In this episode, we’re reacting to rising fashion trends for spring 2025! Whether we love ‘em or hate ‘em, we’re gonna tell you how you can incorporate them into your me-mades.
The transcript for this episode is on this page at the end of the show notes.
Show Notes:
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
The Trend Articles We Used:
- “9 Trends Set to Define Spring 2025 Fashion” by Kristen Nichols and Eliza Huber at Who What Wear
- “The 10 Spring 2025 Trends That Will Be Everywhere Next Year” by Tori López in W Magazine
Me-Mades Mentioned:
- Helen’s Pinstripe Lockhart Pants (for the Soft Power trend)
- Caroline’s Daughter Judy Thompson Coat/Car Coat (for the Candy Coated trend)
Resources:
- “How to Hem Chiffon by Hand or with a Sewing Machine” at WikiHow
- “DIY Spiral Ruffle Fringe with Flounce” by Mao at Sparkly Belly
Sewing Patterns:
- Eliza Trench by Papercut – size band 1, size band 2
Fabrics:
Transcript:
Caroline: We are recording today on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, including Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, Musqueam, and K’ómoks first nations.
Helen: Hello and welcome to Love to Sew. I’m Helen, the designer behind Helen’s Closet Patterns and Cedar Quilt Co.
Caroline: And I’m Caroline, the owner of Blackbird Fabrics and BF Patterns.
Helen: We’re two sewing buds who love to sew and it’s literally all we want to talk about.
Caroline: In this episode, we’re reacting to rising style trends for spring 2025. Whether we love ‘em or hate ‘em, we’re going to tell you how you can incorporate them into your me-mades.
Helen: If you love to sew, this is your show.
Caroline: Woo! I love these trend episodes! I’m so excited.
Helen: Me too. They make me feel cool.
Caroline: Oh my gosh, I know. We are trend forecasters. Except it’s already been forecasted. We are just telling you about it.
Helen: You’re welcome.
Caroline: Oh my gosh. Okay, Helen, before we jump into today’s topic, we want to remind everyone the best way to support the show. Also, we just love you guys. Thank you.
Helen: We do. We love you. We have so much fun over on Patreon and on our Apple Podcast Subscriptions, sharing a little bit more behind the scenes about our lives, what we’re sewing, pattern releases, tips and tricks, all sorts of fun stuff. And you can get access to that bonus content every month by supporting us on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. And it means so much to us if you’re able to do so, even if it’s just for a little bit.
Caroline: Helen, you didn’t mention that we talk about what we’re cooking/meal prepping. And I just need to say that you recommended overnight oats. And Shea is literally obsessed with overnight oats right now. It’s like, he would marry overnight oats. Like he loves them so much.
Helen: Oh, I feel so validated. It’s, like, such a life-changing breakfast.
Caroline: Our fridge is stacked to the brim with overnight oats.
Helen: I noticed you’re not saying that you love them, but…
Caroline: I’m not an oat girl. I’m not an oat girl, but…you know what? We’re going to save this for the bonus episode.
Helen: Yeah, we can’t get into this.
Caroline: We can’t get into this right now, but just know that we both make recipe recommendations and we’re both pretty serious about food. So if you want to hear about that from us, then go over and support us. And, obviously, if that’s not in the cards for you right now, we completely understand. You are here right now listening to the main show and that is the most important thing. Thank you so much for listening and just cheering us on.
Helen: Thank you so much.
Caroline: We gotta get into this show. I am so excited to do another one of these episodes. Our first one was last fall and we had such a good time. Do you remember the sweater that was sewn on top of another sweater?
Helen: I literally think about that every day.
Caroline: Yeah? It lives rent free in your brain? Okay, me too.
Helen: It does. Every time I put on a sweater, I’m like, “What if there was just another sweater sewn onto the front of the sweater? That would be wild.”
Caroline: Just flopping around. Wait, did you watch The Bachelor this week?
Helen: Oh no, I haven’t seen, I haven’t seen the most recent ep, actually.
Caroline: Okay, I’m gonna age, like, when we’re recording this episode. So if anyone watches The Bachelor, you’re gonna know our secrets. But in this past week’s episode, Carolina is wearing, like, a pair of men’s suit trousers as a top. The front fly and the button is, like, at the front and it’s, like, a cowl-y off-the-shoulder cropped top made out of, like, the top half of a pair of men’s trousers. But, like, legit, it looks like upcycled men’s trousers. It’s not like they’ve been recreated as a top. Like, no, it’s like someone took a pair of men’s trousers and cut armholes out of the sides.
