Winter is really not my favorite time of the year. The short days and long nights and not so pleasant weather calls for clothing that’s more thoughtful. Having to decide if I need to wear two or three layers of clothing before I leave the house isn’t something I look forward to.
To handle the challenging weather, I find myself really having to put a lot more thought into fabric choices when creating pieces for this time of year. When making warm weather clothing, it’s a lot easier to get away with slinky, sheer, and lightweight garments. The winter means more heavyweight and textured fabrics that can withstand the cold. Exactly why I created this tweed dress.
I bought the heavyweight blue check fabric and thought it could be a fabulous winter coat. But because I only purchased 3 yards of the tweed fabric, I quickly figured out that idea wasn’t going to work. I toyed with other options like a mini coat dress or even pants before I settled on a this dress option. The dress length had to be at least below the knees and had to have sleeves.
The idea of making a coat still stuck with me. So I decided to use details that you might find on a man’s coat to make the tweed dress a bit more unique. I found some matching buttons and created tabs on the waist and around the wrists. I used an old and out of print Vogue 8615 pattern for the entire dress. The dress was fully lined and it literally felt as heavy as a coat, but yet super comfortable to move around in.
Styling the dress was a lot of fun. I created an easy reversible blanket scarf (tutorial soon to come) using some blanket fabric found at my local Joann’s. The derby shoes are my favorite go-to shoes at the moment from Atlantic-Pacific x Halogen. Unfortunately they’re sold out, but you can try these and these and I’m seriously thinking about getting these.
I think this fabric still deserves to be made into a winter coat. What do you think?
~till next time…ChiChi
This right here is a yes! I love this look and it’s perfect for winter and the shoes are the bomb!
This is everything!!! I’m living for your beauty and talent. Keeping doing you girl. ❤️
Great winter look. That coat is awesome and looks warm .
Everything about this dress is amazing! I’m also not a fan of winter but dressing like this makes it so much better. You did that!
Oh this look is Fabulous. I am loving this chic winter look.
That coat is amazing, it is giving me so much life right now. Werk!!
Look it has pockets wow! Love it and the print is just perfect!
This is such a great dress! And yes, it would be awesome as a coat as well
Very talented, I wish I knew how to sew my own clothes! I love this dress and the scarf matches perfectly. The shoes are cute as well.
This dress is so dope – I love the color and the print. Definitely would make a really nice coat!
First off you look amazing! Secondly, that dress is amazing, you have great talent. I always love Tweed dresses and this looks just perfect for winter.
You slayed this dress! I really wish I knew how to sew. It’s time I put my sewing machine to use. I’ll have to start small, though… doll clothes small. LOL
Looks amazing yo!