Let’s say you have a big event coming up in a few months, maybe you’ll be a wedding guest later this summer? And maybe you have no idea what to wear to it. Perhaps you’re thinking about sewing something yourself rather than the endless, frustrating search for something that you like and that fits. Do you want help? Here are a few ideas.
Let’s start with a few general tips:
1. Fabric. Much of the suitability of bridal guest clothing will be related to your fabric choices, so go big! Think shiny, silky, glossy, colorful, and elegant. You want glamorous fabrics for special occasions. Spring is a great time to shop for these fabrics because of prom and wedding displays: lots of people will be asking for these types of fabrics in the shops, so it’s often easier to find them this time of year. You can also try specialty fabric stores like bridal stores because they’ll have a wider selection. (There are quite a few shops that specialize in fancy fabrics in our Fabric Source list, so you might want to start there.)
2. Plan in advance. Don’t panic and sew specifically for one event! Pressure shopping/sewing will often lead you to make and wear things that don’t really suit your personal style. When possible, I prefer to make “event” clothing long before I have something I need to wear it for because it allows me to take my time and sew something I truly like and that suits my style. By sewing in advance, you avoid pressure AND you can make something that really suits your personality. So often we buy something specifically for a special event and it really doesn’t suit us or our personality. You can avoid that by making (or buying) something that expresses your style well in advance and sticking to that item when the special event rolls around.
3. You don’t need something new for each event. Remember: you don’t need a new dress for every event! There is nothing wrong with wearing the same gorgeous, well-fitting dress or outfit to more than one party. If you’re concerned that people will notice you repeated something, change out your accessories, and remember that people aren’t paying as much attention as you think. It’s better to suit your personal style than to sew or wear something just because you think you need something new.
With that said, here are a few items from our collection that I think would be excellent special event choices. Maybe you have sewing time now and can get started early?
Rush Hour Dress
At first glance this dress looks like a corporate power dress, and it can certainly be that it you want. (Wear it under a blazer for a very chic interview, yes!) But with the right modifications and in the right fabric, this is an idea starting place for an event piece. Here’s what I did with it a few years ago:
I sewed this dress specifically for a wedding, and I ended up wearing it to several weddings and events after that. And because you liked it so much I also made a quick tutorial to show how I did it. It’s an easy modification with impressive results. I sewed mine in a cotton/linen blend with lurex threads, and it was really special in person. I got many, many compliments on this one.
Copenhagen Wrap Dress
The Copenhagen Wrap Dress has creative vibes, and it’s extremely comfortable because of the pleats and wrap detail. I wore this to my niece’s wedding last summer and loved it. If you’re like me and love a longer skirt, this would be a great style to lengthen, too. I love it with heels.
Northbridge Jumpsuit
Caroline told me she wore this Northbridge Jumpsuit to a special event and received so many compliments! This is a really versatile and comfortable style for lots of events, and you can accessorize it with heels, a jacket, jewelry.
Cannes Wide-Legged Trousers
Make these in silk satin and wear them with a pretty blouse or top. In my case I made a matching Sintra Halter for a really glamorous, swishy outfit. But you could pair these with many different tops. Here’s the fabulous Lindsey in her matching Camp Shirt. Pretty, right?
The Cannes Trousers is one of those versatile styles you can wear so many ways. This would be a great item to have in your wardrobe in case an occasion arises.
Peckham Trousers
If you’re not a fan of wide-legged trousers, the Peckham Trousers are a classic straight-legged style that can be made with an occasion fabric for dressy events. I sewed these in a fancy jacquard with lurex threads, and they feel glamorous and special, especially when paired with a silky blouse and heels.
Garibaldi A-Line Skirt
The bias-cut silk satin version of this the Garibaldi Skirt pattern is really elegant and great to pair with pretty tops! I have several of these that I pull out for a lot of events, as well as for everyday. Here are a burgundy silk satin version and black poly satin version worn on a regular basis. Paired with a textured blouse or top and heels, these will make an entrance.
Yanaka Jacket
The jacquard home dec fabric that I used for this jacket is so appropriate for special occasions. (Did you notice the Yanaka Jacket in both of the photos above, too, sewn in a bonded wool?) I dress down this fancier pink version with ripped jeans most of the time, but it elevates almost anything you wear, and even with just dressy black trousers and a simple top this would be appropriate for special events. I would pair it with that burgundy satin Garibaldi skirt I mentioned above and it would make a great wedding outfit!
Is there a wedding in your plans this year? I hope these ideas will help you to get started on your planning and sewing!