“”How I style my DIY matching sets“ Fashion Design + Film by Terrisa Chen
The DIY Top& Pants Matching Sets
Although summer is technically over, I still hold my feeling for the pink sweet feeling of the lovely sunshine , bubbly rose and the yummy ice-cream. I made this pink sweets print to remember the summer and also to cheer my self up whenever I feel bit down. You just need to dress cute sometimes and cute style can be cool as well.
The Fabric
I chose cotton batiste for this DIY design. This fabric is very lightweight and comfortable, it is semi-sheer and has beautiful illuminous look. They are popularly used for making linings or loungeries. However, with some fun and unique prints, they can be great for day wearing. I made a matching crop top and pants with this fabric and I love wearing them.
DIY pinks sweets matching sets
The Looks
I believe the best way to style this DIY matching sets is to have fun with it. The funky sweets print of the fabric already stands out itself. I just need to mix and match the top and pants with some different clothes and accessories to create more statement looks 😛
The fun & bitchy 60’s Mod look
Pair the DIY top with mini skirt, mini shoulder bag, ankle boots and retro cat eyes.
The Happy Go Lucky Vacation Look
Pair the DIY pants with crop top, hand bag, mule sandals and chained sunglasses
The Back to School & Work but still cool Look
Pair the DIY top with boyfriend blazer, cross body bag , sneakers and metallic shades
Summer is always a magical season in New York. In spite of what the city has been through summer always brings back the most charming and vivid vibe at the hottest time of the year. Needless to say it is the most colorful and fun season for fashion outfits. I created this jungle print matching sets to celebrate the hot and mad midsummer in New York. Crop top and high waisted flare pants are a classic combo for a summer look. Although low waisted pants are trending this year, so what, you can never go wrong choosing a style that flatters your body.
Jungle Print Matching set by Terrisa C.
The Summer Outfit: Crop Top & Pants Matching Set
Since the beginning of this summer, as midsummer got nearer, I had a desire to get into the jungle . Due to the restriction of traveling, I’ve not had a chance to go to any jungles but at the very least, I enjoyed the blooming flowers and leaves , dancing bees and birds in the Brooklyn parks. This jungle print matching set certainly cheered me up. “Make the most of what you’ve got” is always a decent way to stay fulfilled.
This outfit is made by jungle prints rayon. The fabric is soft, light and breathable, it is perfect for the hot summer. The animals and plants print on the fabric are a jungle landscape in itself.
The jungle at Domino Park
The tropical plants at Domino Park
How I Made & Styled The Outfit:
In this video: The first part shares the fashion inspiration and styling tips . The second part shares the design process.
This side slit pencil skirt is one of the very first skirts I made since I started sewing and it is one of the DIY clothing projects I actually wear all the time. To me, it is very important that the skirt looks chic and stylish on a daily basis. The midi-length pencil silhouette skirt with a side slit seems like the best option based on its timeless and versatile character.💜
This gathered front knit dress is made from rayon jersey, light, cozy, and stretchy. The pink, flowery, and soft fabric reminds of a picnic in the garden. I added the gathers in the front to give a little more structure to this dress. The fabric is flexible and versatile, It can be layered with a turtle neck shirt, a cardigan, or a denim jacket.
In this article, I will share the my method to make this dress, however, I am not an expert in sewing or pattern making. I got my inspirations from others and I create my own designs. The point is to share the creative ideas , and the ideas can be transferred into many different unique creations .
🌟 Check out this dress in surreal digital art “The Secret Garden” 🌸🌳🎨
“Ready In Pink”
Materials For Creating The DIY Gathered Front Knit Dress
Trace the knit dress sloper ( Mark the desired dress length, make sure to add 1” extension along the center front for gathering)
Recreate the front sewing pattern (Mark and cut 8 equal distance between lines from center front to side, insert 2″ extension in between each cut line, add notches)
Cut the patterns on the fabric (1/2″ or 5/8′ seam allowance)
Sew the center front pieces together first ( 1/2″ or 5/8″ seam allowance, and sew the side of the 1″ extension)
Pull a string through the extension and make gathers ( Use a safety pin to pull through )
Sew the front sides and back sidestogether
Add desired sleeves
Add A Matching Square Scarf
It is always fun to add a matching accessory to the cloth. I used the leftover fabric to make a pink floral square scarf. The sewing process is super easy and quick. The rayon jersey is soft and gentle for the neck, and it is perfect for the early fall weather.
Cut the fabric in a 20” by 20″ square
On the wrong side, turn the edges over twice and press , pin the edges.
Sew the folded edges (hem)
Use a stem iron to press over the fabric, it’s all done.
Fashion& Digital Design: Terrisa Chen Photography: Joel Halbert
The joy of wondering
Summer is short this year in New York, it is probably short in other places in the world as well. The virus “Covid” is like a hidden lock, closing the usual activities and entertainment. Without beaches, vacations, and parties, summer seems never really begins, the fall is already here. But it’s ok, I am not all that disappointed, I started my journey of wonder, I simply find there is no time for feeling down.
One thing I do a lot during the pandemic is free my imagination to wonder. It might sound a bit easy and lazy, but when you put your ideas into action, you will push yourself to learn and create. The process of wondering and creating generates magical and positive energy.
(*Note: All outdoor photos taken with no one else around . Safe social distancing, safe photoshoot.)
“Lost In Wonderland–Dawn Play” The Max Family Garden, Dumbo, New York. 2020
Fashion& Digital Design: Terrisa Chen Photography: Joel Halbert
“Imagination is the only weapon in the war with reality.”
Alice started her adventure with curiosity, wondered through the rabbit hole, she explored the most bizarre and exciting world. I often wake up with odd and funny dreams, which add lots of colors in my night world. While the day-time is filled with routine, I would think about how to turn magic into reality, it turns out there are many ways. One way is to be open to your wondering imagination, get inspiration, then take action. Before the pandemic, I knew nothing about pattern making (Patternmaking for Fashion Design)or sewing, now I can not stop creating my own clothing designs and transferring them into digital art. It is a learning process, I explore, I make mistakes and I enjoy it very much.
The baby doll dress for the curious kids
“Lost In The Wonderland–Day play” The Max Family Garden, Dumbo, New York. 2020
Fashion& Digital Design: Terrisa Chen Photography: Joel Halbert
This cotton baby doll dress is a wonderful piece for me. I found the cotton fabric online and they are actually meant for kids’ wear. However, I immediately had the look of the baby doll dress in my mind when I sew the fabrics, it is a perfect type of dress for the forever kid in my heart.
The Max Family Garden In Dumbo, NY Photo by Joel Halbert
This stop of the wonder journey is The Max Family Garden, located in Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY. This open-air garden shares a wall with St. Ann’s Warehouse, a performing-arts venue. The original brick walls and the scenic archways represent an industrial and rustic aesthetic, they also provide access for community members and visitors to come together for exploration and inspiration. I have visited Dumbo many times before, this garden corner always fascinated me. The Max Family garden, any garden in-fact is a wonderland if you want it to be.
)or sewing, now I can not stop creating my own clothing designs and transferring them into digital art. It is a learning process, I explore, I make mistakes and I enjoy it very much.
Terrisa Chen 