplin, challis, or eyelet (with a lining) would work be perfect for this dress.
One of my go to looks for summer is going to be a knit jumpsuit. This culotte jumper length version from Torrid looks super comfy. It comes in black, a black floral and this rust color. It’s stretchy so super easy to get into and out of.
Use McCalls 8245 to copy this look almost exactly and have any color or print that you want. This pattern would be great in a double brushed poly, rayon or bamboo jersey or rib knit.
The standout feature of this jumpsuit from Forever 21 is the tie back. Available in black and copper this jumpsuit is fairly simple in the front but offers an interesting back with crossing straps.
I was lucky enough to test the Darla jumpsuit from True Bias which features this exact back detail and offers a zip up back for those who prefer more coverage. A dress option is included as well and both can be maxi or short.
Almost every summer I add a new swim suit to my collection. Usually I make it but sometimes I snag a great deal. You can do either to get this look from Old Navy. This set pairs the Bandeau top with the High Waisted Tie bottoms and you can mix and match between 4 colors and two prints for your own style.
Many people seem to shy away from sewing swimwear but if you can maste r attaching elastic is really very simple, fun and quick! To replicate this look try the Flynn top and Amelia bottoms from Edgewater Ave. The great thing about Edgewater is they often include video tutorials for their patterns allowing you to follow along easily.
I love a shirt dress and this one from Target is super cute. It features cuffed sleeves and a shirttail hem and is available in this green stripe as well as blue, white, black and olive green. This lightweight cotton gauze is perfect to beat the heat while still looking stylish.
If you make this for yourself you can choose from a gauze, linen, chambray or a rayon. The Periwinkle dress from Closet Core’s Crew collection is a very close match, though it lacks the cuffs and shirttail hem. If you desire those features check out McCalls 8030 which includes those but adds a front seam.
A summer must is a knit dress that you can pull on quickly and still be ready for the cookout. This ballet midi dress from Target by A New Day fits the bill. Choose from teal, black, white, brown and pink. This dress freatures a pleated skirt and a side slit.
Just dropped in this spring release is McCalls 8476 that features the same scoop tank tank dress. The pattern calls for a knit bodice and a woven skirt, but a knit can be used for the entire dress. With this pattern you also have the option of a strapless or square neck option as well as an optional ruffle.
This tiered dress is lovely, it’s light weight and breezy perfect for summer. GAP sells this dress in lilac, off white and grey.
While Simplicity 9746 has a higher neckline the overall crossover neckline is still present and it offers a one shoulder option. There’s also a shorter view. The main plus of sewing this dress is you can use a nicer fabric like a silk, cotton gauze or a rayon versus the polyester that GAP uses.
As soon as I saw this denim dress on GAP Factory’s website I thought of the newly released McCalls 8514. The dress stands out because of the varied washes of the denim that are pieced together.
Even though McCalls 8514 is a jumpsuit it captures the esthetic of the dress. You can piece together any combination of washes of denim or twill to mimic the look.
These are just a few of the ready to wear items I noticed and quickly thought “I can make that”.
