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Going Plaid
From sipping hot cocoa fireside to fancy family holiday parties—plaid is the perfect wintery pattern for all of the season’s festivities. Check out Fashion Fabrics Club’s roundup of 5 ways to wear plaid from super causal to dressed up this season.
For the Holiday Party
Yes, that favorite plaid flannel button up you live in all winter can go with you to more formal events. It’s all about the pairing. Try tucking it into a skirt and toss on a pair heels—the key is keeping the skirt in a neutral color so the overall look doesn’t get too busy.
For the Office
Instead of the typical tweed or plain weave trousers, swap in a fun, yet still sophisticated and office-appropriate, wool plaid. Keep the silhouette streamlined and if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can pair with a matching blazer (just make sure to keep the blouse in a neutral).
For the Weekend
Use a soft super plaid gauze fabric to make an easy circle skirt, which could be an easy focal point with easy, neutral pairings. To make it a little edgy, pair with a moto jacket, fedora, and a pair of suede booties.
For the Festive Brunch
You can transform a sleeveless plaid shift dress into a winter-ready outfit by simply adding a long-sleeved shirt underneath. Pair with tights if it’s a particularly chilly day, but if the sun is shining you can add a little sex appeal by going bare legged with a pair of over-the-knee boots.
For the Holiday Errand Run
Keeping arms free from bulky sleeves is essential for navigating the holiday store crowds, and balancing the many shopping bags full of presents. Cue: the plaid vest—it’s just the right amount of warmth, and holiday festiveness, to combat the wintery elements and stay cool once inside the over heated stores.
Fleece Chic
Light but warm, fuzzy but not bulky, the perfect outerwear piece and under layer—fleece is the holy grail of winter fabrics. Check out 4 chic ways to rock the comfort of fleece with Fashion Fabrics Club’s breakdown. (Including a sewing pattern for a very cool pencil skirt.)
Fleece-lined leggings
Leggings are so comfy and easy, they’re tempting to wear all winter, but once the temperatures fall below freezing, the leggings you were wearing all summer just don’t hack it. Instead, upgrade on the coziness by opting for a fleece-lined legging. Same easy, comfy feel, but infinitely warmer.
Fleece Jacket
An athletic-inspired zip-up isn’t the only way to rock fleece in a jacket, thanks to its non-bulkiness it is a great pick for more streamlined or more structural pieces—even the ever on-trend edgey moto jacket.
Fleece Pencil Skirt
Yes, it’s a thing. And it’s as adorable as it is comfortable. Check out this easy sewing pattern by Sugar Bee Crafts to craft your very own, and pick from any number of FFC’s host of fleece fabrics from bright to basic colors or even a fun print.
Fleece Vest
Same as the fleece jacket, this doesn’t need to be the run-of-the-mill zip-up—a fleece vest can be incredibly fashion forward with the right cut and pattern, like this open shawl-like version in fun plaid fleece (tip: adding a trim really heightens the overall look).
Winter White
From crisp snow-white jeans to cream colored coats, this winter’s fashion scene is embracing the no-color palette. Here, Fashion Fabrics Club’s guide on adding winter white pieces to any wardrobe.
Denim
Pull those favorite white denim skinny jeans out of summer storage; when worn with other whites and creamy neutrals, they’re perfect for this cold weather season. Try pairing with an off-white sweater layered under a creamy twill coat.
Wide Legs
While a high volume, light colored bottom piece is usually on the “don’t” list, when it’s done in a monochrome look, it actually has a slimming effect. Try the season’s wide-leg trousers in white twill with a lightweight white sweater on top.
Tulle Skirt
A white tulle skirt is surprisingly versatile, it’s effortlessly easy to dress up with a simple blouse and heels, but it can also go downtown with more streety pieces like a moto jacket and chunky boots. Equally chic in mini or midi length.
Chiffon Maxi
A white chiffon maxi skirt is perfect for holiday parties dressed up with a crop top or nice sweater and heels, but it also makes for a super chic everyday piece when paired casually with an oversized white sweater and a pair of crisp white sneakers.
Faux Fur Coat
Faux fur jackets are on the must-have list for this season, and in winter white, they’re even more on-trend. It’s a great addition to the wardrobe as it’s fit for the most formal of dress codes and even works well as everyday street style piece.
Wonderful World of Wool
From jackets to socks and everywhere in-between, wool pieces are essential for completing the winter wardrobe. Check out Fashion Fabrics Club’s roundup of wool must-haves for this season.
