Tick, tock, tick, tock, the countdown has started to sew your party outfit.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily need a very experienced sewing level to make your festive outfit. 
Indeed, a pattern intended for beginner sewists, sewn carefully, can very well make a stunning party or evening outfit.

Want to know how? Then, here are my little tips and tricks!

1. The choice of fabric 

 Certain materials will give your creation a touch of refinement even for a pattern that seems very simple at first glance.  Of course, you should take into account the fabric choice recommendations from the designer of the pattern you want to make.  For example, if the designer recommends a stretch fabric, don’t choose liberty or a cotton fabric; you simply might not be able to fit into your outfit. 

Once these checks are done, you can use noble fabrics such as:

• velvet (cut pile, sequined, moiré or burnout)
• the sequined jacquard or non-sequined
• a cotton with patterns enhanced with gold
• a light plumetis
• a lace
• a sequin tulle or not,
• a pleated fabric, 
• a fabric containing sequins, 
• a fabric containing feathers, 
• a faux fur...
  using this type of fabric will change everything compared to using 100% cotton fabric, even if it is very pretty and will be perfect for a more "casual" use.

2. the choice of haberdashery

• highlight a pocket cut, a neckline, a button placket... with a contrasting piping, in lurex, in leather... 
  
• a pretty golden or lurex elastic to make a twirling skirt 
• use a pretty bias tape (Liberty, contrasting, faux leather...) to edge a facing, finish a sleeve or a neckline with visible or hidden bias... 
• add scallops to the neckline, on the skirt edge... 
• add a fabric bow on the back, on the pockets, or a belt that you sew into the side seam... 
• add a ruffle to the sleeves, on the bodice 
• play with additions: a lace applique on the shoulder, a braid along a sleeve... add beautiful lace on the back or neckline...
• choose high-quality buttons in mother-of-pearl, wood, with glitter, or why not even covered buttons?
  The possibilities are endless as long as you have a bit of imagination and boldness.

3. choosing patterns

This year has been very rich in designer patterns! And I’m offering you a selection of those that caught my eye ;-)

At maison fauve, I spotted:

• the Sonia dress in plumetis viscose from Atelier Brunette
• the Tamara dress, which will be superb in the starry jacquard from Atelier 27
• the Zenith dress, which will be stunning in a pretty Japanese cotton or in the lovely tawny viscose from Atelier 27.

At IAM Patterns, I spotted:

- the pretty IAM Julie skirt in Atelier 27 jacquard

- the IAM Irma dress or shirt

At Deer and Doe, I spotted the Passiflore dress, which I can imagine in a short version in a pretty Japanese cotton fabric and in a long version in viscose.

At Appoline Patterns, I’m smitten with the chic pantsuit whose jacket is called Taylor, which can be paired with Léo, wide pants with clips and Italian pockets, or with Hugo, carrot-style pants. 

And why not pair the pretty leo pants with the Alanis blouse by Elsa from Urban Fairy Patterns? With its lovely bow at the collar, it will be perfect for the holidays!

Let's not forget the gentlemen who can wear a nice Champion polo created by the dynamic duo from Beaux gosses. To be the most handsome for the holidays!

All that's left to do ;-) 

And you, have you already chosen your outfit?