Winter 2014 Fashion Trends to Sew

Winter has technically arrived according to the calendar, even if snow decided to come earlier. As each new season approaches, I customarily peruse through designer collections to see what key fashion trends or pieces I need in my closet.

I have had a bit of down time in between holiday feasts this season to organize what I feel are the top 3 key fashion pieces you can sew. And I am not promising anything, but I will try to sew these 3 fashion trends for you in the next few months.

Basic Dress Made in Opulent Fabrics

The title should be descriptive enough for you.  I call it a basic dress as to describe the pattern drafting is rather basic in this one. Pattern pieces would consist of a basic set in sleeve, a front dress (probably cut on fold) and a back dress piece that probably has a zipper down the center back as closure.

Dolce & Gabbana 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

Valentino 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

Valentino 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

What makes this dress so coveted would be the opulent fabric choice. So I guess I am on the hunt for the perfect fabric!

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Minimalist Capes

Capes come and go each season, but I am really loving the silhouette of these Winter 2014 capes. Its fairly boxy with clean lines. I have always found past capes with flare are a bit much and just remind me of Robin hood.

Valentino 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

Valentino 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

Valentino Couture 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

Notice the hand/arm openings are rather streamlined. It is as if they do not exist or you could even wear the cape without having to use the openings. Made out of wool, this would be a perfect layering piece in Vancouver.

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Long Vest Coat

Been really feeling the longer top silhouette over pants recently. It has a very worldly feel about it. In our colder climate, you can see variations of this vest in the zip off sleeves option of a winter coat.

Gareth Pugh 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

Gareth Pugh 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

Alice + Olivia 2013 retrieved from NY Mag.

Personally I don't want a coat with zip off sleeves. I feel the zipper teeth may snag a scarf. I will try to find a dark grey or indigo color to make this long vest coat. This will be perfect to wear closer to the end of winter.

If you are going to be making this one, don't let the hem fall past your knees. It may shorten you. I know it is the last thing I want...being short and all.

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Happy Sewing!
Written by Sheila Wong Studios