11 Feminine Designs

Fabrics from left to right: Champagne beige twilled satin; Black pink floral chiffon; Violet blue stretch satin; White floral chiffon.

The look of this sheer Chiffon Shirt Dress over our Satin Slip Dress is simply perfect for this time of year. We love the look of a sheer patterned overlay for the shirt paired with a complimentary under fabric to keep the look bohemian. For a more neutral look we suggest sewing the the slip in a champagne twilled satin, and the overlaid shirt in a nice floral chiffon like this one that has great drapability. For a more springy colorful style sew up the shirt dress in a bright white floral chiffon with multicolored flowers and pick a tone within the pattern to make the under slip in. We think the beautiful blue is a great color to work with so try cutting the slip in this violet blue stretch satinwhich will give you a tight fit while still feeling comfortable.

Fabrics from left to right: White/red stripe shirting; Light blue batiste; Periwinkle blue floral lawn.

You’ll love the cut of this extra Long Blouse to go with all your leggings and skinny jeans. The tapered shape is feminine, but you can get a menswear look with this red and blue striped shirting. A solid color fabric like light blue batiste looks cute with patterned bottoms, like floral shorts or skirts. Or, keep all the interest in the cute top and its gathered neckline with a periwinkle blue floral lawn.

Fabrics from left to right:Khaki tan stretch fabric; Coral pink canvas; Taupe cream stripe linen.

Cover up those sundresses with our lightweight, unlined summer Cropped Blazer in a straight shape with covered buttons. To keep this jacket lightweight and wearable we suggest sewing it in medium weight canvas with or without stretch like this khaki tan stretch canvas or add a pop of color with this coral pink canvas. To add some dimension to the blazer you can even sew in a printed fabric like this taupe cream striped linen.

Fabrics from left to right: Aqua green/orange plaid chambray; Raspberry pink chambray; Ivory/bright red floral challis.

What’s more springy than a little Gathered Crop Top with a sweet gathered neckline? Ring in spring with a floral, like this ivory and bright red floral challis. You could also give this versatile tank a country vibe with a lightweight plaid. Green and orange plaid chambray has unexpected color for summer. Or, make it trendy with a little preppy style in solid raspberry pink chambray with high waisted white shorts and boat shoes.

Fabrics from left to right: Ivory bright red floral challis; Ivory crinkled lawn; Pale yellow floral stripe lawn.

This Dress is a modern prairie classic with a short collar, full skirt and frayed hems. It is perfect sewn in printed fabrics and especially florals like this ivory bright red floral challis or yellow floral stripe lawn. If you are not into the colorful florals try making this dress in a textured fabric like this golden ivory crinkled lawn.

Fabrics from left to right: Aqua blue zebra silk georgette; White/green silk chiffon; Black/pink floral challis.

Tiptoe through the tulips in this lovely Floral Wrap Dress with a tie belt and cuffed sleeves. Wrap dresses work so well to showcase fun spring prints. Make it modern and a little wild with a aqua blue zebra silk georgette. This fabric skims the body and we love the bright color. If animal prints aren’t for you, we recommend an abstract print, like this white and green chiffon. The confetti print is such a fun pop of color against rainy skies. A darker floral like this black and pink floral challis can take this style into the fall with black tights.

Fabrics from left to right: Ivory batiste; Apricot beige floral linen; White denim.

These Floral Flared Pants have a retro look with a little romance. We love that they have a seventies style with the bootcut and waistband. This apricot beige floral linen is a great floral fabric to sew these pants in and it has a great crisp hand. If you want a neutral pant you can use fabrics like ivory batiste and even white denim!

Fabrics from left to right: White stretch satin twill; Orchid purple silk georgette; Champagne brown satin; Pink/blue silk crepe de chine.

Diaphanous fabrics are dreamily romantic in this Sheer Wrap Dress with a kimono shape and little cap sleeves. For a demure look, make it in a solid pastel with pearl buttons, like this orchid purple silk georgette. So timeless! You could even make it in a rainbow of pastels for bridesmaid dresses. We also love the look of this 80s style pink and blue silk crepe de chine. This dress is meant to be sewn in sheer fabric, so get extra coverage with the Stretch Slip Dress in champagne brown satin or white stretch satin twill.

Filling up our closets with spring florals and pastels is one of the best things about warmer weather! We hope these fabric picks give you a little extra inspiration for all those fun dress patterns.

Happy sewing!

This blog post was originally featured on BurdaStyle.com