This season is looking a little different in terms of “trends”. One of the biggest trends to come from the Autumn/Winter ‘22 shows was the return of high quality, beautifully made clothes that you will treasure for a lifetime. A focus on classic wardrobe hero’s makes sense when we live in a culture where social media has become the driving force behind many recent trends, and the fast paced nature of the various platforms results in a ‘fad’ as opposed to a trend that will quickly be forgotten about and replaced.
High end fashion brands are also starting to take notice to the environmental impact fast fashion is having. A shift in how we view our garments was long overdue, it is time to treasure them rather than throw them away.
This is a trend we can definitely get on board with in the sewing community, knowing how much time and effort can go in to creating garments. This is the season to take your sewing skills up a notch and learn a new skill, and some of the biggest runway trends will provide the perfect opportunity for this. Instead of just the biggest trends this season, we are going to look at the key garments to invest your time in making, as well as the trends that are popular. These will become true wardrobe staples for you, the items you will look forward to wearing for many years to come.
The Blazer
All images from British Vogue August 2022
This is a trend we saw emerge during the summer, with a tailored blazer providing the perfect cover up. This season you will see them paired with everything, from slinky slip dresses to baggy trousers and tank tops and even tracksuit bottoms (as seen at Gucci).
A tailored blazer will provide the perfect starting point if you want to “up your sewing game”. Patterns like the Bella Loves Patterns Fran Blazer or Closet Core Patterns Jasika Blazer will take you on a deep dive into the world of tailoring. This is the sort of project that will take weeks, maybe months to complete, but at the end you will have a garment you can truly cherish forever.
Other patterns you can choose include The Avid Seamstress ‘The Blazer’, the Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer or the Homer and Howells Blair Blazer.
From left: Bella Loves Pattern Fran Blazer, Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer, Closet Core Patterns Jasika Blazer, The Avid Seamstress The Blazer, Homer and Howells Blair Blazer.
In terms of fabric you can go bright and bold or stick with the classics. Our Breeze Enzyme Washed Linen is perfect for a lighter weight blazer and comes in a range of colours to suit all tastes.
From left: Breeze Enzyme Washed Linen in Deep Lagoon, Cream Tan, Fuchsia, and Blossom.
A cotton twill or cotton blend is also suitable for making a blazer. Go for a neautral shade with some texture like our Chevron Cotton Linen blends, a classic white blazer or a soft green. Alternatively our Ventana Cotton Twills come in a range of bold shades to make a blazer that will stand out.
From left: Chevron Blue Linen Cotton Twill, Wool Blend Cotton Twill in Cream, Cousette Verveine Cotton Gabardine, Chevron Red Cotton Linen Twill
From left: Robert Kaufman Ventana Cotton Twill in Red (Garnet Brown), Beryl Green, Dark Navy.
You can also go all out and make a statement with a printed blazer as seen at Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen. Have a read of Vicki’s blog “Statement Suits” for more inspiration on this trend.
For something more lightweight, with drape and a luxurious sheen go for a Tencel or Cotton Sateen. For a more structured look try a cotton canvas or gabardine to create your statement blazer.
From left: Nerida Hansen Greta Laundy Canvas on Cotton Sateen, See You At Six Foliage Song Green Cotton Gabardine, Garden of Dreams Midnight Blooms Tencel Sateen, Rifle Paper Co Menagerie Black Unbleached Canvas
The Tailored Trousers
From left: Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Valentino and Etro Autumn/Winter 22 collections.
We can’t mention investing time in a tailored blazer without giving equal coverage to its partner- the tailored trouser. Go for classic black or a bold pop of colour for this trend. The same fabrics will work for both the Blazer and Trousers. Alternatively you can go for a Lyocell with a beautiful drape for trousers you can wear casual with trainers or dress up with heels. For a black pair with ample drape (similar to those seen at Etro) go for our Serene Sandwashed Viscose in Black.
