Welcome to The Curvy Sewing Collective Party Time Month!
Our Party Time theme is pretty open to interpretation, so we hope you’ll all join along. Here are some pattern ideas for some of the many types of events that come around this time of year!
Pajama Party!
It can be a little tough to find curvy friendly pajama patterns, but this silky set from Connie Crawford for Butterick would be really glamorous to wear around the house. Or if you have a whole house full of people it would work wonderfully for keeping warm and discreet around guests (in my case, brother in law). I also love this take on a classic pajama set from Burda. It comes in two patterns, top and bottom. It’s sizing isn’t too much better than the super popular Closet Case Files Carolyn pajamas, but does look pretty roomy on the model.
If you’re going for more of a fun and whimsical pajama party, this onesie pattern from Rad Patterns would make some pretty awesome fleece jammies perfectly suited for playing games and watching movies. Jalie has a very similar pattern that includes children and men too. Matching footie pajamas for the whole family!
Work Party!
Need something to wear to the annual company party? It can be a hard to find just the right thing.
Cashmerette is a favorite of the CSC community and Jenny’s Upton and Appleton patterns are great for work functions. They can be dressed up in fancy fabric or you can elevate a basic dress with some great shoes and accessories.
I also really love the idea of wearing a pair of fabulous pants with a jacket. So many fancy party clothes are sleeveless, but a chic jacket helps make your outfit look very pulled together. This Knipmode jacket paired with the P4P Palazzos would be comfy and professional.
I also really love this structured blouse (also from Knipmode) with the Scroop Fantail Skirt (Modern). The Scroop pattern is an absolute favorite of mine and the swish of the skirt is fabulous when you walk.
Casual Party!
If your life it like mine, you might have more of a need for a casual holiday outfit. Something suited for a house party or the kid’s school holiday program. The idea of using sequins or sparkly fabric for a shell or part of a sweatshirt makes a fun and festive idea that can be paired with jeans. I especially like this Tulip Top from Blank Slate Patterns or the open back of Simplicity 8260. Two thumbs up for bra friendly sparkle tops!
Oh! How about a jumpsuit for the holidays? This Mimi G Style pattern is booty friendly and perfect for adding a touch of leather or lace. The Bayside Romper from New Horizon Designs has the option for sheer mesh at the top and comes in a maternity version too!
Speaking of maternity, here are a couple more options. I remember all too well how hard it was to find festive party clothes while pregnant. And while these examples are both in more casual fabrics, I think this maternity tunic/maxi from Butterick and the Camilla Cowl Neck Top/Dress from 5 out of 4 Patterns would work for many party occasions. (And you will be my hero if you have energy to sew while pregnant!)
Intimate Party!
How about a party for your breasts? Finding sexy and sultry bras is a tough challenge when you’re well endowed. Perhaps the Marlborough Bra from Orange Lingerie or the Harriet Bra from Cloth Habit could help bring a bit of spice to your holiday festivities.
Fancy Dress Party!
And now the fancy dresses! Sheer overlays have been popular for party dresses for the last several decades. The Sweetheart Dress from P4P or this Ashley Nell Tipton for Simplicity dress would be make awesome party frocks with some nice arm coverage (if that’s something you like in a dress).
Imagine dancing the night away in Seamwork’s Willie pattern. The movement is really fun and provides a different silhouette from the more typical fit and flare. Similarly Tina Given’s Bethany dress in velvet is so perfectly suited for the holiday season. Such a luxurious fabric application!
Style Arc has some beautiful party dress patterns. The Alisha dress is very sophisticated with its slim silhouette and lace overlay. Paired with the Julia jacket, the whole outfit would be stunning at a black tie event.
And to finish the pattern round up, I just had to include this new jumpsuit pattern from Butterick. It’s from the Fast and Easy line and so glamorous. McCall’s also came out with this stunning dress pattern that has multiple neckline and skirt option if you are attending a truly fancy party this season.
Whew! I was worried I wouldn’t find much for curvy sized party clothes, but pattern companies have been really stepping up their game. It’s nice to see more and more options with each season. I’m still undecided on my own holiday outfit, but seeing this pretty outfits has my mind dreaming of all the possibilities!
For your makes, we hope you’ll join in the party on Instagram. Tag your party clothes with #CSCPartyTime!
Kathleen says
Thank you for the great post, Jessica! I just bought the Connie Crawford robe pattern; it’s the exact thing I’d been looking for. I love all you Curvy Collectivists!
Jessica says
Can’t wait to see your robe all made up!
Marianne says
Nice selection, Jessica, That Knipmode jacket is on my sewing table, I’m hoping to find time to make a muslin this weekend!
Jessica says
How timely! I’m looking forward to your finished jacket.