For me, one of the most enjoyable parts of creating a sewing pattern is thinking about the fabrics and styles that will bring it to life. As I work on each pattern, I gather inspiration photos to help guide you once it’s released. It never ceases to amaze me how many images I end up collecting during each season. I guess it shows that I’m somewhat in tune with current trends, though I personally prefer timeless styles that stand the test of time.
Speaking of trends, before I dive into the main focus of today’s post, here’s what Jenna Lyons, the creative director at J. Crew (whom I think is incredibly talented), has to say about trends:
> “Trend is a dirty word to me. What I care about are changes in proportion. When it feels like pants are getting skinnier or waistbands are creeping higher, that’s what catches my attention. We’re not about clothes you buy just because they’re trendy; we’re about beautiful pieces you’ll want to wear daily.â€
I couldn’t agree more. I strive to design styles that are enduring and versatile. There are plenty of fleeting trends I avoid altogether—so you won’t see those styles from us because they’ll likely lose their appeal after a year or two. Why bother sewing clothes that only have a short shelf life? Instead, I like to experiment with proportions and details, just like Jenna mentioned. My goal is for you to feel confident and comfortable in the garments you sew from our patterns, and to genuinely want to wear them long after they’re finished.
That said, sometimes a little inspiration goes a long way. Whether you’re looking for guidance in planning your sewing projects or simply trying to figure out what to wear in the morning, being inspired by photos can be incredibly helpful. How are others pairing similar styles? What accessories do they add to complete the look, and could those ideas spark new combinations in your own wardrobe? Are there certain influencers or icons whose styles resonate with you, and can you draw inspiration from their approach?
To keep my own perspective fresh, I keep a small stack of magazine clippings in my closet. Whenever I’m stuck or feeling uninspired, I flip through them to spark creativity. Surprisingly, this simple habit saves me time and keeps my outlook on my wardrobe feeling vibrant. Consider these fabric and styling posts as your own collection of digital clippings. Think of them as your cheat sheet for those moments when you're unsure what to wear. They might also inspire your fabric choices—perhaps even printed out and stored in your closet for easy reference. All these images have been saved to the Liesl + Co. pattern styling ideas Pinterest board, so feel free to curate your own boards based on these inspirations.
Let’s take a closer look at the Maritime Knit Top!
---
[Image description: A charming image of the Maritime Knit Top]
1. Style icon Brigitte Bardot exudes classic chic in one of her iconic striped tops.
2. For a timeless French aesthetic, pair the Maritime Top with sleek black trousers—whether skinny or wide-legged—and ballet flats.
3. Jeanne Seberg embraces the classic Breton stripe look.
4. Audrey Tautou continues the French style legacy.
5. Pair the Maritime Top with a pencil skirt for an unexpected yet delightful contrast of stripes and florals.
6. Add a zipper detail to the side seam for a modern twist—similar to what I did with my Bento Tee.
7. A yellow pencil skirt paired with a belt creates a stunning contrast against the navy and white stripes.
8. Wear it under a blazer with a bold statement necklace for a polished ensemble.
9. Elevate the look with heels, a clutch, and a statement belt.
10. Here’s a similar top paired with a playful floral skirt—it works beautifully!
11. Mixing patterns again—this works thanks to a shared color palette between the prints.
12. Incorporate a pretty bow and keyhole detail at the back—Shelley even shared a tutorial for this!
13. Wear it with a chambray Everyday Skirt for a timeless look.
14. Pair it with a maxi skirt this summer for a breezy, effortless vibe.
15. Love the gold and white stripes—I’ll definitely keep an eye out for Saint James fabrics that match!
16. Team it with a denim jacket and cargo pants for a casual yet stylish look.
17. This curved-hem design reminds me of the City Stroll Wrap Skirt—paired with a Lisette moto jacket, it’d make for a darling outfit!
18. With cut-offs or shorts for summer—accessories are the star of this look!
Here are a few more ideas for you:
I adore the color-blocked stripes on this top. With all the Saint James stripes available, you could easily recreate a similar version!
---
[Image description: A vibrant color-blocked striped top]
Experiment with an embroidered neckline. Widening the neck facing could provide extra support if needed. Here’s a beginner-friendly embroidery tutorial to get you started!
---
[Image description: A top with intricate embroidery details]
Layering is key—just like this stylish example with multiple layers.
---
[Image description: A layered outfit featuring the Maritime Top]
Add a pocket for functionality and flair—changing the direction of the stripes adds a playful touch.
---
[Image description: A Maritime Top with a pocket detail]
This look is perfect for summer—shorts and a hat complete the casual yet chic vibe.
---
[Image description: A Maritime Top paired with shorts and a hat]
Don’t restrict yourself to stripes alone—solid colors and other patterns work beautifully too. I’ll soon share an Instagram photo of the short-sleeved woven version I’m currently wearing. Feel free to post your creations to our Liesl and Co. Flickr group or tag them with #maritimetop on Instagram!
---
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your interpretations of these ideas. Happy sewing!
Transparent For Hard Floor Rectangle
Transparent For Hard Floor Rectangle,Water Resistant Rug Pad,Kitchen Waterproof Carpet,Waterproof Carpet Protector Mat
Taizhou Ruihu Plastics Co.,Ltd , https://www.tzruihu.com