Styling Inspo for the Pauline Dress!

When we first started working on the Pauline dress we knew that this would be the first pattern we were releasing in conjunction with our new sister brand, Core Fabrics. We were like kids in a candy store imagining all the ways we could style this romantic dress and all the fabrics we could source to sew the samples. We could picture yummy linens, soft rayons and tencel or something really fancy to take it all the way into gown territory. We can't believe it all has transpired (in a bit of a blur to be honest) and now we get to share all our inspo with you! I put together a little round up of Celine's various Pinterest boards that capture the spirit of this dress and give you some fabrics from the aforementioned candy shop that could work for this (what turned out to be) very versatile pattern. Hopefully it will get your wheels turning so you can plan your own versions; let's get into it.

BLANC EN BLANC

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There is something so romantic about a square neckline and a big pouf sleeve on a corset style bodice. And there is something even MORE romantic about that style in a crisp white linen or cotton. Maybe I watched too many episodes of Outlander but this just has "running through a field to find my love" written all over it. Milk some cows (or go grab milk at the grocery store) and feel like you are in a period piece featuring mostly long silences in candlelight. This deadstock linen would be a good option or this delightful cupro or what about this soft textured cotton?

FLORAL FUN

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Or maybe you want to take advantage of some gorgeous floral prints in your stash. A small or large scale flower print really maxes out the pretty factor on this pattern and works well on both the sleeve and gathered skirt. I love this chic, abstract version, or this sophisticated print or this pretty blue one.

PRETTY PRINTS

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Or perhaps you're looking for something a little more bold?? These graphic prints work so well on the large expanse of skirt with this dress. Whether it's polka dots or animals, flora or fauna prints are the easiest way to feel like you're making an effort. But ha! Joke's on them. You just put on an easy breezy dress and now you are the coolest person at the party! I like this subtle animal print, or maybe this one? Or what about this fun squiggle??

PASTEL DREAMS

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Pastels are really having a moment. Whether it is a soft minty green, or a sorbet pink there is something so FROSTING about pretty pastels on a big pouffy sleeve. Cotten candy, strawberry soft serve... Geez, can you tell I'm hungry? I love this buttery cupro as an option, or maybe this soft cotton or I love this one.

PEEK-A-BOO SEE THROUGH

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Another option for really taking this dress into gown territory is using something a little transparent. Whether you want to make a fully lined version (included in the instructions) or just add a see-through sleeve to a solid bodice, Pauline could be really transformed with something transparent. This would be absolutely gorgeous , or maybe this? If you are looking to line Pauline, there is some great Bemberg Cupro lining here. 

If you need notions, zippers or matching thread, Core Fabrics has you covered, you can pick up Pauline in print or PDF and get your project set up, all in one click.

Feeling inspired? What are you going to make your first Pauline from?? Tell us in the comments!