Fall/Winter ’17 Trends and Sewing Inspiration

A few weeks back I did a taster post looking at a few new Fall/Winter ’17 sewing patterns that had just been released. This week, I’m looking in more depth at the upcoming trends for the new season and hopefully getting the sewing inspiration juices flowing. So if you like adding a little dose of trends to your style or are more than a bit curious, keep reading:

Firstly, this is going to be another season where individuality and creativity in style are highlighted. Don’t be afraid to do your own thing, because once again it looks like there’s a big old melting pot of styles out there and right at the top is the idea of ‘more is more’, meaning that Maximal is the main buzz word. Don’t worry though… if that’s not your thing, you can still cherry-pick the trends and ideas that tickle your fancy.

Let’s start with colour…Each season Pantone brings out a selection of colours that are ‘the colours of the season’. Here is the selection for Fall/Winter:

 These are just a few of the shades seen in the fashion shows though. Generally speaking, there were more earthy tones than usual for this time of year on all of the runways, but if they aren’t your taste, how about just adding some of the shades in the form of accessories or accents in an outfit? How about a little bit of chocolate brown in the form of a belt or trim on a garment?

I’ve trawled through many websites and put together a list of general style notes of some of the main trends. There are a lot!

• Maximal looks: colour mixing, embellishments, trims, eclectic combinations.
• Earthy tones: Brown, mustard, burgundy, rust, olive.
• Bright red.
• Dandy/renaissance influence: Think velvet, brocade, waistcoats, jacquard.
• English countryside: Plaid, tweed, suede and corduroy, equestrian style.
• Waist definition with belts and belted coats in particular.
• Coloured or textured tights.
• Victorian style high-necked collars.
• Shearling…coats, jackets, bags.
• More dresses and skirts than usual.
• Midi skirts.
• Longer length dresses, some boho style or hints of gothic drama.
• Many retro looks from 60’s to 90’s….Faux fur, long flares, 60’ loose boxy tops, tapered ankle pants, ruffles…
• Knee high boots paired with midi’s, culottes, dresses etc.
• Button features on skirts, shirts, coats or pants.
• Suits and suiting fabrics.
• Shoulder emphasis.
• Winter florals.

Personally speaking, I like the sound of a lot of ideas from the list and it makes me want to go crazy buying fabric and patterns. Taking of patterns…before I show you a few more pattern suggestions here are some inspiration photos from the runways:

                                         Givenchy: Red and ruffles but are you brave enough for head to toe red?

 

As I promised, I’ve found a few more patterns that can be used to pick up on some of the ideas from the humongous list of trends:

(Note: Click on the photo to be taken to the main pattern website, though for Vogue, Kwiksew, McCalls and Butterick you’ll need to find a supplier in your country of residence.)

I hope you enjoyed this post and feel inspired, and possibly you feel like rushing out to get more fabrics too? Just make sure you leave some for me!

Back soon, lovely sewists!

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