Helen: I am dying to see this now. This sounds…
Caroline: Honestly, I need to know how you feel about it because I was so, I could not…
Helen: It sounds pretty cool.
Caroline: It was really cool but so distracting. Like, I just couldn’t get past the, like, front fly across her chest. It was, it was weird. It was weird. I want to know what everyone else thinks.
Helen: I feel like this is, in fact, very on-trend and in line with our first line item that we’re going to be discussing. I cannot wait to see it. I hope she made it herself because that would truly make my day.
Caroline: That would be wild. Oh, I need to do more research on this.
Helen: Yeah. Okay, we did pull today’s content from a couple of different trend articles. So you can check those out to see pictures as we go along, if you want. We’ve got “9 Trends Set to Define Spring 2025 Fashion” in Who What Wear and also “The 10 Spring 2025 Trends That Will Be Everywhere Next Year,” and that was from W Magazine.
Caroline: Yes, and a little disclaimer, a little word about trends. Don’t feel like you have to follow them. If a trend gets you excited and fits into your personal style, then that’s amazing, but don’t feel like you have to change your whole look just to fit in. And also, no judgment at all. If you like a trend that we don’t like, or if we like a trend that you don’t like, we will be reacting today. We will be sharing our personal opinions and tastes. Just remember, this is not personal. It’s, it’s fun. Not personal towards you. It’s personal for us.
Helen: Yeah, exactly.
Caroline: Alright. Should we get into it?
Helen: Yes. Okay. Our first trend is: Soft Power. You have to say it like that.
Caroline: Soft Power.
Helen: It’s like a less-structured version of Corporatecore. So think oversized drapey blazers, trench coats with really wide lapels, soft silk blouses, lightweight, wide wool trousers. And the colours are soft here, too. We’ve got pale greys, pale blues, neutral browns, and creams. It’s pretty, but also masc. I like it.
Caroline: I really like it, too. I would totally want to try this trend. I have an oversized blazer that I love wearing. It’s more of, like, a brown plaid. So I don’t know if it fully fits into this trend, but I really like the oversized look a lot. And I like that this is sort of, like, paired with maybe some, like, softer colours that make it feel like a little bit less intense. But yeah, Corporatecore? I’m all about it.
Helen: I was thinking about the Taylor Trousers you could use to, to make this if you use a, like, softer fabric. Also, our Pona Jacket would be great ‘cause it’s got that oversized blazer shape already. And you can make it in, like, a Tencel twill and you’ve got, like, a very drapey layering piece. I don’t work in an office, so a lot of this stuff doesn’t really appeal to me, like, on the day-to-day, but I like the idea of incorporating some pieces here and there, you know?
Caroline: Yeah, no, it’s so true. I can see this fitting into, like, my wardrobe fairly well because I do go to the office and I’ve been enjoying playing a little bit more with the, like, blazer-trouser looks.
Helen: Yeah. You’re the CEO. You gotta wear that blazer!
Caroline: I’m the fabric mogul. Yeah. But I feel like, you’re working from home, so like, if you walked in one morning in a blazer and, like, pleated trousers, like, what do you think Sam would say?
Helen: I mean, he’s always just like, “Cute outfit.” Because a lot of the time I’m wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. So anything outside of that is exciting. But I do have a pair of Lockhart pants in, like, a pinstriped viscose linen noil that you guys had for a little bit. And it’s really drapey and fun and voluminous. And those are basically as comfortable as sweatpants. So you can have the best of both worlds.
Caroline: Alright, the next one is: Powder Pink. Red has been trending for so long that it’s basically become a neutral. And this pale, blue-toned pink is what’s coming next. It’s not as peach-coloured as millennial pink was 10 years ago. It’s what we used to call “baby pink” in the nineties. It’s showing up in ultra-feminine, ruffly, lacy dresses, which is no surprise, but it’s also being used in super modern sculptural garments as well.
Helen: I’m all for a colour for a season or whatever. I think it’s really fun. I just don’t like this colour on me, personally. I’m a warm tones girl. So, like, cool-toned pink? I’m literally actually wearing something that’s kind of close to this colour right now, which I’m just noticing in our meeting here, in my little video.