The Tweed Jacket
The wool tweed jacket is the holy grail of outerwear: comfy cozy warmth without all the bulk. In fact, the streamlined cut of the classic tweed coat is incredibly flattering. You can go for a playful look and try a fun colored tweed like pink, or stick with something more timeless like a brown/ivory blend.
The Slouchy Sweater
An oversized borrowed-from-the-boys wool knit sweater makes winter dressing so easy, especially as the effortless chic trend continues its reign through the cool weather seasons.
The Wool Skirt
Weather you prefer mini skirts, A-lines, maxis, or fit-and-flares, wool is the way to go take your favorite skirt silhouette into winter. If you’re looking to add a go-to basic to the wardrobe, opt for a solid neutral like gray or black, for something with a little more dimension, you can try a plaid, or Houndstooth pattern.
The Fuzzy Sweater Dress
The wool sweater dress is winter’s equivalent to the sundress, one easy and super versatile piece that you’ll constantly find yourself reaching for. Pair with tights and boots, bare legged and sneakers, the options are endless.
The Wool Blazer
A long wool suiting blazer is a great addition to the wardrobe as it can instantly transform the most casual looks (like jeans and a T) into something sophisticated but can also hold its own paired with more dressed up pieces too. Great for the office and off duty.
Knits: The Accessories
Extend the life of fall favorites well into the cool, crisp winter months. Just bundle up with a few knitted accessories and you’re ready to battle the wintery elements. Check out Fashion Fabrics Club’s top knit picks for this season.
The Beanie
From slouchy to streamlined, there’s a beanie for any style. To maximize warmth, opt for a thick boucle knit.
The Scarf
Whether you need a thin wrap for a more formal event, or an everyday heavy, chunky scarf to battle the icy elements, a variety of knit scarves are an absolute must to make it through the winter.
The Gloves
Fingerless, short, full-arm length, chunky, thin, cotton, wool, rayon. Knitted gloves come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and you can never have too many.
The Boot Warmers
For those especially chilly days when tall boots and denim just aren’t cutting it, add some knitted boot warmers to the mix. Such a simple and easy addition that brings incredible warmth, texture, and style, to a look.
The Poncho
Such a versatile piece, a knitted poncho can be worn as a top layer or as an added layer of warmth under a topcoat. It’s such an easy toss on and works with dress up or casual wear, especially when it’s in a solid, neutral shade.
Guide to Jackets: Wear Now, Wear Later
For this unpredictable in-between season weather, staying comfortable in the elements means having a collection of pieces that can be easily layered. Fashion Fabrics Club is starting at the top, with a roundup of essential outerwear pieces that work now and well into winter.
The Woven Trench
A lightweight, unstructured woven trench is a great piece to wear now with a sweaterdress (with tights or bare-legged depending on the day!) as a light jacket or even to wear as a part of the look. When it gets cooler, layer it over heavy pieces and top it off with a hat and gloves.
The Satin Bomber
Adding just the right amount of weight, and just the right amount of edgy opulence, to a look—a satin bomber jacket transforms the easiest outfits (like the go-to jeans and a T) into a full-on look without much thought.
The Suede Moto
As suede (and its vegan-friendly sister, faux suede) continues to be a major player in the world of fashion fabrics, it’s no surprise that suede moto jackets have been making a big appearance this season. It’s perfect for nearly any weather—layer it over a chunky sweater on chilly days and simply toss it on over a jersey dress for an easy but still put-together look on warmer days.
The Tweed Topcoat
Not only does this piece add the perfect amount of warmth to an outfit, but a tweed topcoat also instantly adds dimension and interest, no matter what pattern you opt for: herringbone, Houndstooth, plaid, boucle, etc. Added bonus: Since this piece is structured and streamlined, it has the rare ability in the world of outerwear to trim and slim.
Faux Fur for Fall
Haven’t dipped into the season’s fur trend yet? Now is the perfect time with Fashion Fabrics Club’s sale on designer European faux fur. Here, find five ways to rock the fur trend from the streets of the stylishly savvy.
Vest
Depending on the look you’re going for, you can opt for a sophisticated neutral (for a more realistic appeal) or do something a little more lively (and obviously faux) and craft your vest out of a fun color like green or purple.
Short jacket
Whether you prefer your coats elegantly long or playfully short, a faux fur jacket is an essential. Length isn’t the only factor to consider: do you want something super shaggy, or something with a more refined, sleek pile? Timeless color like black or of-the-moment like a cool chevron pattern? The world is your oyster.
