Rose inspiration

I really love the wide leg, high-waisted pant trend. Today I'm sharing some of the images that inspired me when designing the Rose sewing pattern. Not all of these are exact-matches for Rose's design; in fact you'll probably notice that very few of them are, because I often find the colors, silhouettes, lengths, fabrics, prints, and outfit styling more inspiring than the actual garment details. I'll try to share some of my thoughts about these (I've numbered them to make them easier to reference), but in the end, the way an image hits one person is always a bit different than the way it it hits someone else. Here's hoping you'll find some sewing inspiration here as well!

Rose inspiration collage

I'm going to start with my most colorful set of images, since I'm a bold-colors kind of gal. Mara Hoffman's high-waisted pant designs (1,3,7) have certainly been a huge inspiration to me. Imagining striped and solid colored fabrics for Rose (and how about a solid, matching top as well?) was a huge source of inspiration. I also someday hope to exactly copy those pink striped pants and complete the look with a white button-down and sweet hat (2). I love the combination of a striped knit top paired with floral pants (5), and that gauzy fabric in the yellow pleated pants looks perfectly dreamy (4). Who else wants to figure out how to add a center front zipper like that electric yellow pair with me (8)?

Now for some more neutral looks...

Several of the high-waisted pant and shorts images in this post have waist-ties (10, 13, 16), which is something I plan to explore soon -- I currently have another Rose cut out and sitting next to me on the table along with a waist-tie...stay tuned. The dressy looks here are also great (12, 15); that all-black (navy?) outfit (15) is fantastic with the sleeveless turtleneck and some neutral accessories. I'm really drawn to rust (11, 14) and golden brown (9) fabrics; perhaps a linen would create those looks. And the lighter fabrics (10, 13, 16) are perfect for warm weather. The long white pants in (16) with that ruffled yellow top (Ogden cami? or Gemma with ruffle?) is such a summery look.

In this collage, more solid-color outfits that really shine (18, 19, 22), and a couple that incorporate denim or chambray fabrics into the look (23, 24) for a more casual vibe. The patterned Ace and Jig fabric (17) and vertical stripes (20) are fairly neutral yet fun. That cinnamon pair (21) really reminds me of the long brown Rose pants I wear all the time!

Finally, I want to draw your attention to the various lengths. Floor-skimming (20, 21) can be beautiful for a dressier or more dramatic style. If you're sewing a cropped version of Rose, consider how different the cropped lengths are in the bottom right two images (22 and 25). 22 is mid-shin, while 25 lands right at the ankle; both are fantastic. I want to encourage you to play around with length -- everyone's proportions are unique, so the "perfect length" is really up to you!

The Rose pants and shorts sewing pattern is available now in my shop!