I think this belongs here—fashion design is taught at design and art schools and I sure think that there’s an art to it!
Anyway, as I noted in another thread, I’m going to resume sewing. I used to work at a fabric store some years ago and was quite the sewing geek. Because of my job, I knew just what was “in” and wasn’t—at least in the fashion sewing crowd. But I’ve kind of lapsed lately and am woefully out of touch.
I have all these sewing patterns—you don’t want to know how many—but they’re old. Many over 10 years old. Fortunately, it seems like I have a “classic” taste, because I see similar styles of patterns still being sold today. Not all, but some. Some I’m not sure about. I know that I like them, but am I behind the times?
All I’m planning to for the moment is crank out some easy, comfortable elastic waist pants and skirts and pullover tops, but down the line I will want to make something a little more tailored or detailed, and I don’t want to waste my time making something that looks out of date and dorky. I also want to focus on making stuff that will stand the test of time, and not look “too young” or “too old” or too out of fashion, even ten years from now. (I make my clothes to last. ;)) I should add here that I’m mumblemumble years old. Okay, not old, but not a sweet young thing either.
I see some nice (I think) designs on the Vogue and Butterick Pattern store. Here’s a long dress that I really like. Here’s similar one. I have quite a few patterns like these in my pattern stash. This would be considered a “classic” style that will have some lasting power, right? I’m not going to angst about being slightly out of date, but I don’t want to come off looking like a dork.
And this outfit and this are ones that I particularly like, and seem pretty classic to me. (Boring to some, perhaps, but choose a nice fabric and it’s, well, nice! And flattering.)
As far as skirts go, this one really tickles my fancy. I also like the simple old longer, fuller calf-length skirt, and I am pretty certain that those types of skirts will always be in style in some way.
These styles of pants (and these too) are a style I’ve never sewn, and I can’t say I’m inclined to sew them. Not because they don’t look nice, but because I’ve got sooooo many of these and these kinds of patterns, know how to sew this style pretty well (and quickly) and think that they look more “classic.” Am I being short-sighted in not considering the other style of pant? Other than perhaps the fact that I might look like crap in them, anyway? 
And while we’re on the subject of pants, is there any pant ankle width that is just “out”? I see such a variety of pant leg widths—wide legged, loose-fitting, and the slim pants that have extremely narrow ankle widths, and everything in between. I tend to like my pants on the narrower side, but I like loose and baggy too. And, where did all the cullottes go? I can find hardly any cullottes. (Vogue has a few.) I know they’re kind of dorky, but sometimes you just want to wear something easy and flowy, but you don’t want a skirt, you know? I have several cullotte patterns in my stash, but I do find it interesting that they’re almost impossible to find new.
And sleeves—I have some dress patterns that have a “poufy” gathered sleeve (at the shoulder). Is this out of style or dorky, or what? I think some of them are kind of nice.
Well, that’s about all I’ve got so far. Obviously this is not really a sewing thread—I just want some input and opinions from fashion-minded folk. I’d love to hear about your preferences, predictions, advice, and what you consider “classic,” and so forth.