Scarf
Such an easy piece to make, and wear, try faux fur in a simple scarf. When you make it yourself you have the luxury of making it as long, or wide as you like. Another tip: line it with something like flannel to make it reversible.
Sweater Lapel
Try adding a tonal faux fur lapel or collar to a favorite chunky sweater—it will instantly give it a whole new look and extend the life of an old favorite.
Collar
Take a piece of faux fur (maybe a leftover from a coat project?) and sew on a crafty little bow to the front—all of a sudden you’ve got an easy go-to to dress up anything in the wardrobe.
DIY Halloween Costumes
Whether the whole family is going trick-or-treating or your planning on hosting a killer party, there’s an easy DIY Halloween costume at the ready. Check out Fashion Fabrics Club’s roundup of easy-to-make getups and the fabrics you need to craft them.
For the Whole Family
If you’re in a bind and looking for an easy and recognizable costume for the whole family, be a pack of colorful M&Ms! Everyone gets to choose their favorite color and there are enough options for getting the extended family involved. Pick out your colors in a cotton jersey knit for your top, and stitch on the classic “M.” Check out Keeping it Classy’s instructions on crafting the perfect M from white felt.
For the BFFs
Pairing up with a friend this Halloween? A super easy (and clean 😉 option is to be a loofah and soap! Here are easy-to-follow instructions on how to make these costumes from sheknows.com—you’ll need lots of tulle in whatever color you choose! As for the soap, you’ll need white and blue felt.
For the Couple
If hosting a Halloween party with your significant other, it’s paramount that you both have full mobility as you’re guaranteed to be running around all night! Try a simple bacon and egg a.k.a. “breakfast of champions” costume! Find the tutorial on how to make these adorable (and rather mouth-watering) costumes at makezine.com—you’ll need plenty of felt.
For the Kids
Dr. Seuss is forever a kid’s favorite (read: you can keep these on reserve for hand-me-downs for years to come!), so decking them out in recognizable characters—like the beloved Cat in the Hat and Sam I am—is always hoing to be a winner. Check out Made Everyday’s tutorial on how to make these super cute, super classic kids getups. (Felt is the hero fabric here, too!)
Easy Fall Sewing Patterns
Just getting in on the sewing obsession? Check out Fashion Fabrics Club’s roundup of fun sewing patterns for fall—with links to tutorials, patterns, and the fabrics you need to bring your DIY garments to life.
10 Fall Skirt Tutorials by everythingetsy.com
From double knit pencil skirts, plaid midi skirts, classic pleated skirts, to stretchy jersey knit tube skirts, with Everything Etsy’s 10 Fall Skirt Tutorials, you can overhaul your fall skirt wardrobe with unique pieces crafted in your very own home.
25+ Scarf Sewing Tutorials by polkadotchair.com
Infinity scarves, reversible scarves, patchwork scarves, blanket scarves—whatever type of scarf you love, Polka Dot Chair’s 25+ scarf sewing tutorials has got you covered. When it comes to fabrics, it’s all about the texture, thickness, and pattern you’re looking for—anything goes.
4 ‘70s-style Boho Dress Patterns by McCall’s
The ‘70s moment continues strong into the fall season, so a fun floral cotton patterned boho dress will get a lot of mileage, paired bare legged or with tights and boots. Check out McCall’s boho dress patterns (with the sewing rating of “easy”!) for four takes on the style.
Easy Tee Swing Dress by its alwaysautumn.com
No matter the season, a go-to dress is a wardrobe essential—something that is an easy toss-on and can be dressed up or down without much thought. Try out It’s Always Autumn’s Easy Tee Swing Dress Simple Sewing Tutorial, a gorgeous, yet simple, Tee dress that’s actually quite seasonless. Try it in a lightweight jersey knit.
Fabrics for Fall Festivities
From apple picking to leaf peeping, there’s a look (and a fabric!) for every fall festivity on your to-do list. Check out Fashion Fabrics Club’s guide to dressing for autumn’s off-duty activities. (A little hint: layers are key.)
Pumpkin Patch
The Plan: Vet out the best pumpkins for carving at the local farm.
The Look: A wide-brimmed wool felt hat to keep fall rays off your face. A chunky knit scarf you can easily remove if you start to break a sweat. A long, chunky cotton cardigan worn over a cotton blend dress paired with tights and a pair of leather lace-up boots.
