Styling the Aspen

Aspen is the perfect pattern for all those fall vibes, even if pumpkin spice is not your thing! With multiple hem options, a turtleneck option, and FIVE different sleeve options, there’s an Aspen for everyone!

As you see us mention frequently, styling is so important for patterns like Aspen! We always recommend styling it before tossing it in the discard pile! It’s always so disheartening to finish a project and not love it, but sometimes those late night sewing room selfies just don’t do your work justice 😉

Wondering about intended fit? You’ll notice in our tester photos that the intended fit is a cozy, slightly oversized look, with exaggerated sleeves. They may be longer than your preference/what you’re used to. This doesn’t mean the pattern runs “big”; it just means your preference differs from the intended fit that Brittany had in mind when designing Aspen! Of course, that’s the beauty of sewing – you can change anything you’d like! See below to get an idea of the sleeve fit:

Want to see some of our favorite ways to style Aspen for that trendy, boutique feel? We’ve collected some of our favorite looks and tips below! Which is your favorite? Make sure to let us know over in our Facebook group, and don’t forget to share your new Aspen sews with us! We can’t wait to see what you make!

Sew It

You’ll notice in a few photos that it seems some tester versions seem bigger or longer than others; this is due to fabric choice! Open weave sweater knits or other knits with less recovery will “grow” with wear, and will feel larger overall. You can see below that these fit a little larger than designed due to fabric, but are still so cozy!

Some of our favorite fabric choices for this pattern are sweater knits, drapey knits like bamboo or modal, French Terry, waffle knit, hacci, and more!

: PSSST! How precious is baby boy in the turtleneck option? SO cute!

Want to do even MORE with your pattern? Check out our hacks post here!

Half/French/Blogger Tuck It

This is one of our favorite looks! It works best with lighter weight knits/sweater knits, but it gives a little extra personality to your outfit!

Belt It

Love the look of the Aspen but prefer to have something a little more fitted at the waist? We love how Teri and Lindsay belted their Aspen dresses! Teri just made a quick fabric belt – a super easy and inexpensive way to change up an outfit. Some other ideas to try are mashing with Jordan or the P4P Pencil Skirt to bring the bottom in a bit for a more fitted lower half. The possibilities are just endless!

Accessorize It

One of our favorite parts of photographing new patterns is the accessory shopping! Long necklaces and statement earrings can do a lot for an outfit; so can hats and scarves! Accessorizing doesn’t have to be expensive, either! You can find cute, quality pieces almost anywhere these days. Stick to neutral colors if you’re just branching out into accessories; this will let you pair with TONS of outfits!

Pair It

We are ALL IN for the incoming cooler weather. Aspen pairs perfectly with booties, leggings, skinny jeans, and so much more. If you’re worried about feeling “frumpy”, I always find a more oversized top pairs best with a slimmer bottom. So what did our testers pair their Aspen sweaters and dresses with?!?!?!