Lush Sandwashed Lyocell Twill in Ochre, Grey, Cream and Red
Serene Sandwashed Viscose in Black
You can opt for a wide leg trouser for this trend (Sharlene’s current favourite!) or a slimmer leg. The Bella Loves Patterns Billie Trouser has a wide leg fit with lots of beautiful finishing on the inside. The Avid Seamstress The Culottes have a similar wide leg style with a simple closure at the back. For a slimmer style the Deer and Doe Acajou has an elasticated waistband at the back for extra comfort or The Avid Seamstress The City Trousers have a slim silhouette.
From left: Bella Loves Patterns Billie Trousers, The Avid Seamstress The Culottes, Deer & Doe Acajou Trousers and The Avid Seamstress The City Trousers.
The White Tank
From left: The Row, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Dior and Chloe- All Autumn/Winter 2022 collections.
Tank tops and Autumn are not some thing you would usually pair together, but in a season that is focused on making key garments that will last it makes sense to focus on the most basic of garments. This simple wardrobe basic will see you through all seasons and when made in a luxurious fabric it will feel amazing to wear. You can layer it under your favourite sweater or cardi, or a loose style over a fitted top with trousers.
Of course it does not need to be limited to white. Our silky soft Derby Ribbed Jersey from Meet MILK will create a luxurious top and comes in a beautiful range of colours.
From left: Meet MILK Derby Ribbed Jersey with Tencel™️ Modal Fibres in Lapis, Pecan, Emerald, Purple Night and Warm Sand.
For a classic ribbed tank look our Cosy Cotton Wide Ribbed jersey is perfect. This fabric is wider than most ribbed jerseys and has a super soft reverse making it even more comfortable.
Cosy Cotton Wide Ribbed Jersey
For patterns the free Helens Closet Luna Tank has a loose and easy to wear shape. If you prefer a v-neck style the Chalk and Notch Pony Tank and dress will work. For a classic rib tank style try the Paradise Patterns Blomma Tank with a crew neck or True Bias Zoey Tank and Dress with a v-neck.
From left: Helens Closet Luna Tank, Paradise Patterns Blomma Tank, Chalk and Notch Pony Tank and True Bias Zoey Tank.
The Elevated Bomber Jacket
From left: Isabel Marant, Christian Dior, Prada, David Koma and Elie Saab.
The bomber jacket is a piece that can transition easily from day to night, weekday to weekend. You can choose to make a statement in a bold print or stick with a classic solid colour.
A bomber jacket in Tencel™️ Sateen will up the glam factor in this otherwise casual piece. Our own Garden of Dream Tencel Sateens will work for this style.
From left: Watercolour Blossom, Midnight Blooms and Utopia Tencel™️ Sateen from the Garden of Dreams collection.
Embriodered bomber jackets were seen on the catwalk at Elie Saab and Prada. To recreate this look you can use one of our embroidered tulles with an under lining (like our range of Serene Sandwashed Viscose) to create a truly special piece. You can opt for a contrast colour for the underlining or stick with black. We have a selection of ribbings available to finish off your jacket.
From left: Serene Sandwashed Viscose in Magenta, Zodiac Mesh Embroidered Tulle Fabric, Serene Sandwashed Viscose in Teal
From left: Queen Bee Mesh Embroidered Tulle Fabric, Serene Sandwashed Viscose in Black, Queen Bee Mesh Embroidered Beige Tulle Fabric.
For pattern options you can choose the Trend Patterns The Bomber Jacket for a classic style, or if you want some sleeve detail the Maison Fauve Sunset Jacket has beautiful cuff. For interesting style lines you can try the Kuulas Jacket from the Named Clothing book Building the Pattern.
Trend Patterns The Bomber Jacket, Maison Fauve Sunset Jacket, Named Clothing Building the Pattern (book) Kuulas Bomber Jacket.
The Autumn Maxi
From left: Who What Wear, Style DuMonde, Refinery29. All from Pinterest.
Maxi dresses are definitely not reserved for summer anymore. Layer up with tights, leggings, thick socks, thermals and boots to beat the autumn chill and stay stylish!
We have a beautiful selection of prints in rich autumnal colours to suit this trend perfectly.