Caroline: Well, it’s quite dusty. I feel like your sweater is more of, like, a dusty brownish pink. This is very cool-toned. I like it. We’re actually bringing in some fabrics in this colour. I like the, like, nineties nod of this color. Like, it’s giving Spice Girls, you know, it’s giving Baby Spice.
Helen: Yeah.
Caroline: It’s not my colour, personally. But I like it. Like, I can appreciate it for sure.
Helen: Yeah. I mean, it’s fine. We can just keep wearing red, you know? A good way to incorporate a colour like this into your everyday wardrobe would be to just make, like, a t-shirt in this colour, and then you’re trend forward while still just having, like, you know, a nice relaxed personal style, if that’s your vibe. You don’t have to make a frilly dress out of it. You can keep it simple.
Caroline: And you can also pair it with, like, a modern minimalist pattern for a more unexpected look. Assembly Line patterns has some really good options there. Or maybe you just want to go all in and go, like, super girly and look for, like, powder pink fabrics in, like, chunky lace or slinky satin and just, like, dive into this trend.
Helen: Ooh, yeah. Satin, for sure. Satin slip dress in this? Gorgeous.
Caroline: Can I make another bachelor reference?
Helen: Of course.
Caroline: I promise it’s the last one. Okay. When you said, like, “I can get behind any colour for a season,” it made me think of…
Helen: Brat girl summer?
Caroline: No, it made me think of Chloe being like, “I think I meet people for a season or a reason or a lifetime.”
Helen: Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. I have heard that line before, too.
Caroline: I, yeah, it’s such a bachelor line, but I feel like a colour can be for a season or a reason or a lifetime. And, like, maybe you’re wearing powder pink because you’re a bridesmaid and you have to. That’s the reason. Maybe you’re wearing it for a season because it’s on-trend and you want to try it out. Or maybe you’re a lifer and you just have always loved powder pink.
Helen: Yeah, because it looks damn good on you.
Caroline: Yeah. In which case, lucky you. It’s in the trends.
Helen: It’s so true. Okay. We’ll keep that in mind as we go through these trends.
Caroline: Yeah.
Helen: This next one is my favourite, I think. Personal Touches. I love this as a trend because it’s so generic and can be interpreted in any way you want, but: Personal Touches. This is more about accessorizing or putting pieces together in a really individual way. So, the writer of the article we pulled this from points out that at some shows designers are styling the models in looks that feel really personal to each one rather than having a similar style for, like, the whole show. For example, at Chloe, a simple all-black look with drapey trousers, a lacy camisole, and a blazer was then styled with a cream pillbox hat, big seventies sunglasses, and gold jewelry. It doesn’t have to only be about accessories, though. They also featured some really cool statement garments that were put together in interesting ways. Think outside the box, think thrift store chic, think wear whatever you want. And as long as you have confidence, it will look cool. I love this kind of thing. And I think it’s because, when I was younger, like, in my early twenties, thrift store and vintage clothing was, like, the height of being fashionable. So there was just a lot of weird clothes going on and, like, you could pretty much wear anything and people would be like, “You look cool.”
Caroline: I love this one, too, because it’s, like, not really a trend. It’s like the anti-trend because it’s saying, like, figure out what your personal style is and incorporate that and, like, make your style unique. And that means it can be so individual and you can really use what you have. It’s more about styling than, like, adopting a new trend, right?
Helen: Exactly, because it can apply to everything that you put on and every outfit that you wear.
Caroline: It feels like a sustainable take on a trend, you know? I feel like we’ve both tried this because it is how we aspire to dress, right? Like, I aspire to dress with personal touches that feel unique to me. I think you’re very good at doing that, too.
Helen: I try, but I don’t look as unique as these models in the, in the example photo.
Caroline: Yeah.
Helen: I could definitely push the boundaries a little bit more. I do think playing with accessories like hats and sunglasses is a fun way to incorporate this unexpected moment in your outfit. Elsewhen Millinery on Etsy has great patterns for a wide brim sun hat, pillbox hat, and a teardrop hat, all of which are featured in this photo. So that’s a good place to go if you’re looking for those kinds of things.
