made wardrobe lessons :: times two

I recently completed my second pair of saroulles. These sarouelles are making me really happy right now. I know that they are not conventionally stylish, but they just work for me. I like how the gathers come not from the waist (where I need no extra poofiness), but lay closer to the top of the thigh. I like the interesting construction that brings the side seam around further toward the front + across the leg as it moves toward the ankle. I am so happy that I was able to find this rayon + also the voile fabric, both light + drapey enough to pull this pattern off.

This second pair of sarouelles was less of a gamble, since I know that I love my first pair. I know how to make them fit the way I want them to...a bit of length added to the top to make them hit at my waist + a little length off the bottom for a cropped length. I also feel that the fabric choices make each pair different enough to earn a space in my simple wardrobe.

This summer I sewed five versions of the same tank pattern. With fewer items in my closet, I've really been focusing in on shapes that I like to wear, that flatter (to my taste), and that work with the way I wear clothing. I didn't feel the need to try other tank patterns once I'd found the one that worked well. Linen, voile, block print, + Liberty fabrics in addition to varied hem lengths (from cropped to dress) made each iteration unique.

I know that my inspiration will convince noone that sarouelles are particularly stylish or a wardrobe staple meant for everyone, but here is a little of what these pants feel like to me...and also a few ways they can be worn...

black crane's carpenter pants

slouchy comfort via

ace + jig harlow pant

black crane's bulb pants

Plus this little sneaky peek...seen just hours after the completion of my pants...put a smile on my face. Not identical by any means...but the spirit has something in common.  :)

I loved reading these words from Adrienne at State :

"Is it just us, or does style seem so guided these days? Some days it feels like we've all been anesthetized to our own tastes and predilections in favor of a more widespread and sanitized look. STATE believes, at its core, that dressing communicates something about the internal world of a person, speaks to the world on our behalf, and should not be negotiated."

While I have always felt quite free to express myself through clothing, these words stuck with me. Whether we choose to dress in the prescribed way of the group we are trying to fit in with...or march to the beat of our very own drum...or wear a personal uniform...or dress with a small number of pieces...we get to choose. It is just so freeing.

So, two lessons learned/reaffirmed while stitching these pants:
1. There is great satisfaction in finding a sewing pattern to love + sewing on repeat.
​2. Style is up to each one of us + there is joy to be found in wearing it.

Pattern :: Folkwear 119
Fabric :: rayon from Blackbird Fabrics

All images, except the first, via links provided.

Love,
Jane