Apple Orchard
The Plan: Pick a bushel of apples to bake an award-winning apple pie.
The Look: Denim skinnies tucked into a pair of sensible boots. A plain and easy-going gray sweatshirt. A leather moto jacket for warmth. Topped off with a plaid flannel scarf.
Scenic Strolls
The Plan: A long walk (or drive) to enjoy the changing of the seasons, and if lucky enough to be in New England, leaf peep!
The Look: Walkable flats or boots. Stretchy leggings or skinny jeans. A casual chiffon button up. A fuzzy, long sweater. An oversized polyester scarf.
Cider Sipping
The Plan: Find the best homemade apple cider around.
The Look: A Houndstooth (or other geometric pattern) sweater. A quilted puffy vest. A statement necklace. Boyfriend jeans. And a cute mug that doubles as an accessory.
The Fall Spectrum
Top 5 Colors for Autumn ‘16
Inspired by feelings of tranquility, strength, and optimism, fall’s ethereal palette is a collection of both calming and exuberant hues. Fashion Fabrics Club has rounded up the top five colors you need to upgrade your fall rotation and the fabrics that make them shine.
Cool Blue
A variety of blue hues are leading the colorful palette of this fall’s fashions. And what luck that so many fall basics are perfect in this versatile tone: denim boyfriend jeans, navy silk blend tunics, periwinkle sweaters, midnight blue suede skirts, the list goes on and on.
Scarlet Red
A pop of red, like a swipe of lipstick, has an almost magical way of injecting a look with excitement—making even the most basics very unbasic. Ease into its boldness by using it as a contrast piece in a layered look: a red sweater with denim skinnies and a plaid scarf, a twill blazer over a T-shirt with ripped jeans, a chiffon button-up under a white peplum coat and black cigarette pants, to name just a few.
Mustard Yellow
An all-time favorite autumn hue, mustard yellow, is at the same time playful and sophisticated, making it a perfect partner with a host of the season’s biggest players. Try it in a cotton/poly blend midi skirt paired with a simple cotton T, in a turtleneck knit sweater with a slim maxi skirt, or in a sleeveless suiting fabric trench over a simple top and jeans.
Emerald Green
Fall just isn’t fall without the presence of a jewel tone, this year it’s served up in a tantalizing emerald green. In fact, fall’s “It” skirt, the pleated maxi, has been sported by the fashion elite on the streets of Fashion Week all month long in rich emerald green. But it’s also a great pick for flirty fit-and-flare skirts, collegiate elbow-patched sweaters, and crisp cotton shirtdresses.
Slate Gray
It’s always good to have a host of anchors in your closet—meaning articles that pair well with others, in color and style. Slate gray is fall’s anchor shade; it makes a happy partner with every single one of the season’s trending shades and looks super chic in monochromatic looks, too. For this fall, add slate gray into your collection in both laid-back (like an oversized cashmere sweater, denim skinnies, cotton Tees) and more dressed up (like tweed blazers and wool skirts) pieces.
That’s a Wrap - Fall Scarves
When it comes to transition season, layers are essential for keeping up with the anything-goes weather. Check out Fashion Fabrics Club’s roundup of the top scarves to take you into fall.
The Knitted Scarf
For days that don’t quite call for a full dive into the sweater drawer but still have a little chill in the air, layer a chunky sweater knit scarf over a lightweight cotton T. The texture of the knit plays well with patterned pieces or can be used as a focal point to a minimalist monochrome look.
The Herringbone Scarf
Herringbone has an inherently dressy attitude, making it a great pick for accessories—taking even the most simple and laid-back looks up a notch. Cue the herringbone scarf, opt for the classic black, white, and gray color scheme so you can pair with anything and everything.
The Animal Print Scarf
Leopard, cheetah, zebra, tiger, snake—take your pick. A hit of animal print gives an instant jolt to every easy look. Try it in a soft cotton or cotton/silk blend to keep it from getting bulky, i.e. an easy toss-in in your bag.
The Cashmere Scarf
Cashmere is a great way to dip back into wearing wools for the cooler weather. It’s lightweight and at the same incredibly warm; the perfect pick for a fall wrap. Bonus: the luxuriousness of the fabric makes it work for even more formal affairs. Nighttime wedding? No problem.
The Fur Scarf
For those extra crisp days, a faux fur scarf is the way to go. Not only does it give incredible warmth, but it easily dresses up even the most relaxed off-duty looks like a favorite oversized sweater and a pair of leggings.