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The “little black dress” has been a staple in women’s wardrobes since the famous French fashionista Coco Chanel popularized the look back in the 1920s. Mainstay pieces like little black dresses remain impervious to fads and trend cycles due to their ability to be easily and simply updated from season to season, whether it be by adding accessories, overlays, or other design elements.

This summer, sheer mesh continues to be a popular trend in women’s wear, particularly as a modern design accent in short dresses and skirts. Here are some easy ways to include the summer mesh trend into the classic little black dress look.

Using an overlay of a black polka dotted nylon sheer material like Black Dot Mesh brings a youthful element to the mature little black dress. The dubious mixture of sexy sheer and a cute print makes the polka dotted mesh fabric perfect for adding a unique hint of modest seduction to the ensemble.

Putting a Black Pleated Mesh overlay over a floral patterned fit and flare like this Bloomingdale’s dress not only gives a more mature, formal look to a youthful print and style, but also brings an added textural element with the pleat design. Continue the overlay past the hem of the shell to add even more texture to the look.

Without going overboard, a Black Floral Mesh overlay on a form fitting, slinky dress style adds even more sex appeal to an already maturely sexy ensemble – maintaining an air of mystique.

Adding a sheer, horizontally striped mesh fabric like, Black Stripe Stretch Mesh as an overlay is an easy way to give a simple and classic A-line skirt a modern edge. The overlay gives off a bit of an attitude and adds volume and a flirty flounce without being bulky or heavy.

Lightweight scarves are essential when it comes to summer accessories. Whether worn knotted as a headscarf or flowing around the neck, summer scarves are an easy way to add a little flair to your outfit. Summer scarves provide just the right amount of warmth for those cool summer nights and can be paired with just about any outfit. This summer, lightweight scarves are a major trend, seen paired with casual tanks and shorts and complimenting summer dresses from mini to maxi lengths. The most popular fabrics for summer scarves are lightweight and usually of a loose construction, allowing for maximum airflow and a light, breezy feel. 100% fine cotton is a common pick for a summer scarf material, particularly in loose weaves and in featherweights like in the Salmon Red Shirting. This season, these scarves are being seen in long lengths and with fringed edges. Even though the tendency is to steer clear of polyester in the warmer weather months given its poor breathability, when the yarns are loosely woven, the fabric has enhanced airflow. This type of polyester fabric finds popular use in the summer fabric arena given its lightweight and great drape. Polyester charmeuse has a slight sheen and a silky feel, making it a perfect scarf fabric. This summer, geometric patterns like Forest Green/White Charmeuse and hounds tooth are popular. Lightweight polyester jersey knits make wonderful summer scarf material as well. This season, striped infinity scarves in polyester jersey knits are popular in an array of colors from neutrals to neons like Neon yellow stripes jersey knit. Rayon has a super soft hand and great drape, making it a popular summer scarf fiber. 100% rayon fabric in chevron stripe patterns like Multicolor Chevron Challis and in the circle/infinity scarf style are particularly trendy. Silk is a unique fiber in that it keeps the wearer cool in warm temperatures and warm in cool temperatures, perfect for any time of the year. Lightweight and lustrous silk georgette fabrics make for great summer scarves that have a bit of a bounce and lots of volume. Solid colors like Dusty Lilac Silk Georgette and floral prints like Ivory Floral Silk Georgette are popular. Featherweight, semi-sheer silk georgettes like Dark blue silk georgette (which has a flamestitch print) make lighter weight scarves with great flow and drape but have less volume. Cotton and silk blends in loosely woven patterns are especially popular in long scarves with colorful, symmetrical designs like Brick Red/Gold Check Dupioni, which has an iridescent shimmer.

With Spring and Summer just around the corner, we teamed up with our friends at BurdaStyle to bring you some perfect patterns for Spring and Summer!

The Romantic Maxi Dress

The Romantic Maxi Dress may be the highlight of this collection with its revealing sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves, and flowing full skirt. Two different florals are beautifully feminine. We love turquoise blue floral lawn with a pink and blue floral lawn or the coral pink floral lawn with a larger floral lawn for the skirt. You could also go for a darker, bohemian look with solid teal blue lawn for the bodice and floral stripe lawn for the skirt. Keep the colors in the same family, and you can mix and match with ease!

fabric from left to right: Turquoise blue floral lawn, White/blue floral lawn, Teal blue lawn, White multi floral stripe lawn, Coral pink floral lawn, White floral lawn

Bustier Top Dress

This slim fitting Bustier Top Dress has an intricate top with set in bustier and shaped shoulder straps. The godets in the hemline also give this dress ample movement! This style needs fabric with a little structure and movement, and we also love that polka dot-esque print. In keeping with this theme, we think this design sewn in this white dot printed jacquard would really bring this dress into springtime style. If you are more taken with the dark nature of the fabric above we suggest a classic black and white polka dot cotton. The bustier style paired with that fabric would give this dress a real retro look. We also love this black and red printed sateen for the dress, the print is fun and the color is rich.

