Get the Look: Designer Inspired Chiffon Outfits to Make at Home

Normally when I think of chiffon fabric , I think of evening dresses and princess-like girls at a special gathering. During the 2017 Spring Fashion Weeks though, a number of designers re-imagined the cloth.

Long-length Skirts

Both Dior and Victoria Beckham showcased longer chiffon skirts. Choose a longer like this pattern, and have fun! Victoria keeps her skirts cool and modern by wearing them with masculine shirts or roll neck jumpers. Alternatively Dior went theatrical with pleats, while some other designers chose ruffles instead. Many of the chiffon fabrics used by Dior were either in subdued colours or incorporated mid-sized floral designs or smaller spots.

Blogger Belle Megan used one of our chiffons to create a gorgeous maxi skirt using the Gabriola skirt pattern.  The chiffon she used has unfortunately now sold out, though you can view our current stock here. In the warmer months pair such a flowing skirt with a plain t-shirt gives an otherwise standard outfit a more feminine feel. Plus the clean lines and simple shape means these types of skirts are fairly easy to make. We think our ‘How Does Your Garden Grow’ fabric would suit this style especially well. It may not be a chiffon, but it is uber light weight and will make up like a dream. Wear it with a black jumper and boots for instant Victoria Beckham style.

If a patterned fabric is not to your taste, a plain chiffon can look equally stylish. A softer colour like our ‘Crinkle Chiffon -Peach’ can be worn with a multitude of other colours. Or you could go bold and opt for a stronger colour chiffon to rock the colour blocking trend too.

Evening Wear

Dior had some beautiful dresses on the catwalk. To keep your dress feeling modern the dress should be strapless, like this Jaycotts pattern. If you do need a strap or two, aim to look as though the fabric has simply draped over you by accident. Chiffon should be flowing, not structured.

If a dress is not your style, Vogue may come to your rescue. This jumpsuit pattern includes an a-symmetric tunic, made from sheer fabric. It allows you the peace of mind of being a bit more covered up, whilst still giving the feel of a chiffon outfit. Choose a larger scale patterned fabric and keep your accessories to a minimum – let your sewing do the talking! This  ‘Night Vision’ polyester chiffon from Croft Mill has a print that reaches up the fabric – similar to those on the catwalk. I especially like how transitional the colours are.

If you want your outfit to be undeniably summery, the ‘Show Me The Way’ chiffon would be a wonderful choice for your project. Our ‘It Goes Without Saying’ fabric may not be as bright, but the polka dots can also add a sense of fun. We think that this fabric would look divine made up into a off the shoulder dress, worn with red lipstick, black elegant heels and simple accessories.

Feeling Adventurous? Try Sheer Shirts

Whilst the fabric was once reserved for evenings only, Victoria Beckham and Valentino know better. A widely tailored suit is given a feminine and unexpected edge as a chiffon shirt peeps out between the lapels. We love how this is a subtle take on the sheer trend – it is that rare beast; both fashionable and practical.

We have found a Burda pattern that includes a solid, one colour collar – similar to those shown in Victoria Beckham’s show. Victoria chose fabric that clashed with the suits, so if you have a plain suit why not opt for a brighter (or better yet patterned) fabric for the shirt. Using a brighter print will also help keep your look feeling fresh and summery. I’ll be making from Croft Mill’s silk chiffon ‘Sophie’ and keeping my suit fairly neutral.

If you do not feel confident enough to sew a fully chiffon shirt, this Jaycotts pattern only features a chiffon top part and back. Louis Vuitton and Valentino also pared chiffon with a more solid fabric – celebrating the different textures.

 Other Patterns We Love

Vogue 1505 – We love the idea of using such a floaty fabric as a jacket. It can be a simple way to add an elegant and feminine touch to an outfit you already own, and as this pattern is rated ‘easy’ it is great for less confident stitches.

Vogue 9929 Kayla Kennington – This tunic top has a handkerchief hem, making it a little bit different. Although the pattern does come with some wider leg trousers, we’d love to see it teamed with some tailored cigarette trousers.

Vogue V9029 –   This shirt also comes with the option for added ruffles, so you can really show off the lightweight nature of the fabric.

Don’t forget we’ve got a post of our 12 Tips for sewing delicate fabrics, if you have never attempted this type of fabric before.