Black & White is Always Right!

A black and white outfit is always très hip. You get pieces that can be worn together or separate. That’s the perfect way to add to your wardrobe. Especially when using seasonless fabrics.

When searching for seasonless fabrics, I look for comfort. I also look for fabrics that will keep you comfortable in the warm months and can also be layered in the cool months.

For my top, I used this gorgeous Black Sleek Viscose Ponte Knit. I love the weight of it.  It works for this top and it would also work for a body con style dress.  The weight of this knit would hold in and smooth everything out. It would also make a great pair of ponte knit pants.

For my top, I used New Look Pattern 6461.  It’s an extremely simple pattern, just the front and the back.  The front has horizontal bust darts.  I cut view C, in the size 12. I added 3 inches to the length because I didn’t want my top cropped.  I modified the top by finishing off the seams and hems with seam binding.  After sewing the front and back together at the shoulders, I left the sides open.

I added eyelets to each side for lacing details.

And I laced up the top with rope and DIY tassels made from crochet thread.

I didn’t much care for the pants in New Look 6461. The elastic waistband simply wasn’t polished enough for my beautiful Italian Ivory Lightweight Stretch Suiting.  I went with New Look Pattern 6459.

I love how tailored this pattern is.  I cut the size 16, and made them straight out of the envelope.  I find that I typically need to size up in New Look Patterns because they run significantly slimmer.  Like junior’s RTW sizing.

Even though this fabric is opaque, it’s still white.  And with most white pants, you’re plagued by pocket show-through.  I don’t like that, so I omitted mine (at the last minute) and just stitched up the pocket openings.

The pants have a back invisible zipper.

And I always add strips of 1 inch interfacing to my zipper area to stabilize.

I’m pretty happy with the way these turned out. The fabric with its 4-way stretch is really comfortable wear and looks really luxurious at the same time.  I would love to have an entire suit out of this.

These are two great pieces made from two extraordinary cuts of fabric that make great additions to my closet! I’m sure I’ll get plenty of wear out of these.