Fall has been my favorite season my entire adult life. Something about transitioning from the heat of summer to a cooler fall, full of color, really just brings me so much joy. As a seamstress, however, seasons changing can make me sad if there’s a piece of clothing I’ve made that is too summery for fall for either myself or my daughter. So, to combat those woes, I’ve learned some fun, easy tips for extending a summer wardrobe into the fall. My top tip is to Layer. Layer. Layer. Do not be afraid of those layers and today I’m going to talk about some great Ellie and Mac pattern pieces for layering.
Add a Layer on Top
If you have a vacation romper, hip hop romper or any other strappy romper that you want to continue to wear in the fall, all you need to do is add a warmer layer. The easiest way to do this is with a fun cardigan! (All links are affiliate links to the patterns discussed)
My favorite cardigans to layer on rompers or strappy dresses:
Fairy Jacket - This cardigan is such a great statement piece and adds so much to any outfit. TIP: Make it reversible with one neutral solid and one neutral print. That way it can add character, but also go with several different pieces.
Be Mine Cardigan - This cardigan has some great features. Make it in a neutral solid, longer length, to be super trendy and it can go with anything in your closet.
Kimono - The kimono pattern is a really great layer for a trendy, lightweight layer on those warmer fall days.
If you want to create a real statement layering piece, grab the Be Greater pattern for either Women or Girls. Then, I recommend making the longest back length with the really dramatic hi lo option. You can size up for a cozy piece that can easily layer up and use it over dresses and rompers. Not only will it add some warmth to a summer clothing piece, but it will add a very unique, dramatic outfit that you are sure to get compliments on.
Add a Layer Underneath
Another option to layer is to add a fitted top underneath the romper or dress. I would size down on the Raglan Pattern for kids, or on the Going Home Sweater for either women or kids. By sizing down, it will help eliminate some of the extra bulk when layered.
For a fun added detail, you can add the cowl neckline to the Going Home sweater. I really love layering the cowl neck with the Be Smart Jumper Skirt on kids, but this would also be really cute on a strappy dress.
Have a skirt or short dress that you can’t let go of, but your legs are freezing? Grab the Urban Legs pattern and drum up a quick pair of leggings. I recommend using a lightweight, breezy fabric (think circular knit or bamboo spandex) for the early fall, but as it gets far colder, you can grab some double brushed poly or cotton lycra for an extra dose of warmth.
I hope you enjoy creating some fun layering pieces for your closet this fall using some of these tips. Be sure to let me know in the comments what your favorite outfits are for fall!
Thanks for hanging out with me today!
Veronica
Veronica is a the blogger and creator of Caffeinate then Create. She lives in Iowa with her husband, Randy, and their 5 yr old self-proclaimed pirate princess, Gabby. She loves to sew, write, play board games, and has a deep seeded love of Star Wars and coffee.
