Outerwear indie inspiration

Still debating what to make for the Outerwear theme this month? Here’s some ideas to get you started – from formal to casual, fast to elaborate, and all from indie designers.

First up, let’s start with casual.

From Papercut, the Undercover Hood. With two length options (long or cropped) and also the option of either a hoodie or a sweatshirt, there’s plenty of variety in this one pattern. Plus it’s available in both paper or PDF, so you can get started on it straight away if you want!

Undercover Hood from Papercut

For something a bit different, how about a poncho? Here’s one from Hot Patterns – the Fast and Fabulous Jetsetter Poncho. With a paneled front & back, shaped armholes with facing and a cowl neck, this is described as a ‘super glam’ poncho.

Fast and Fabulous Jetsetter Poncho from Hot Patterns

And for the could-be-dressy, could-be-casual option, there’s the Jenna Cardi from Muse Patterns. With three different sleeve lengths, two body length options, and optional shoulder detailing, it can easily transition between a casual wear-with-jeans garment or a wear-with-a-pretty-dress garment.

Jenna Cardi from Muse Patterns

Also in the could-be-dressy, could-be-casual selection is the Tala Faux Fur Vest by Named. A loose fitting lined vest with a shawl collar, layer it over jeans and a long-sleeved tshirt, or over a dress and cinch it in with a belt.

Tala Faux Fur Vest by Named

Heading more towards the formal camp (while still being unstructured enough to be dressed down) is the Victoria Blazer from By Hand London. A casual, relaxed fit with both standard and cropped length options, it’ll be easy to thrown on over a variety of outfits (and can also be made up in lightweight fabrics and bright colours for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere).

Victoria Blazer by By Hand London

And for a real ‘outerwear’ layer, how about the Ninot Jacket from Pauline Alice? A short, hip-length swing jacket, with a variety of options, the two variations have been designed to make it work for both fall/winter and also for spring. Perfect for all of us, no matter where we live at the moment!

Ninot Jacket by Pauline Alice

Speaking of jackets, you could always branch out and delve into sewing up some menswear, with the brilliant Goldstream Peacoat from Thread Theory. A classic peacoat with a variety of options, every single one of these I’ve seen made up looks absolutely fabulous.

Goldstream Peacoat by Thread Theory

Finishing off this collection is something a bit left-field – who says outerwear has to be worn outside the house? There’s always the lounging-around variety, such as the Buchanan Dressing Gown from Gather! Described as a louche and relaxed dressing gown, it’s got 3/4 length sleeves, pocket and length options, and a waist tie.

The Buchanan Dressing Gown by Gather

How about you? Are you taking part in November’s ‘outerwear’ challenge? What are you making for it?