There is one month left to sew your holiday outfit!

Once is not customary, I wanted to do a roundup of pretty patterns and pretty fabrics that can be used to sew a party outfit for us, the princesses of modern times ;-)

First of all, I want to point out that you don't necessarily need a very experienced sewing level to make your outfit. Indeed, a simple pattern can be enhanced by using noble fabric or by highlighting details or by playing with accessories.
Everyone has in mind Audrey Hepburn's little black dress enhanced by her pearl necklace or Marilyn Monroe's white pleated fabric dress.

So let's review the different ways to prepare your party outfit!

Use of noble fabrics
Certain fabrics will give your creation a touch of refinement even if your pattern is very simple. Think of using:
- silk,
- moiré or devoré velvet,
- tulle, sequined or not,
- pleated fabric,
- fabric containing sequins,
- fabric containing feathers, fake fur,
- lace, dotted Swiss, ...
Using this type of fabric will change everything compared to using 100% cotton fabric, even if the latter is very pretty and will be perfect for a more "casual" use.

Fake fur fabrics

Velvet

Embroidery

Another way to enhance a pattern is to play with the details:
- highlight a pocket cut, a neckline, a button placket... with contrasting piping, in lurex, in leather...
- use 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 will be sewn into the side seam...
- add a ruffle to the sleeves, on the bodice
- play with additions: a lace applique on the shoulder, a trim along a sleeve...
- add beautiful lace on the back or neckline...
The possibilities are endless as long as you have a bit of imagination and boldness.

Pretty Japanese bias tape

Trims and lace

Dress patterns patterns
So, party often means dress, so I’ll start with these. Here is my selection:
The Los Angeles dress from Louis Antoinette
It was my party dress last year ;-)
Pretty close-fitting dress with cut and enhancement of the bust by piping.
You should choose a fabric with a bit of elastane for more comfort.
It is an easily accessible dress, a resourceful beginner or intermediate level can make it.
The technical points are making the sleeves (pleats and assembly) and attaching the piping.

The Sierra dress from Maison Fauve

The Sierra dress from Maison Fauve allows you to make a pretty dress with a nice emphasis on your waist via a wide belt tied at the back. Several options for dress length or sleeves are available. Moreover, it is also possible to make a top, a way to recycle the pattern.
For this model, it is possible to make the back closed or low-cut which gives it a sexy and very festive side.
It will be magnificent in silk or viscose. I haven’t made it yet but it’s on my list ;-)
The sewing level for this marvel is intermediate because you will need to assemble the waistband and for those who choose the closed back version, you will need to make the tear-resistant slit.

The Formidable dress from Louis Antoinette

Pretty bustier dress, it will be gorgeous made in glitter tulle.
Well... it’s also on my "to do" list.
It’s the perfect little party dress, everything is there... the bustier, the tulle, the twirling skirt...
It is rated 2/4 by Louis Antoinette for difficulty level. For my part, I think that making a bustier with boning requires adjustments and it is better to have a good sewing level if you want to tackle this project alone.

The Tamara dress from Maison Fauve
A wrap dress for the holidays, how about it? I selected the Maison Fauve version. Emilie offers us a revisited pattern with these very original sleeves, I find it simply sublime. The neckline is well balanced and allows combining sexy and elegance.
The required sewing level is intermediate because you will need to make pockets, pleats, darts, and split sleeves.

The customizable dress by Charlotte Auzou
I didn't know it but I am totally in love with the concept...
You choose a top and a bottom and create your own dress. My favorite is the jumpsuit with the scalloped wrap bustier, a marvel!
Can't wait to try the experience.

The Cardamone dress by Deer and Doe
This pretty shirt dress with a yoke allows for a lot of creativity.
I have already made it in long and short sleeve versions, adding lurex piping to highlight the pretty seams.
The elasticated waist highlights slim waists.
The sewing level to make this dress is advanced. Indeed, there are several technical points like assembling the yoke and its button placket, making smocks,... and for those who want to make the version with sleeves, there will be assembling the tear-proof slits.

The Lucie dress by Cha'coud
A pretty trendy blazer dress with long sleeves, for those who get cold easily. Plus, it is fully lined.
Its shawl collar highlights the pretty neckline and will be perfect as a party outfit.
The level required for me is experienced because there is collar assembly, sleeve assembly, making buttonholes, lining assembly, and checking the alignment of the overlap.
And why not a faux fur collar?

Another option for an elegant party outfit: the jumpsuit!
I selected 2 models: one for knit projects, the other for woven fabrics.
the Sirocco jumpsuit
Pretty jumpsuit with a wrap effect to absolutely make in knits.
Indeed, the pattern is made for this type of fabric, be careful not to risk not fitting into it ;-)
Deer and Doe recommends a fabric with at least 60% elasticity.
The advantage of this jumpsuit is that you can make it with a serger and thus save quite a bit of time.
The sewing level for sirocco is intermediate. The technical points are making the pleats, assembling the pockets, and matching seams.