3 pieces is all it takes for a great outfit!

Available here

I have found for those days with cooler weather that only three pieces are necessary to make a complete and comfortable outfit.  I use different basic patterns  for my skirts, tops and  jackets.  Alternately , I have found items at thrift shops that work well for tops and jackets.  The possibilities are endless.

www.cotswoldcollections.com

What I prefer on days that show no sun, is to wear a turtleneck sweater, warmer jacket, and a scarf.   When the wind makes a difference, I try to find fabric that doesn't have a loose weave.  Otherwise a  t-top made of woven fabric works well with a shorter sleeve on warmer days but not warm enough to remove the jacket.  Likewise pick fabrics that work with your weather situations.

With 3 pieces in mind I have decided to use New Look patterns for possibilities since these seem to be more available in a variety of places.

Skirts

Here  are some ideas for skirt patterns.  Choose styles that come below your knees both standing and sitting.

New Look 6346

Blouses and Tops

Here are some ideas for tops, depending on your preference of simple T-style, button-up, or modified
neckline of collar variations.  Keep the necklines high and buttoned so there's nothing revealing and loose enough to keep cool and modest.

Jackets

Then there are the choices of jackets, depending on your body shape and preference including short, medium, and longer lengths.

New Look 6607

And then...................................the favorite denim jacket works well with casual clothing.

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Pinterest

Denim Jacket Patterns

Here are some patterns and sources for Denim Jacket patterns.

Source

Kingston Jacket

Stacie Jean Jacket

AMAZON  offers  many styles of patterns for jean jackets.

Etsy also offers patterns for jean jackets.

Remember to always run your outfit by the Lord in order that it may be pleasing to him for it is he whom we ought to please because our bodies are not our own and we live to glorify him.

Jump-Start for Warmer Weather

Here are some simply stylish dresses that are modest and fairly easy to put together.  Find the right fabric for you and sew ahead of the season.  I am showing some views that are made using stripes and geometrics so you can see the style and cut of the design.

Simplicity 8891 is one of the newer styles offered for the spring and summer season.  The skirt may need lengthening.

View A  looks very comfortable.  Great for hot weather with no belt.

This dress from Simplicity 8907 can easily be lengthened as well as widened into an A-line skirt.

Simplicity 8914 offers a flared skirt that can be easily lengthened for modest reasons and has an interesting offset buttoning on the bodice,  It is another fairly easy pattern to sew up for summer.

Here is the classic shirt dress that is easy with a one piece collar. The skirt needs to be widened to an A-line but the length is great looking and modest.  The shoulder is off-set and shorter sleeves are an option.  I would opt for one fabric color or print.

Simplicity 8908

McCalls offers a similar dress to Simplicity 8891 and the skirt definitely needs to be lengthened.  It is also looser fitting and appears to have more  fullness in the skirt.

Simplicity 8909 would be another cool dress in lightweight cotton or linen,  The sleeves could be lengthened.

Simplicity 8871 has a clever idea for making an outfit different. The neckline needs to be raised. This would be best on ladies tall and slender.  Please sew the side seams all the way to the  hemline.

May your clothing bring God glory and honor.

Some Culottes Ideas or Split Skirts if You Prefer

I have been looking for comfortable culottes to make and wear.  Megan Nielson offers a very stunning looking pair that would be fairly easy to make.  I like pockets, ease of wear, and room to walk.

This Tahoe Pant is on sale for $8. from the Sewing Workshop,  I don't know much about it except it looks like it would be modest while wearing.  Many culotte patterns have a nice front that looks more a like a skirt but the back ends up looking like fitted pants when it should have a style matching the front.  This pattern has a large fold or pleat  front and back  and  looks more like a skirt.  I am not sure how it would do in windy weather and sitting for long periods.  But it is not big nor bulky looking.

These Winslow Culottes look very comfortable with pleating in front and back.  I think these might work well in a more flowing fabric, perhaps challis or wool flannel.

This is Girl Friday Culottes from Liesl and Co.

These are offered in a digital download which makes it nice if you want them right away.  They are roomy and comfortable.  I have this pattern and am looking forward to making it in a twill.

Then for those who are ambitious and want to try making them from a free tutorial as these look very simple and comfortable.  These are offered by Angela Trenholm and have great instructions so you don't fail.  It is called  Making Your Own Culottes Pattern.  They are worth looking into.

Here is an interesting definition from Wikipedia:

Culottes for women[edit]

Modern English use of the word culottes describes a split or bifurcated skirt^[5] or any garment which "hangs like a skirt, but is actually pants."^[1] During the Victorian Era (mid- to late-nineteenth century European culture) long split skirts were developed for horseback riding so that women could sit astride a horse with a man's saddle rather than riding side-saddle. Horse-riding culottes for women were controversial because they were used to break a sexual taboo against women riding horses when they were expected to hide their lower limbs at all times. Later, split skirts were developed to provide women more freedom to do other activities as well, such as gardening, cleaning, bike riding, etc. and still look like one is wearing a skirt.^[6]

Here are some culottes patterns I have collected.

These are not available any more.  Check here if interested in purchasing a similar ready-made culotte.

Wrap Skirts

Wrap skirts are indispensable sometimes.  I found myself needing one quickly.  I bought a couple online from  Etsy and then proceeded to find the perfect one at Walmart in their Simplicity sale catalog in the  97c section!  It went together quite quickly,  is comfortable, and wears well.

 Getting home and checking out new wrap skirt patterns, I found that New Look offered the very same skirt in 6456 as pattern view B!  I think I got the better end of the deal as I only wanted Style B.

          Checking out further I found McCalls offers a nice front wrap also that offers sideseam pockets.

A very flattering style for almost all figures.  Made from McCalls 7129. ( See below.)

McCalls 7129

Wrap skirts can add a bit of class and style to your wardrobe.

70s styles, mostly back wraps. Look for sale on ebay andAmazon.

 The above pattern offers a back wrap skirt that is very easy to make.  I noticed that on windy days you have to keep an eye on your skirt.  I save them for calm days.  I also wear a pair of longer pettipants or a culottes slip underneath.

This is also an out-of-print pattern.  This front wrap skirt might sew up quickly and is  offered from Amazon dealers. 

This is an out-of-print pattern but it shows a gathered wrap skirt for more fullness.

Here's another front wrap skirt from the 70s that is fuller with no pockets.  These are available on Etsy and elsewhere.

This one looks cool, clean, and crisp--just fresh looking.  That's is why I bought it off Etsy.  It is a back wrap and maybe from the 70s-no date anywhere.    I have some plaids for a blouse and will see if I can match some mid-weight for the skirt.  This is a good one for all year, especially if you want something like this for home-living.

Remember to keep your femininity pure and honoring to our Heavenly Father for we do all things to glorify him.  Guard your influence that it may portray your desire to serve and honor the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.