fabric from left to right: White dot jacquard, Black white dot cotton, Black red print sateen

Peasant Top

Gypsy and peasant styles inspired this folksy Peasant Top. It’s finished with asymmetrical ribbon closures and pretty fluted sleeves. Go bold with a patterned jacquard to highlight the fluted sleeves, or get a more casual look for the weekend in blue chambray. 90s trends are huge for summer, so we also picked out a whimsical black and white polka dot. This print would look great with dark wash jeans! Or, go for a romantic look in black and tan lace. This lacey print would look sophisticated with black cigarette pants for a summer date.

fabric from left to right: Turquoise blue chambray, White/black jacquard, Black/tan lace jacquard

Short Waisted Blazer

Here is a lovely short waisted Blazer with wide lapels, and a double breasted opening. This jacket is great for a suit style with matching skirt or pants, or can be worn as a little coverup for your spring dresses because of the short hemline. The main feature of this jacket is that beautiful eyelet fabric. You can find many eyelet fabrics herehere in a multitude of styles and colors. We would like to see the color played with a bit and sew this jacket in a deep dark chocolate eyelet gauze. Or you can brighten it up with this cheery blue embroidered eyelet and simplewhite eyelet. Eyelet is a classic fabric for spring, and makes a great spring jacket fabric because of the weight and holes in the texture.

fabric from left to right: Dark chocolate eyelet gauze, Dusty blue embroidered eyelet, White eyelet

Dress with Fluted Sleeves

The Dress with Fluted Sleeves has so many interesting details. The sleeves are pleated and ruffled at the cuff, and the bodice has a wraparound style. Make it a statement piece in printed silk satin like this navy blue floral, or show off the construction in a solid like this gorgeous gem toned hot pink satin. We also like mixing fabrics for the bodice and skirt of a structured dress, and might try a print like this black floral twill satin for the skirt and a black satin charmeuse for the top.

fabric from left to right: Navy blue floral satin back twill, Hot pink satin, Black satin charmeuse, Black floral twill satin

Summer Dress

The cut of this Dress was inspired by a classic men’s shirt, especially with the yoke and wide cuffs. An elastic band at the waist emphasizes the feminine silhouette, and the ruffles make the front neckline eye-catching. We love the print the print this dress is sewn in, and a similar print really flatters this dress design. This white floral striped lawn is a beautiful lightweight cotton fabric that has horizontal floral stripes in rich colors. Or we would switch up the color scheme a bit by sewing in this beige aqua print lawn with metallic accents, or this luxuriouscaramel print egyptian cotton.

fabric from left to right: White floral striped lawn, Beige aqua print lawn, Caramel print egyptian cotton

Pleated Eyelet Skirt

Every woman’s summer wardrobe needs a skirt, and this Pleated Eyelet Skirt is simply perfect. The pleats add just the right amount of fullness and movement without that added bulk. The sleek silhouette allows for a textured fabric like the eyelet pictured above. We would go classic and just like the in the photography with this black embroidered eyelet. If you are wanting it all in terms of texture and print this yellow medallion eyelet lawn has both the feel and look of the collection. Maybe you are visioning this skirt not in eyelet, if so we would suggest a bold and neutral print like this black and tan geometric embroidered cotton.

fabric from left to right: Black embroidered eyelet, Yellow medallion eyelet lawn, Black tan geometric embroidered cotton

Embroidered Peasant Top

This Embroidered Peasant Top has a wide square neckline and pretty ruffles at the waist and sleeves. White dotted swiss or soft blue floral eyelet are perfect choices for this lightweight spring top. The ruffled skirt and sleeves are lovely in textured fabrics. Embroidered batiste has instant folksy appeal, but we also like this top in a retro white and pink striped linen. Try this top with relaxed cutoffs or jeans.

I have always had an affinity for gingham fabric. It makes me think of Brigit Bardot, sunny days and picnics—a visual we could all use right about now. I like its playful vintage quality and also its versatility in projects. While the polar vortex has yet to loosen its grip, it’s never too early to start dreaming of spring.

If you’re a vintage-loving gal like me, a classic checkered dress might inspire you. But if you’re looking to utilize the textile in a fresh new way, try a full skirt with quilted pattern pieces like this one. Or jump right into the trend with a darling (and supremely practical) romper like this little number. Heck, you could go full-on Betty Draper with an easy-to-make apron or look like you stepped off the cat walk in a sassy cocktail dress.

