Let’s go ahead and state the obvious here— Back to school looks a lot different this year. When learning through a computer screen, the grueling truth is that for most, webcams have to be on, and you’re expected to look somewhat presentable when attending online classes. Before you head to your learning spot and reach for your organized drawer full of supplies, it’s time to get dressed and keep a bit of normalcy in your routine.
Putting on an acceptable outfit is pretty simple and only requires some basic pieces and a little bit of styling. Some virtual wardrobe must-haves are:
Perhaps the most important of a virtual wardrobe is to look presentable on the top half. Have these pieces at the ready and change them up by layering pieces. Tops are the easiest garments to style, and cuffing your sleeves or tucking in your top will instantly make you appear more put together.
1. Blouses
A pretty top is all you need to trick yourself and others into thinking you really went all out for the day’s virtual lesson. If you’re feeling extra or want to extend your style options, just add a jacket on top to instantly create a new look.
The Sorrel Top
The Sorrel Top
These new fashion favorites are a great way to get the corset-like vibe and silhouette without the damaging effects that an actual corset sometimes has. Download it here!
The Camellia Blouse
The Camellia Blouse
Such a sweet and romantic silhouette can be made from a variety of fabrics to achieve different looks, making The Camellia Top free sewing pattern an ideal piece for your transitional wardrobe. Download them here!
2. T-shirts
Easy to layer and pair with literally anything. A tee can be worn several days in a single week without anyone noticing.
The Lavender Tee
The Lavender Tee
With our Lavender tee free sewing pattern, we’ll show you how to give your basic everyday tee a fabulous upgrade. Download it here!
The Vallea Tunic
The Vallea Tunic
This simple longline tee has flattering side slits and an unexpected back detail allowing just the right amount of skin to peek through. Download them here!
3. Sweatshirts
A sweatshirt is dress-code friendly and comfy, so it’s the best of both worlds. Layer a denim jacket on top for a more stylish look or tuck it in for a bit of tailored-touch.
The Bixa Sweatshirt
The Bixa Sweatshirt
The Bixa Sweatshirt features a separate lower sleeve so sewists can mix and match their favorite knits, velours, and sequins for the perfect contrast, as well as an optional overlay that’s absolutely perfect for our beaded tulle! Download it here!
The Malva Sweater
The Malva Sweater
The Malva Sweater sewing pattern is no sweat. It’s simple design is a wardrobe staple for anyone who loves staying cozy chic, but it also comes with an easy-to-add faux layer for anyone looking to take it up a notch. Download it here!
4. Denim Jackets (cropped or full length)
A denim jacket is a must, I promise. It’ll add instant style to literally any outfit with minimal effort or time.
The Trillium Ensemble
The Trillium Ensemble
With the perfect summer shorts that can be easily tailored to your body shape, and a cropped jacket that can be thrown on over a tank top and take you into September with ease, this pattern has everything. Download it here!
The Oak Jacket
The Oak Jacket
Denim is universal; it matches everything and you can work it into virtually every style there is. Download it here!
5. Full or Quarter Zip Jackets (cropped or full length)
Chuck on a quarter or full-zip jacket to add warmth and a touch of extra style. Bonus: quarter zips are perfect as standalone tops, and it doesn’t get much easier than that.
The Avelia Bomber Jacket
The Avelia Bomber Jacket
Everyone should have at least one bomber jacket on rotation. Download it here!
The Kerria Anorak
The Kerria Anorak
In this pattern, the sleeves are fairly straight-cut so you can easily roll them up and snap them into place for those warmer afternoons this season. Download it here!
The same in-person dress code seemingly applies to online school, which means no PJ pants. Luckily, no one is going to see your lower half, so you can have the last laugh every day when you click into your Collaborate session and you’re rocking pants so comfy that they practically are PJ pants (just a little cooler).
1. Shorts
Everyone scoffed at the Bermuda shorts trend but seems to be okay with the variation of a comfy Bermuda. Sweat Shorts are comfy, and a perfect choice for virtual school.
The Ixia Leggings
The Ixia Leggings
Try making your short set in stretch knit, or bamboo jersey for a carefree look and feel. Download it here!
The Saffron Ensemble
The Saffron Ensemble
The Saffron Ensemble free sewing pattern features a simple bralette-style crop top and shorts with a comfy elastic waistband. Download it here!
2. Sweatpants
Sweatpants offer a little more coverage, comfort, and warmth. With your sweatpants on, you can be all business up top and cozy, comfy on the bottom. Make your sweatpants your way since you make the rules.
The Brya Pants
The Brya Pants
If you’re looking for comfort and style, look no further! The Brya Pants are chic and coziness rolled into one fabulous look. Download it here!
The Banksia Pants
The Banksia Pants
Edgy and stylish, the Banksia Pant features a rib knit waistband and ankle cuffs, moto-style knee panels, and zipper pockets. Download it here!
3. Leggings
Leggings go with anything, so wear them until you’ve got to do laundry then put them on repeat again. Have some fun with your leggings designs and think of it as “just for you to know” sorta thing.
The Lotus Leggings
The Lotus Leggings
Perfect for a brisk walk through the Village or a leisurely stroll around the park, these functional bottoms feature flattering seaming and panels, leaving a ton of room to make this pattern your own. Download it here!
The Ixia Leggings
The Ixia Leggings
Thicker than tights but comfortable like you’re not even wearing pants, the Ixia Leggings are perfect for throwing on under a tunic dress or circle skirt and heading to work, or going to the supermarket in a sweatshirt. Download it here!
Because sometimes putting together an entire outfit is too much. Opt for a one-piece when you overslept or got caught up in your latest show to keep things easy and breezy.
1. Dresses
Reach for a dress in any length or style that is going to be comfortable. If it has sleeves, then you’re set, but if it doesn’t just add a top or jacket and you’re dress code approved and ready to learn in minutes.
The Mallow Dress
The Mallow Dress
The Mallow Dress free sewing pattern is everything you need to complete your warm-weather wardrobe and transition into the next season. This belted faux wrap dress is sleek, sexy, and comfort all rolled into one look! Download it here!
The Nyssa Dress
2. Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are perfect for any occasion and literally take little to no effort to throw on. Whether you want a romper or full-on jumpsuit, the choice is up to you.
The Fern Jumpsuit
The Fern Jumpsuit
This jumpsuit is packed with style and sophistication while giving off very boho-chic vibes; belted for creating the perfect cinched waist, but loose and comfy with a stunning wide leg that gathers into an ankle cuff. Download it here!
The Palm Jumpsuit
The Palm Jumpsuit
Not quite ready to swap out your summer wardrobe for heavier clothing? Don’t worry, there’s still time for you to rock those warm weather items that transition seamlessly into fall. The Palm Jumpsuit free sewing pattern is just that! Download it here!
The free patterns above will make this years back to school shopping easier than ever since you’ll have to power to pick the fabrics, fit, and styles that work best for you. Even though students are expected to attend online classes with professionalism, the wardrobe essentials listed above are sure to hack the system.
Leave a comment below letting us know which back to school wardrobe essential you’ll be reaching for the most either for yourself or your kids.