From left: Floral Field Black Viscose Twill, Paisley Sketch Plum Viscose, Floral Field Black Soft Viscose Crepe, Autumn Blooms Viscose.
If you are a fan of brighter colours we also have some fabrics to make a bright and cheerful autumn maxi, perfect for wearing on grey and dreary days.
From left: Abstract Grid Viscose Poplin, Watercolour Bouquet Viscose Twill Fabric, Zinna Emerald Viscose/Rayon
When choosing a pattern for this trend the key details are long sleeves (to hide the extra thermals underneath) and long skirts with plenty of swoosh. Our favourite patterns for this trend include the Friday Pattern Company Wilder Gown, By Hand London Eloise, Deer and Doe Passiflore and Trend Patterns 70’s Dress. You can also add an extra tier or lengthen the skirt of the Friday Pattern Company Davenport dress to make it maxi.
From left: Friday Pattern Company Wilder Gown, By Hand London Eloise Dress, Deer and Doe Passiflore, Trend Patterns 70’s Dress (Sharlene’s version in our Paisley Dream Cotton Sateen) and Friday Pattern Company Davenport Dress.
If you are after more versatility with this trend a maxi skirt is a great option. You can make a ‘Secret Two Piece’ (read Vicki’s blog for more on this brilliant idea) or opt for a printed or plain skirt to pair with cosy sweaters. You can also pair it with another of this seasons key pieces- the vest and blazer. This look will work with either a plain or printed fabric.
From left: Zinna Light Green Viscose/Rayon, Serene Sandwashed Viscose in Khaki, Floral Bouquet Dark Teal Stretch Viscose Poplin, Serene Sandwashed Viscose in Mauve
For patterns you can use the True Bias Mave skirt for a tiered look. The Sabina skirt is a free pattern from The Little Pomegranate and is perfect for beginners. For a button front version try lengthening the Sew Liberated Estuary skirt.
From left: True Bias Mave Skirt, The Little Pomegranate Sabina Skirt and Sew Liberated Estuary Skirt.
Athleisure
From left: Gucci, Vogue, Gucci and Blog de Moda
We may be out of lockdown now but the Athleisure trend is still going strong, and with classic sports brand Adidas collaborating with high end fashion labels like Gucci and Balenciaga we can’t see this trend disappearing any time soon.
What this means for us is that we can keep sewing the cosy loungewear in our favourite French Terry fabrics we have become so accustomed to in recent years. For luxurious comfort our Splendour Modal French Terry feels incredibly soft against the skin and is soft and fluid.
Splendour Modal French Terry in Grey, Petrol Blue, Pink Lavender and Denim Blue
If you are after something with a print we have a range of soft and cosy fleecy backed sweatshirting fabrics and a huge range of printed French Terry’s from See You At Six.
From left: Jungle Fleecy Cotton Sweatshirting fabric in Denim and Pink, Leopard Fleecy Cotton Sweatshirting in Pink and Green.
From left: See You At Six French Terry- Treelife Country Air Blue, Plants Glacier Grey, Wild Roses Duck Green, and Trail Aragon Brown.
The Closet Core patterns Mile End Sweater and Plateau joggers pair well together if you want the full loungewear look and the sweater features an interesting tie detail. Other options include the Chalk and Notch Paige Hoody for a stlyish cropped hoody which looks just as good paired jeans as it does joggers. The Arenite Pants by Sew Liberated can be sewn in both knit and woven fabrics so you will get lots of use from this pattern. Or if you are after a statement sleeve the Tilly and the Buttons Billie Sweater and Dress has the option for a dramatic sleeve.
From left: Mile End Sweatshirt, Plateau Joggers and Shorts, Arenite Pants, Billie Sweatshirt.
One of the big things we have taken away from the autumn trends is how they all work together in harmony to create a complete capsule wardrobe. This is the season to make conscious decisions about what you are making, thinking about how it will last in your wardrobe and work with your existing wardrobe.
Remember- “Buy less, Choose well, Make it last”.
If you would like to see more Autumn Trends inspiration check out our Pinterest board.