The Helsinki Jacket was such a pleasure to develop, and I’m really happy to finally show it to you! It’s such an easy, relaxed piece, quick and simple to sew, but with so much style. The testers loved it, too, so I’ll share some of their jackets with you soon. But in the meantime, let’s talk about fabric and styling for this pattern.
Although this style is unlined, boxy, and almost minimalist in its simplicity, it’s also dramatic because of its cropped shape and big collar. I reach for it when I need an extra layer, something to finish an outfit. I mentioned to you last time that it’s a great finishing touch when I don’t have time or desire to do anything fancy.
But it’s also a little enigmatic. For a simple outfit like jeans and a T-shirt it can serve as the focal point, and it always gets compliments. This jacket somehow completes the outfit. But if you’re wearing something more elaborate, the Helsinki Jacket is simple enough that it doesn’t compete. I can’t explain how that works, but somehow it does. I’ve found that I can put it on over almost anything andit works. For almost any event, too.
So how to wear it? And what fabrics to use? Here we go:
Here are some photos I’ve been collecting to inspire you. See what I mean by simple but interesting enough to complete a very basic outfit? I love it in this creamy color, which is what I chose for mine as well.
But how beautiful is it in dark colors, too? Brown, navy, black, or burgundy would all be so elegant.
And you know I’m a huge fan of camel and gray. Both colors are understated and elegant and coordinate with virtually everything.
But what about this tomato red? Fabulous. Maybe a little more limiting in how you can wear it, but it’s a great statement piece. And while we’re at it, look how relaxed and slouchy it can be with jeans and loafers.
But what about patterns like tweed? The green, below right, is amazing. This could also be dressed up or down. It could be very ladylike if you want, but you know I love to tone down the dressiness with casual pieces, so I get a lot of mileage out of pieces like this by wearing them in a variety of ways.
You could use almost any wool in any color for winter. And you have plenty of time to plan, shop, and sew it. But what about spring and summer? Here’s what’s inspiring me these days. Patchwork and topstitched denim! I’m obsessed with this idea.
I would also suggest chambray, linen, corduroy, flannel, and I’ve been thinking that a double gauze jacket would be an amazing summer layer for cool nights.
It also occurred to me that it would be really interesting in organza. The sheer layers, the big collar, would be just enough drama for a special event like the opera, a wedding, or a black-tie party. Any mothers of the bride here who want to try it?
You can read my introduction to this style right here. And you can find lots more photos and ideas in my Liesl + Co Helsinki Jacket Pinterest folder, where I like to collect and keep collecting photos that inspire me for each style we develop. And if you want to know more about the features of the pattern itself, here is my introductory post.
I think there are so many directions you can take this style, and I’ll be back to show you some of them, as well as how our testers sewed this pattern. In the meantime, you can pick up your own copy of the Helsinki Jacket sewing pattern in digital and in paper format. Obviously I love to see what you make from our patterns, so I hope you’ll tag us #lieslandco and #helsinkijacket in your posts.
Happy sewing!