Wearing my favourite 'Parachute' hacked Spring Trousers.

Clothes are one of the easiest ways to express who we are. It's one of the reasons why I fell in love with making them in the first place - and started my first business back in 2016. But the world our wardrobe exists in has shifted dramatically. Social media micro-trends have effectively killed the traditional fashion calendar. In its place, we have fast fashion with zero longevity, heavily influenced by social media scrolling. 

The world of home sewing isn’t immune to trends. Spotting the trendy make of the moment cropping up repeatedly in your feed can add to the pressure to take the plunge on a new pattern, without truly considering if it’s something you’ll love wearing on repeat.

Working with Emily this week on a new shirt design - not inspired by Instagram!

A phrase we keep coming back to here in the studio is 'counter-culture'. It feels almost transgressive to say it, but: what if a truly modern approach to personal style means resisting what’s ‘in’ on Instagram? Sewing your own wardrobe - thoughtfully, slowly, with real attention to who you are and what you actually reach for again and again - feels quietly radical right now.

If you’re also appalled by short-lived fashion trends that feed the cycle of overconsumption, join me as I explore how to dress for yourself, not the algorithm.

 

Expand your style horizons

As a designer, I used to only really wear clothes I’ve made myself, but I’ve slightly broadened my horizons lately. As a home sewist, it might seem counterintuitive to shop from other brands or makers (ideally conscious ones!). It can really help however to experience different shapes, patterns and silhouettes that you might not have previously considered. I’ve found myself making reworked versions of much-loved buys before, where I alter details to suit my body and lifestyle a little better.

I make considered second hand purchases from Vinted, and from brands I really respect for their ethics, designs and quality of their pieces. I wear my Studio Nicholson jeans all the time - they’re a lovely label that’s local to us here in East London. I also recently bought some great men’s corduroys from Folk, another independent London-based brand.

The Amalie Wrap Dress taking shape in the studio.

Similarly, Hanni, our pattern cutter, has brought a new perspective to our designs. Together, we collaborated on the new Amalie Wrap Dress and it’s a great example of how external influence can expand personal style. We wanted to answer the question: what’s The Modern Sewing Co.’s take on a really timeless silhouette? We didn’t have anything like it in the collection, and a wrap dress is a true wardrobe staple that can be worn any season - with the right layers.

 

Real life curation

I’m vaguely aware of mainstream fashion trends but don’t look to them for direction or inspiration at all. Instead, here are some of my favourite ways to find inspiration for future sewing projects that will enrich my wardrobe:

• Vintage shopping and fabric shopping, especially. I often look at fabric first and think about how I’d use it, rather than starting with a specific piece in mind.

• People watching is one of my favourite ways to get inspired. I loved doing this in Paris and NYC - the local style is very different in each!

• Curate your real life algorithm. By this I mean, actively seek out and pursue the things that interest you. We’re very lucky here in London as we have so many incredible museums and galleries on our doorstep - we’re really looking forward to a team trip to the Schiaparelli exhibition.

• Pinterest and Instagram - I’m not totally immune to social media! I try to consciously pick up reference points here and there, rather than scrolling for hours.

Naoko T's brilliant Over Shirt on the current Capsule Course.

• Your makes! The Monthly Inspiration Boards bring together just some of the incredible results of your progress with our patterns and workshops. They’re such a great reminder that we exist to help our community express their own personal style - not an aesthetic that’s dictated by global trend forecasting and rushed to fast fashion factories. 
  
  

Build on Your Sewing Skills

I really believe everyone should be equipped with the skills to sew their own wardrobe, and launched our Online Workshops to do just that. They’re great for helping to develop your personal style as you get a few patterns to play with, and can apply your own aesthetic to each of them. Alongside professional techniques, you’ll learn to curate your fabrics, thinking about colours and textures, and create a piece that works really well for your wardrobe.

If you’re brand new to sewing or are keen to work on mastering tailoring skills, I’d start with The Art of Shirt Making. If you’re ambitious, or an intermediate/advanced sewer, I’d recommend our latest workshop, The Art of Dress Making. 

 

More Inspiration

• Hetty reflects on the creative relationship between clothing and identity. Read on.

• Expand your wardrobe with The Art of Dress Making Online Workshop. Learn how to sew three unique dresses and master 16 techniques along the way. Sign up now.