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The start of a new year is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe—but why not take a few risks to make this wardrobe refresh really feel fresh?
January brings a sense of renewal, and sewing some wardrobe workhorses is the ideal way to take control of your closet and embrace some creativity right when the New Year starts. If you add a few twists to these wardrobe staples, you’ll have a closet that still feels like you, just a little more adventurous.
Below are some versatile sewing pattern ideas—and some ideas for fun twists—to kick off the year and transform your wardrobe. If sustainability is a part of your resolutions this year, you’ll also find some sustainable project ideas at the end!
Classic Wardrobe Basics
Every wardrobe benefits from well-made basics. Start the year with patterns for timeless pieces like fitted T-shirts, tank tops, or simple button-up shirts. These versatile garments can be layered in winter or worn solo in warmer months.
Sew a fitted t-shirt with customizable sleeve lengths. This basic serves as a base layer so you can wear it every day.
Try the Ryan T-shirt. It’s an easy, quick sew, and it has gender-neutral drafting and two versions with mix-and-match details, so you can sew a tee that best suits your style.
If you want to make this shirt on your serger, take our Ready, Set, Serge: Serger Basics course. It includes a step-by-step sewalong and the Ryan tee pattern. Plus, the course will show you how to expertly thread, troubleshoot, and use your machine.
Sew a relaxed button-up shirt with optional details. If you pick a button-up that has optional details, like cuffs, pockets, or unique hems, you can use it to sew a few basic pieces that fit your style.
Try the West top. It’s a fun sew that effortlessly blends comfort with chic detailing. Its relaxed, oversized fit is perfect for easy layering and a laid-back look.
Wardrobe Essentials with a Twist
Even simple pieces can feel new with a few customizations. Add embellishments, experiment with contrasting fabrics, or try pattern hacks to make everyday staples feel fresh.
Sew a bias-cut skirt. Even the most basic A-line skirt feels special if you cut it on the bias. If your fabric is striped, you can play with the direction. Animal prints and florals always look nice on the bias.
Try the Dezi skirt. It has a unique, fluted, midi-length and features an elastic waistband and diagonal seam across the middle.
Sew a billowy top with feminine details. See if you can play with lace or eyelet on the yoke, add ladder lace to the sleeves, or create a ruffled hem on the sleeves.
Try the Dara blouse. It’s a chemise-style blouse with a romantic, voluminous fit. The dreamy shape comes from a gathered neckline and raglan sleeves, both finished with bias tape. Version 1 of the blouse also includes lace insertions.
Everyday Denim
January is a great time to sew denim projects, whether you’re creating something from scratch or upcycling. Denim is durable, classic, and endlessly customizable.
Pattern ideas:
Sew a classic pair of straight-leg jeans. They’re trend-resistent and go with pretty much anything.
Try the Tessa jeans pattern. If you’re a Seamwork member, you can download the free bonus version to make a pair with a tapered leg.
Sew high-rise jeans with a wide-leg silhouette. This silhouette makes a statement, but it’s also fairly trend-resistent.
Try the Noah trousers in denim. This pattern combines classic tailoring with thoughtful, functional details—plus, it’s fun to sew.
A Denim Revamp
If you already have a few trustworthy pairs of jeans in your closet, why not take a little risk? Here are some ideas for some denim projects that make more of a statement.
Sew a denim jacket with patchwork details and topstitching. A denim jacket is one of the most powerful layers you can add to your handmade wardrobe.
Sew flared jeans in an unexpected color. Don’t be afraid to sew some flare. The best thing about sewing your own flared jeans is that you can decide how big the flare will be. You can make a subtle bootcut, or you can make a pair of bellbottoms.
Try the Chelsea jeans. This pattern is a hip, classic pair of flared jeans with all sorts of details to hug your curves and show off a touch of retro style. Try making a pair in a colored denim, like burgundy or natural, undyed denim.
Transitional Outerwear
Outerwear projects are a rewarding way to invest in pieces to wear through changing seasons. A car coat, anorak, or bomber jacket can be made in fabrics that suit your climate and personal style.
Sew a lightweight car coat with a relaxed silhouette. This is an easy layer to throw on or take off, and if you skip the lining, it’s a quick outerwear project.
Try the Indigo car coat. It’s a classic car coat designed for effortless layering and everyday wear. Its A-line silhouette offers a relaxed fit, and the unlined construction keeps it light and versatile for transitional seasons.
Sew a classic bomber jacket. This piece will give your wardrobe a scholarly touch.
Try the Larkin bomber. With gender-neutral drafting, It has a classic, relaxed fit throughout and all the details you want in a bomber. There is ribbing at the neckline, cuffs, and hemline, as well as an exposed center front zipper, welt pockets, and topstitching all over.
Statement Outerwear
For a bold refresh, sew a standout piece of outerwear that will make every outfit feel new. Think dramatic shapes or unexpected colors.
Sew a quilted jacket with playful topstitching designs. Quilted jackets are trending right now, but quilts will never go out of style, so try making some quilted fabric for your next project.
The Basil quilted jacket has a striking silhouette that blends cozy charm with bold design. The unique curved sleeves make all the statement you’ll need, so you can stick with a solid-colored fabric. If you want a bolder look, add some contrasting topstitching when you quilt the fabric.
Make a cape. You can add some vintage-inspired details to a cape that will make it feel like an heirloom piece for your wardobe.
Try the Camden cape pattern. It’s a fully lined with stylish seaming and a paneled design that makes it a cinch to cut and fit. Arm slits allow freedom of movement, making Camden just as practical as it is chic.
Everyday Dresses
A comfortable, versatile dress can be dressed up or down, making it a great addition to your closet. Look for patterns that suit your lifestyle, whether it’s a knit dress for casual days or a woven option for special occasions.
Sew a fitted knit dress. If you want even more ideas for knit dresses, read this article: 7 Knit Dress Patterns for Any Style, Plus Fabric Ideas.
Try the Greer dress. Greer is a timeless, figure-hugging knit dress with an ankle-skimming length that keeps you feeling comfortable and effortlessly chic.
Sew a shirt dress with a belted waist. Shirt dresses are great wardrobe staples, because they are ideal for work or dressier occasions, but they also look chic with sneakers.
Try the Porter dress. Porter is a midi-length shirtdress with a straight fit. It has fun to sew details, like a 2-piece collar with a stand, a placket, a curved hem, and a waist tie secured with thread chains.
Playful Jumpsuits and Rompers
A dress is a great one-piece outfit, but there are some other single-garment projects you can consider. If you don’t have any jumpsuits and rompers in your closet yet, now’s the time.
Pattern ideas:
Sew a relaxed jumpsuit with wide legs. This is a comfortable ensemble, and all it needs is a pair of heels to dress it up.
Sew a bold flight suit. You’ll exude confidence if you wear a me-made flight suit.
Try the Mercer coveralls pattern. They’re a modern classic for your wardrobe that will teach you fundamental sewing skills. This pattern offers a sleek fit throughout, with a straight-cut leg, waist darts, full-length sleeves featuring cuffs and plackets, and a convertible collar.
If you sew any of these wardrobe essentials—and possibly with a twist—you’ll build a wardrobe that feels fresh and exciting while staying true to your personal style.
