As we step into autumn, fashion takes on a deeper, richer tone—this season, it’s all about texture, warmth, and the understated elegance of quiet luxury.

Fall/Winter 2023 is embracing slow fashion in a big way, and I’m here for it. Creating timeless, well-made garments using quality fabrics is the ultimate expression of personal style. When every seam, fiber, and finish is chosen with intention, the result is not just clothing—it’s wearable art. In a world of fast fashion, it’s refreshing to focus on detail, texture, and thoughtful construction.

One of the most effortless ways to build a cohesive, chic wardrobe is through well-chosen separates. Stick to a palette that works harmoniously together, and suddenly, your wardrobe becomes infinitely more versatile. Since doing a color analysis with Color Guru, I’ve been using my personalized Calm Autumn palette as a guide when fabric shopping. It’s simplified my choices while expanding my styling possibilities—every piece works with the next, and I always feel confident in the tones I wear. The rich, earthy colors of autumn were always my favorite—now I know why.

The Inspiration: From Ready-to-Wear to Self-Drafted

On a recent outing with friends, I came across a stunning satin blouse while browsing a local shop. Although I don’t often buy ready-to-wear anymore, the design caught my eye: unique shaping, subtle details, and a fit that felt just right. I bought it with a plan—not to wear it as-is, but to recreate it.

Armed with my sewing experience (three years strong now!) and growing confidence in understanding garment construction, I decided to draft my own version using the original blouse as a reference—without taking it apart.

I traced around the folded blouse using a roll of inexpensive medical exam paper (a handy tip for anyone who wants a budget-friendly alternative to traditional pattern paper). I added a 1 cm seam allowance and noted where I’d need to include extra length for the back elastic casing.

To draft the neckline facings, I retraced the finished front and back neckline shapes, added seam allowances, and created a 2″ deep facing. For the cuffs, I measured the final size, added allowances all around, and adjusted the sleeve width to accommodate the two soft pleats at the hem.

Creative Solutions & Personalized Finishes

Because I was working with a limited amount of washable suede—a stunning fabric find from my local store—I didn’t have enough yardage for all four cuff pieces. I improvised with a scrap of burnt orange taffeta for the inner cuffs, and used handmade metallic bias binding to finish the sleeve plackets. (If you don’t already own a bias tape maker, I highly recommend getting a set—it’s a game-changer.)

To top it off, I added one of my new personalized labels from The Dutch Label Company. It’s a small touch, but it makes each handmade piece feel truly professional. Their online label designer is easy to use, and my order arrived in under a week!

The Result: Chic, Textured, and Travel-Ready

The final garment has a relaxed, oversized silhouette that really lets the fabric shine. The suede’s soft drape, the metallic accents, and the vintage buttons from my collection all came together beautifully. I styled it here with trending cargo trousers and ballet flats—a look that blends classic and current perfectly.

I love how versatile this top is—it pairs effortlessly with denim, wide-leg trousers, or skirts, and depending on how I accessorize, it can shift from casual daywear to evening-ready. The best part? It’s easy to care for and wrinkle-resistant, which makes it an ideal travel piece.

A New Chapter: My First Self-Drafted Pattern

This was my first attempt at drafting a pattern from a ready-to-wear item, and I’m incredibly proud of the outcome. The process taught me so much and has opened the door to more design exploration and experimentation.

Here’s to embracing texture, slow fashion, and a season filled with creative possibilities.

Because… There is Sew Much To Design.