Caroline: Mmhmm. If you usually make a lot of basic garments, you can also consider making a statement piece with, like, a bold print fabric and then building outfits around that. I have one more thing to say about this trend that, maybe it’s more of like a tip, but it’s something that I learned from, like, a personal stylist, like, TikTok person. She was talking about how she looks at, like, putting together outfits as, like, you’re looking at like sections of your body and adding something to each section. So you don’t want, like, all your accessories up at the top. That might feel wrong, but think about it as, like, your, like, chest to, like, the top of your head is a section, and then, like, your chest to, like, your waist is another section and, like, waist down to your feet is another section. So, like, you might add a necklace and a belt and, like, an interesting sock and that feels more balanced than, like, necklace, earrings, hat, like, all at the top, you know? So if you’re wanting to, like, incorporate personal touches in your style, maybe you put on an outfit and you’re like, “How do I make this feel more like me, more styled?” Then think about adding one thing to each section and it’ll feel maybe more right than having it all in one place. But also, like, I feel like rules don’t matter. I’m just, it’s just a little tip, you know?
Helen: I love that. And I’m, I’m obsessed with those videos. It’s like, “wearing versus styling.” It is so cool to see people take something that looks so basic and generic, spin it into this absolutely incredible outfit that’s, all of a sudden, like, a work of art. It’s amazing.
Caroline: Yeah. It’s definitely made me, like, think about my own wardrobe differently and how I can wear my own pieces in unique ways versus, like, I need to buy this new thing that’s on-trend. Like it’s, yeah, it’s great. Alright, next up we have: The Modern Socialite.
Helen: Ooh!
Caroline: It’s kind of funny that they titled it this, because what they really mean is, like, “90s minimalism comes back.” The socialite they’re talking about is Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who really did have amazing style. And these garments are ultra simple, made in luxurious fabrics and neutral colours. I’m seeing a lot of, like, creams, whites, blacks, browns, navies. High contrast, but minimalism.
Helen: Yeah, and we’re talking, like, poise. We’re talking, you are put together.
Caroline: Yeah. Slick back hair…
Helen: Pass.
Caroline: I was gonna say, I feel like our reactions are really lukewarm on this one.
Helen: It’s not for me. I do love black and white. It’s one of my favourites. But I like them together in a print. Separately, you know, I’ll wear black. I hardly ever wear just white because I’m messy. I’m too messy for white. And I just don’t vibe with this, like, super slick modern look. It looks great on these models, though.
Caroline: It feels like the, like, clean girl aesthetic, kind of. And, like, I’m not a clean girl. Like, I just think I don’t…I also don’t fit into that style identity. Like my hair never looks slick, you know? It doesn’t do that. How do you get your ponytail to be slick without little bumpies everywhere?
Helen: I don’t know. But even the, like, fabrics feel high-maintenance to me. Like, I don’t work with a lot of silks and satins and things. Yeah. Don’t wear a lot of white. Don’t wear a lot of, like, shift dresses. And I love print and colour and texture. And this is, like, the antithesis of that. So.
Caroline: A hundred percent. Yeah.
Helen: But it is an easy one to, like, work into your wardrobe if you’re into it, because you can choose high quality, natural fiber fabrics in basic colours like white, cream, and black, and then classic silhouettes, like trench coats, sheath dresses, drapey button-up shirts. I could definitely get behind a, like, silk, black, oversized button-up. That I would really like.
Caroline: Yeah. And I can see this trend being quite timeless, as well. Like, it’s not leaning into one particular aesthetic that is gonna go out of style, you know?
Helen: True. Yeah. It does feel very timeless.
Caroline: Alright. We’re going in a totally different direction with the next one.
Helen: Yay! Next we have: “Isn’t It Grand?” And it is quite the opposite of the last trend. This is maximalist luxury: shiny brocade fabrics, bead encrusted jackets, feathers, lots of details. I’ve also heard this called Loud Luxury, as opposed to Quiet Luxury, and it feels like a return to the over-the-top evening styles that were really popular in the 80s. So much fun here, especially if you are a fabric lover because, oh my god. Incredible.
Caroline: Yeah, loud luxury is everything. I love, I love that this is, like, from a sewist’s perspective, you know, like when you start sewing and you’re, like, buying all the shiny things. You’re like, “I want this fabric ‘cause it’s, like, so striking and beautiful.” And then you have it in your stash and you’re like, “When am I going to wear this” The time is now. Like, this is the moment for those crazy fabrics.