If, on the other hand, you’d rather ditch the ultra-girly theme altogether, gingham fabric can be put to good use like any plaid. Maybe a basic pocketed button-up like this or this? Add a collar and it can also be pretty darn sophisticated. I couldn’t help but be charmed by these jacquard Bermuda shorts—I picture them fitting in just right at a delightful garden party.

So, what do you think? Are you in love with the retro print as much as I am?

When I think seersucker fabric, I envision wearing summer shorts on a yacht with boat shoes and a polo tee. Ahh. It’s a preppy warm weather fabric perfect for a sundress or breezy button-up—no Ralph Lauren ad scenery required.

If you’re already working on your spring wardrobe and aren’t quite sure how to utilize that lovely pebbled seersucker fabric you bought, here are some classic, and not-so-classic ideas to give a whirl.

1. Try a pair of cigarette pants. The silhouette of this pegged pair is reminiscent of the ‘60s and would make for a smart modern piece at any event.
2. Or, go for those yacht-worthy shorts like I mentioned. There’s really no classier way to bare your legs come rising temperatures.
3. Give a vintage nod in a gathered blouse. Play with notions like ribbons and lace to lean that seersucker in a sweet ‘70s direction.
4. Really beach it up with swimwear. J.Crew goes as far as to make their swimsuits out of the textured textile. Dive in!
5. Get really girly in a fit-and-flare dress. Can’t you just picture it looking just right on a picnic blanket?
6. Mix up your office wear with a cheerful blazer. The nautical twist transitions from work to cocktails to the sand seamlessly. Pair it with a sheath for fancier occasions and blue jeans for casual ones.
7. Forget the outdoors and don’t wait for the cold weather to dissipate—make a set of cozy pajamas for you or a loved one. Although, be warned, it will just make it that much harder to leave home these next couple months.

With all those Christmas proposals finally sinking in, it’s time to really start planning that spring, summer or fall wedding! And, of course, it’s never too early to take care of the most important part of the occasion: the dress.
Whether you’re making a custom gown for yourself or a loved one, it’s time to pore over the best bridal fabrics and some seriously lovely inspiration. I rounded up what are sure to be the three biggest trends of the season for your consideration.

Trend #1: Fishtail Finishes

The high-low hem is an elegant way to show off that footwear—or lack thereof, if the big day happens to be barefoot on a sandy beach. The trick? Your finishing touches have to be as lovely on the inside as they do on the outside. Take a look back at this French seam tutorial for an easy refresher course!

Trend #2: Off-the-Shoulder

Shoulder exposure is huge for wedding and cocktail attire this year. It’s delicate and dreamy and would work just as well in satin as it does in chiffon. Get creative and make the design organic with one strap falling deeper than the other.

Trend #3: Floating Fabric

Structured ruffles are artistic yet classically feminine elements to add to any dress. I particularly adored this ruched Reem Acra number. The airy layers look complex but are easy to recreate with light sheer fabric and a stiff ribbon binding trim. The results are heavenly!

So how will you use bridal fabric this wedding season?

As the polar vortex tightens its grip, we need to reach for coats that will keep us toasty and, well, brighten our mood. The best way to do this? Make our own standout toppers in wool fabric we love.
Right now, the most luxurious designers are all about bright saturated colors—but we can create our own unique designs for a fraction of the price. Take cues from this Nina Ricci gemstone green coat with a dainty Peter Pan collar juxtaposed against sporty gathered cuffs. If you can’t decide on a single bold hue, try Fausto Puglisi’s two new takes on color-blocking here and here. Pretty playful, right?
If you’re not feeling the intense purples, oranges and reds, try having a little fun with texture instead. Wool boucle is not only visually appeasing, it’s ultra-cozy for these brisk days and nights. Even better? It’s all the rage right now. This grey Kaliko creation is a girly retro dream while this black Isabel Marant piece is sharp and sophisticated but oh-so-cuddly. Which statement coat idea suits your style personality best?

For Christmas in 7th grade, my mother bought me a black chenille fabric sweater. It might sound bland, but it seemed magical with its soft warmth and beautiful texture. I wore it to death—till the color faded and the sleeve edges were frayed. It was very loved, and to this day when I hear the words chenille fabric I can almost feel that distinct texture.

Now, knowing the intricate weave of the supple fabric, my appreciation has only grown stronger. The greatest part about chenille fabric? It’s just as beautiful in the home as it is hanging in your closet. If you’re looking to make a plush pillow or a luxe top, it’s the perfect textile for winter. I was particularly inspired by this crimson Alexander McQueen dress—see? It’s not just for blankets and 7th grade sweaters. In fact, it can be incredibly high-fashion. But you can also go as simple as a pillow to dress up your living room (add some contrasting fringe for extra depth!), or a lovely long-sleeve tunic to wear with leggings. At any rate, it’s nice to know this lustrous fabric comes by the yard, for those of us who aren’t expert knitters.

