Cold weather is setting in. And I've found myself absolutely floundering style-wise this fall! Being inspired by knitting projects but not sure how they'll fit into my wardrobe. Being inspired by certain vintage fashions but feeling very ho-hum when wearing them myself. Being inspired by other vintage fashions but not if the styles will work for me. Wanting to sew more of my wardrobe but not really sure what I want to be sewing and wearing. Not having any idea what would be appropriate fabric to sew with for fall/winter, other than wool. I'm such a fan of wash and wear fabrics like cotton (wool being an exception), as well as the accompanying prints. Satins, silks and chiffons don't usually do it for me, even when brightly colored. Hell, right now I can't even decide if I want to cut or grow my hair. Help, I'm style paralyzed!
So let's break it down. Fair isle sweaters and tweedy A-line skirts are always a winner in my book (not that I have enough of either). But right now I'm also drawn to big floral-print dresses (not that I can find any fabric that fits the bill), brightly-colored cropped cardigans and belted sweaters (oh but my belt collection is shabby!), and more full skirts, pencil skirts and cinched waists than I have leaned towards in recent memory. Perhaps I'm wanting the bright and lively colors and more defined lines and styles to punch up the dreary weather that's setting in, especially as our house doesn't get a whole lot of natural light as it is! But almost none of these are things in my current wardrobe, so there would be lots of work ahead of me in the sewing, kniting and hunting departments. One step in the right direction: I'll be following along with Tuppence Ha'Penny's pencil skirt sew-along to make a lined pencil skirt. (And no, I haven't decided on fabric yet. I'm sure you're surprised, given the nature of this post.)
While I sort myself out, I'll leave you with a few little goodies from my sewing pattern files as inspiration for your sewing...
Sources: Advance 3659, Vogue 6329, Advance 5117, Hollywood 1200, Simplicity 4992
Any of these strike your fancy? What would you do to make them fall or winter appropriate? Where are you finding inspiration right now?
And a p.s. for those of you who expressed interest in a knit-along—I'm still definitely thinking about it. I have a couple of projects I want to finish up first that will probably take me through the next several weeks. That will give me some time to plan. Any ideas welcome!
