This season I had the chance to develop all the patterns that have been living in my head (and on my wish list) for a long time. Pieces that I felt like our collection was missing and that I wanted in my own closet, and that I imagine you might want to make for yourself as well. I hope they’re exactly what you want to sew, too. So today let’s talk about the Leyton Knit Tank + Dress.
This pattern is based on one that I’ve been sewing and wearing for myself for quite a while now. I like it because it feels like just the right balance of coverage. The straps are wide enough to cover bra straps securely, but the neckline is open enough to feel elegant and maybe a little sexy without being revealing.
I feel like the basis of so many good outfits is a basic knit tank top. It’s important that it isn’t too tight or too slouchy, just a well-fitting piece that can be worn as a top or as a layer, both as a building block as well as an insulating layer. Obviously you can make this in cotton jersey, but I encourage you to look for bamboo or linen jersey for something a little more special and versatile as well.
How to wear it? Well, here are a few ideas. Worn with trouser or a simple skirt, it just needs a few accessories to look pulled together.
The dress version is great as a stand-alone piece as well, no matter whether you sew it in a solid jersey or look for something printed or textured.
So chic, right? In these photos, below, I love the close-fitting tank with wide-leg trousers. It gives a nice silhouette with a good balance of proportion and volume.
Wear the Leyton Tank with our Lisboa Walking Shorts for a perfect summer outfit, wherever you go. The longer inseam of the shorts reads like a slouchy skirt, which you could also wear if you prefer. The Everyday Skirt would pair perfectly with this style.
Here are two fabulous outfits based on a simple tank. The addition of a button-down shirt work like a jacket, or a blazer, plus a few accessories and some chic sandals or loafers, gives this a cool, relaxed look.
Don’t forget a belt–the ultimate accessory for this look. I’d sew the Cannes Wide-Legged Trousers for this look.
So what sorts of fabric will work well? Obviously it’s perfect for cotton jersey, which is easy to sew and easy to wear. I highly recommend bamboo jersey, which is so drapey and elegant I’m obsessed with it. It’s a little dressier than cotton. Also, linen jersey is wonderful: it’s slubby, drapey, and comfortable to wear, especially in the summer. The texture of the linen will really add a lot to such a simple style. I’m seeing linen jersey in fabric shops more and more often, so watch for it!
You can read more about the Leyton Knit Tank + Dress in my introductory post. You can find lots more photos and ideas in my Liesl + Co Leyton Tank + Dress Pinterest folder, where I like to collect and keep collecting photos that inspire me for each style we develop.
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 Leyton Tank 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 #leytontank in your posts.
Happy sewing!
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