Unfortunately, the fashion industry can often be a wasteful place, so it’s refreshing to find advancements in technology that are making clothing more earth-friendly. One of my favorite results of this movement is Tencel fabric.

Have you tried it? It’s an incredibly versatile textile that is made from wood pulp sourced from sustainable tree farms. It can range vastly in weight and drape, but is always luxuriously touchable. Typically it feels similar to rayon but is touted to be biodegradable. Lately, it’s been turning up in everything from denim mixtures to basic tanks and tees. Sidenote: Nothing makes skinny jeans more happily wearable.

Tencel fabric doesn’t wrinkle as much as rayon (thank goodness!) and it washes easy and breathes even easier (phew!). I like the idea of using solids for airy work-friendly button-ups or a subtle print for a weekend blouse. Tell me, how would you or have you used Tencel? Are you as big a fan as I am? Dish.

The holidays are in our midst, and with them come a slew of inevitable parties filled with delicious baked goods, smiling faces and loads of style. What more could anyone ask for? If you’re hoping to make the perfect festive piece for your next soiree, I have two words for you: jacquard fabric. The fabric has the sheen of sequins without the risk of tackiness, the formality of satin with much more spirit. Basically, it’s perfectly fancy while still being playful. It also happens to never go out of style.

Need some inspiration? I adore this ‘60s design from Topshop, the silhouette is nostalgic but minimal, allowing for the lustrous fabric to really shine. But don’t be afraid to get more intricate! This is the perfect material to toy with pleats, gathers and ruffles. This draped Marchesa dress proves just that.

On the other hand, vibrant crimson like Ann Taylor’s flounce dress hits just the right holiday note—just picture this with loads of glittery bling. Mhm! As a firm believer that floral is never out of season, don’t resist going girly in a brocade garden of box pleats like this A.B.S. gem. Remember: Red lipstick has the power to winter-ize any look.

Now it’s time for technique. Jacquard fabric is notoriously fray-happy. Again, this is a project where you’ll want to get out that Fray Check. Alternatively, you can also use those French seams we talked about to create a clean finish. You’ll want to cut right before you sew, before those unwoven threads get away from you! Bias facings or serged edges would also be smart solutions.

Otherwise, have fun with this fabric and the beautifully crisp silhouettes it can make.

If you’re stumped on what crafty/creative/sentimental presents to get your loved ones this holiday season, I’m pretty sure I have an awesome solution for you. Fleece fabric. It’s super cuddly, easy to work with and apropos for this time of year.

While it’s simple to cut long strips out of a couple yards of fleece for some no-sew scarves (yay for clean fray-free cuts!), the edges are where you can really take things up a notch. Bust out your serger for a straight finish, or use it to create a lettuce edge like I showed you here. Hand sewing with a blanket stitch would also be a beautiful solution. Here’s a great video tutorial if you need a refresher.

Now for the fun part! Let’s go over some ideas to make each fleece fabric scarf unique:

1. Double up with two different colors or prints. Maybe plaid on one side, with a solid color on the other.
2. Sew on some tassels or fringe.
3. Or simply cut tiny strips in the edges for fleece tassels.
4. Embroider someone’s initials or perhaps a cute word like “love.”
5. Go for the unexpected! Fleece polka-dots are one of my faves.
6. Sew the ends together to make it an on-trend infinity scarf.
7. Or cut out cute hearts, dolphins, owls, to applique on the ends (great for the little ones!).

Here are a couple darling fleece scarves I made for some inspiration. Enjoy!

Often, stripe fabric is avoided due to the fear of widening horizontal lines or the bold eye-catching nature of the graphic print. I’m here to tell you, however, that stripes are our friends.

Why?

1) Nothing is more classic. From Audrey Hepburn to Brigitte Bardot, they’ve stood the test of time.
2) They’re surprisingly versatile. Just ask J.Crew: They can be preppy or cozy, edgy or polished.
3) They are flattering. When used for good and not evil (guidelines below).

How?

1) You can never go wrong with vertical lines. They’re lengthening and slimming, I promise.
2) Test out diagonals. Often forgotten, the diagonal stripe can add an interesting edge to any design. I was particularly inspired by this luxe poncho with what looks to be excitingly easy construction.
3) Get loose. Stripes get risky when they hug too tight, but loosely fitted sweaters and blouses like this have just the right cool and comfortable vibe.
4) Go with basic colors. If you fear a headache from your latest creation, stick to black-and-white, nautical navy or neutrals.
5) Have fun! Glam up a basic with unexpected embellishments like sequins for an evening-worthy result.

What do you think? Are you feeling inspired to take on a stripe fabric project? Odds are it’ll be something you can keep around for quite a while.