Helen: Yeah, get them out…
Caroline: The shiny, the metallic, the brocades, the crazy prints. Like, just bring it all together in one of these outfits. Like, now’s the moment.
Helen: A lot of this stuff is very holiday-looking, like the kind of fabrics you would see around November, December in preparation for holiday season, but I love that this is, like, bringing it into the everyday.
Caroline: Yeah.
Helen: And you don’t have to wear head-to-toe brocade or sequins. Just, like, a little bit. You can add some drama to a basic pattern by, like, enlarging the buttons, adding some ruffles, or drafting, like, a bigger collar, sewing it in a contrast fabric. Maybe you’re just making a little cropped jacket to wear that’s made out of a brocade or something. Really easy to incorporate it without going over the top like they’re styling it here.
Caroline: I feel like you could do this trend, Helen. Like, you have some hero pieces that I can think of that would totally fit. And you just have to, like, put them all together in an outfit and you’re there.
Helen: That’s true. I do love it.
Caroline: Yeah. It’s very, very fun. Alright, we’re going to go through this next one quickly because it’s about shoes, but it is: Just a Peep. Basically, peep toes are back. Some of them are a little different from what we’ve seen before, kind of like an offset opening that shows only your big toe. Sorry, just a moment of silence for that. But mostly, they’re just classic peep toes. I can’t with the big toe.
Helen: Only the big toe?
Caroline: Only the big toe.
Helen: Honestly, Caroline, all my good toes are on the sides, I think.
Caroline: Nobody wants only the big toe.
Helen: Like, I don’t want to be highlighting the front two. Like, my little toe and next to little toe, who knows what that toe’s called, those are the best ones.
Caroline: Yeah. Yeah. Your little baby toe on the ends. Yeah, well you need to…the next trend is gonna be only the side toe.
Helen: Only the side toes. Baby toes. One day. We can only dream.
Caroline: That would be it. Yeah.
Helen: I mean, I’m all for people who like this style. I don’t really, like, own or wear a lot of shoes that are outside of, like, regular shoes, sneakers and stuff. So I don’t know. Sure. Peep toes. Great.
Caroline: Yeah, why not?
Helen: Why not?
Caroline: Let’s move on.
Helen: Okay. Back to sewing-related trends. We’ve got: Craving Romance. This one is all about garments made out of flowing, sheer chiffon. Soft colours, floral prints. We’re seeing ruffles, gathers, bubble skirts, and 1920s-inspired drop waist silhouettes.
Caroline: I like this one.
Helen: Yeah. I’m not, like, loving a drop waist silhouette, but I do love a flowy fabric. I love a floral. I would probably choose a, like, rayon satin or something over a silk or chiffon, just ‘cause I like easier fabrics…
Caroline: Mmhmm.
Helen: For sewing. But I do think that sheer fabrics are absolutely gorgeous and it would be really fun to play around with this trend, making something sheer.
Caroline: Yeah, I think that, like, sheer pants trend would be a fun one for this. I also feel like you could get this, like, romantic look with, like, a bias-cut satin skirt maybe in, like, a soft, romantic floral print or something like that. Like, you don’t have to go, like, full draped in chiffon, you know, to get this, like, romantic aesthetic. I also think this is, like, a really fun aesthetic for, like, a wedding. Like, if you’re wanting to make a dress to attend, like, a summer wedding or a garden wedding, this is, like, the perfect look for that.
Helen: Yes. Oh my gosh. Totally. It’d be really fun to have an event to go to, to make something like this for.
Caroline: Mmhmm. Okay, wait, sewing tip break, ‘cause…
Helen: Yes. Help me.
Caroline: Chiffon. We don’t talk about chiffon that much on the show, but I feel like, to get this look, chiffon is a great way to go, to achieve this look. So just keep in mind, it is a tougher fabric to work with, but it is so drapey and pretty. So we have some tips. Number one: use spray starch to stabilize so it’s easier to work with.
Helen: Yes. Cut on a single layer so you have more control and you can make sure you’re cutting everything on grain.
Caroline: If your fabric is prone to fraying, consider finishing the edges before you start working. Or you can cut a larger seam allowance to, kind of, allow for the fraying.
Helen: And rolled hems are the way to go with chiffon. You can use a rolled hem foot on your machine or you can sew one by hand. There’s also the method where you fold up the hem and press it about an eighth of an inch longer than you want it to end up, and then sew a line of stitching really close to the fold, trim the excess fabric away, and now you can press the fold up and top stitch it, leaving, like, a super teeny tiny hem. Works really well, so that’s a good option too.
Caroline: Mmhmm. And Silversaga patterns go really well with this ethereal style. So if you’re looking for a company to check out, check them out.
Helen: Yeah, true.
Caroline: Mmhmm. I’m, like, already laughing at the next one.
Helen: I like this one.
Caroline: Okay: The Wrong Coat.
Helen: It’s so easy. Basically, I like any trend that’s easy to pull off. Where I’m like, “All I have to do is put on an ugly coat? Down. I’ll be there.”
Caroline: Oh my gosh, yes. I’ve seen something similar on TikTok as, like, “the wrong shoe theory.” So the idea here is to choose a jacket or a coat that doesn’t match the style of the rest of the outfit. So this article in particular features a lot of sporty, outdoorsy, like, anorak-style jackets with glam going-out dresses. It feels unexpected.
Helen: Now is your time. If you have just been wanting to wear a windbreaker with everything, wear the windbreaker to the gala, wear it out to dinner, wear it. Doesn’t matter. You can wear it anywhere. Now’s your time. You have full permission.
Caroline: It’s such a rule-breaker. I can’t with this, Helen. I can’t.
Helen: I love it in concept, but I know that if I put on a beautiful head-to-toe dress like these people are wearing in these pictures and then ruined it wearing the ugliest coat I could find, I just don’t think I could leave the house, you know?
Caroline: Yeah. To me, these coats aren’t that ugly, they just don’t go. Like, it’s like, they’re just wrong. That is the trend. They’re wrong. Like, every rule book would tell you, do not wear this kind of coat with this kind of dress. Like, we’re looking at sequin dresses with raincoats on top.
Helen: Yeah.
Caroline: And the, like, length of the coat isn’t good. Like, it’s just all wrong.
Helen: It’s Pacific Northwest realness.
Caroline: Honestly. Yeah. Like, relatable in that way. ‘Cause who has, like a, a coat to go with their sequined dress, right? Like…
Helen: No, I’m still wearing my raincoat.
Caroline: Yeah.
Helen: It is the most dressed-up looking of my jackets.
Caroline: The idea here is, like, you don’t have to be embarrassed. You can own the wrong coat.
Helen: This is the kind of trend that works if you are a very fashion-forward individual. But for regular folks like us, people are just going to think you didn’t have a good coat option for your outfit.
Caroline: Yeah. And like, to be fair, like, the wrong shoe theory and, like, the, like, the idea of wearing, like, a fancier outfit with like a sportier shoe…
Helen: Croc or something.
Caroline: I’m into that. Like, and I think that that’s been around for long enough that we’re all used to it. And it’s like, it’s a statement. It’s cute. It’s cool. Like, I think most people can pull that off. Anyone can pull it off. But, but maybe in a few years we’re going to be like, “Yeah, the wrong coat. Like, that’s normal.” Like, right now it’s, it’s really not landing for me.
Helen: Well, if you are interested in making the wrong coat to wear with your next beautiful gown, you could try technical fabrics. If you want to make these kind of softshell windbreaker styles, you could use that kind of fabric. Softshell fabrics have, like, a pliable water-resistant outer layer and then a soft fleece inner layer. And they’re also great for layering when you’re not dressed up in a sequin gown. You can wear them in your everyday life, too. Bonus.
Caroline: Bonus! Oh my gosh, okay, one pattern idea we have is the Fibre Mood Maggie Coat. Would be perfect for this trend.
Helen: Oh, this coat is so cute. It would be perfect.
Caroline: It really is. Mmhmm. Mmhmm.
Helen: Okay. Our next trend is a lot of fun. It’s called: Feel Good. And this one is all about using unusual materials and techniques to create interesting textures. So there’s a tweed white coat with stripes of feather trim, an open skirt with big wool bobbles. There’s a colourful hand woven fabric. There’s some really interesting long fringes. They look like they’re made of strips of laser cut fabrics. And one of these is a jacket by Alaia that has this voluminous spiral fringe on it. So we’re going to tell you how you can make this fringe yourself.
Caroline: Okay. I really like this trend. I like the idea of clothes feeling good. Like that, like, sort of soft texture. It’s, like, really comforting and, yeah, like, it makes me want, like, a big puffy faux fur jacket or something.
Helen: Yeah! Or, like, a tinsel coat. I’ve seen those, where they just look like big, like, disco balls. There is something really satisfying about a lot of texture in a garment. A real statement piece. It could be difficult to find fabrics for this, but you don’t have to go full-on. You could just find fabrics that have subtle textures and it would still feel like this trend, but on a smaller scale.
Caroline: Yeah, and like, you can use a base fabric and embellish with trim if you can’t find the right fabric for this. So I think there’s a lot of options here. I like the idea of incorporating it into a skirt, too, instead of, like, a big jacket or something. Like, something really subtle, like a fringe on a skirt could be really cute.
Helen: Yeah. Now’s your chance to go into the trims area of the fabric store, which I don’t go into that often, but there’s so much fun stuff in there. And if you’ve ever gone in and looked at all of the different trims and fringes and things that you can buy and wondered if you’ll ever get to use them, now’s your chance. You can even buy feather fringe and you can make it removable by sewing snaps to it so that you can wash the main garment and then, like, snap back on the feather fringe if you wanted to add that to, like, the hem of the skirt.
Caroline: I’m just imagining, like, I’m running for the subway and my, like, fringe gets caught on something and then it just, like, rips off of my skirt because it’s only attached with snaps.
Helen: And you twirl around. Yeah, the drama.
Caroline: Yeah, it’s, it is a dramatic trend, for sure. If you wanted to make your own spiral fringe, you would just cut out a circle of fabric and then cut it into a strip following a spiral pattern. And then when you hold one end of the fabric up, it will twist up into a spiral. You can either choose a fabric that doesn’t fray, like a knit, or you can finish the edges with a zigzag or by serging.
Helen: This would be really fun to experiment with. I like that.
Caroline: The next trend is: Candy Coated. Lots of coats that we see out in the world are made from, like, dark, neutral fabrics. And this trend is all about brights. So: kelly green, royal blue, lilac, and cornflower coats in simple, long silhouettes. So it’s specifically candy coated coats, which…
Helen: Yes. Candy Coat-ed, Caroline.
Caroline: Yes. right. Of course. I love this.
Helen: I love it. Personally, me, I love it.
Caroline: I really love it. There’s a green coat in these photos that is really beautiful. And the colours are beautiful. I also love the, like, pale powder blue. It’s not my colour, but I still want to wear that coat. It’s so beautiful.
Helen: It’s so cute. Yeah, this reminds me of that car coat pattern that you made recently. That was so cute. And you did make it in a brown. But you could make it again in a green. It would look just like this.
Caroline: Yes. It’s the Daughter Judy Thompson Coat and there is a cropped view that I think would be really cute in a bright colour. It’s just such a fun way if you want to, like, dip your toes into incorporating more colour in your wardrobe. Having a coat, it’s, like, not necessarily always the feature of your outfit. You’re just wearing it to and from places and you take it off. So just get a little taste of what it’s like to wear bright colours.
Helen: Yeah, it’s true. It is really fun. And it, like, it’s a bright spot in your day and other people’s day, too. I think it will make people cheerful.
Caroline: I feel like you probably have a bright coloured coat, right?
Helen: I have a hot pink vintage, like, anorak-style coat that I do really love. It doesn’t get a ton of wear because it’s not a me-made and I’m, like, very partial to wearing my handmade items. But I haven’t let it go because I love the colour so much. So I’m feeling encouraged to maybe do a me-made coat out of a bright colour so I can have that in my wardrobe.
Caroline: Love it. Okay, so if you want some ideas for incorporating this into your me-mades, you can look for a simple coat pattern like The Eliza Trench by Papercut. And fabrics to look for include gabardine, twill, wool and poly coatings, and softshell. And there are candy colours out there, but they are rarer than neutrals. I want to add one thing. We’re bringing in some really fun candy colours in a bunch of our bottomweights for spring. So if you’re looking for something to do this trend, we’ll definitely have some options at Blackbird.
Helen: Yeah. I think twill is a perfect choice. It’s timeless. It’ll wear well. It’s easy to sew. You can’t go wrong.
Caroline: Absolute.
Helen: Okay. Our final trend for this episode is: School Ties. Pleated skirts, letterman jackets, sweater vests, blazers, polo shirts. Very Chilton-coded. You want to get your Gilmore Girls on. And sometimes they come in unexpected colours, like a lime green blazer, or unexpected materials, like a leather bomber jacket. There’s really lots of ways to incorporate this trend. And this trend is another one that’s fairly timeless. It’s kind of always in style to dress in this school uniform-esque vibe. So you really can’t go wrong.
Caroline: Would you try this trend, Helen?
Helen: There are elements of it that I like, but it’s not really up my personal style alley. I do think that, like, little sweater vests with, like, the V in the front with the white stripes is really cute. Or there’s a vest in this picture where the stripes are on the shoulders. I really like the idea of a small item, like a vest, to tie this together. I don’t know if I would rock a pleated skirt, personally, but it’s a really fun opportunity to use beautiful plaid fabrics. So I’m a little torn on that one.
Caroline: Mmhmm. Yeah, I feel like there could be, like, a little bit of crossover with the Soft Power if you are wearing more of those, like, suiting fabrics. You could probably put together an outfit that has this vibe. I like the sweater over, like, a button-up shirt look. It’s a loose interpretation of this trend, ‘cause I think that that’s just, like, a look that is pretty timeless. But that, paired with, like, a little pleated skirt, I think there you have it.
Helen: A loafer.
Caroline: A loafer, yes. I love a loaf. I love a loaf.
Helen: And bomber jackets, too. I could totally see myself rocking a bomber jacket. And you get to use fun fabrics with that, as well. The Causeway Bomber by Itch to Stitch would be a good choice to check out.
Caroline: Yeah. Style Arc has the Candice Skirt, which would work really well for this trend.
Helen: And the Carly Dress and Top by Sew Over It is really cute, more of a polo style. So if you want that look, especially the dress, I really think that would work.
Caroline: And in terms of fabrics, you’ll probably want to look for, like, a mix of neutrals and brights. I think a wool would work really well for the pleated skirts and trousers. You could use faux leather sleeves on a letterman jacket-inspired look. Ribbing is also your friend for bomber jackets. You can use ribbing for the cuffs on the sleeves. So you’ve got lots of options. You might even have something in your stash that would work for this.
Helen: Yeah, totally.
Caroline: Helen, have you made your choice of your favourite trend from this list?
Helen: I was gonna go with Personal Touches, but I think I’ve been convinced to try to gather all of the brocade and sequins and sparkly things that I’ve ever made and put them together and see what happens.
Caroline: I love it!
Helen: So I choose Isn’t It Grand?
Caroline: I’m going with The Wrong Coat. No, I’m kidding. No, I think I want to do Soft Power.
Helen: Oh, I love it. Yes. I see that for you. Fabric mogul realness.
Caroline: I think I can pull it off. I think I have the pieces already to pull something together that would be really fun. Yeah. I just think that’s a really fun trend and I could see it working with my personal style the most. So that’s great.
Helen: Ooh, okay, cool! Can’t wait to see it.
Caroline: Ooh, oh my gosh. Okay. I want to hear from our listeners about what their favourite trends are. Let’s talk about it on social this week.
Helen: Yeah. And this episode actually comes out the first week of spring. So happy spring to everybody and happy sewing!
Caroline: Happy sewing! Bye.
Helen: That’s it for today’s episode of Love to Sew. You can find me, Helen, at Helen’s Closet Patterns and Cedar Quilt Co. and Caroline at Blackbird Fabrics and BF Patterns. We’re recording in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
Caroline: You can support Love to Sew and get access to bonus content by subscribing on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. You even get access to the back catalogue of bonus episodes. That’s over 75 hours of Love to Sew. So go to patreon.com/lovetosew or check out our podcast page on Apple Podcasts for more info.
Helen: Head to lovetosewpodcast.com to find our show notes. They’re filled with links and pictures from this episode. And if you’d like to get in touch with us, you can leave us a message at 1-844-SEW-WHAT. That’s 1-844-739-9428. Or send us an email at hello@lovetosewpodcast.com.
Caroline: Thanks to our amazing podcast team. Lisa Ruiz is our creative assistant. Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin is our editor. And thank you for listening. We’ll talk to you next week.
Helen: Bye bye.
Caroline: Bye.
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