
Apples ripen on trees as the leaves change, the wind blowing softly and rustling the timeworn branches. Skipping and stylish, you exult in the burgeoning Autumn, full of life and fully fitted in an overall skirt, paired with a loose-fitting sweater and leg warmers made of the softest wool. In several months, you’ll stand in the warm spring sun, a light breeze rippling across the pond nestled in a peaceful meadow filled with birds back from their winter sabbatical. Your pinafore shorts fit perfectly, paired with a billowing bishop sleeve blouse made of voile and sturdy leather hiking boots. With ease, you can slide your hand into the front pocket, reaching for the binoculars to watch the birds delighting in the flourishing warmth.
From fully functioning bodices with pockets and adjustable straps, to simple elastic sewn in at the waist, the pinafore has become a fashion staple of late. Although it’s reminiscent of scholarly style, of the cult of Clueless and private school uniforms in the forties, anyone can wear one! Fashion an apron dress for hosting dinner parties, or use a more simple style for walks through the park, admiring small pups pulling their owners with all their might and children drawing hopscotch on the sidewalk. Go on, join them for a game, your skirt will hold up.


Full Circle Skirt

Holly sports a full mini circle skirt in plaid with matching suspenders. Using Mood’s Circle Skirt Calculator, the pattern was drafted with ease and sewn up in a stitch! The waist is 33” and the waistband is 2” wide, while the straps are 2″x35″ finished. Be sure to add your seam allowance if you’re following this!
This variation of the pinafore dress definitely features the scholarly style, especially when paired with a button-up and blazer. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated look, utilize a Mood Exclusive sateen for a pop of print, or a solid fabric paired with a petticoat to give it a little extra oomph.

Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 2 yards Red and Navy Plaid Double-Sided Cotton Flannel
- 4 Black Leather Buttons for detachable straps
Half Circle Skirt

Minely sports a half midi circle skirt in faux leather with elastic suspenders. Like Holly’s ensemble, the Mood Circle Skirt Calculator was used to create this elevated look. The waist is 29” and the waistband is 2” wide, while the elastic straps are each 28″ long. Metallic gold faux leather has been seen across the runway, from Moschino to Marc Jacobs, striking yet subtle. If you love the silhouette but find the fabric too bold, try layering a guipure lace over a silk for something a little more demure, very Lela Rose. If you lean more towards the prim and proper, check out wool suiting and pair with a crisp white button-up with a Peter Pan collar, a Jane-Eyre-meets-the-runway style that can be seen from Co or The Row.

Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 2 yards Metallic Gold Stretch Faux Leather
- 2 yards Italian Black and Gold Striped Elastic Grosgrain
- 1 pkg Heavy Duty Snaps for detachable straps
The Eucalyptus Shorts

Brittany sports the Eucalyptus Shorts modified with an overall bodice. Using the Eucalyptus Shorts pattern, this was sewn up quicky and the bodice was attached in a matter of minutes. The mineral print becomes an abstract attraction, colors swirling in on each other to create a mesmerizing effect. These electric earthen tones have been seen often this season, a beautiful contrast to the typical forest greens and sunshine yellows. Reminiscent of Rachel Antonoff, this pattern is ideal for heading to brunch with the besties or a quick coffee date. Create a club-ready look using neon or sequins, or get a little frilly with eyelet fabrics for a fantastical fashion. Get hiking with a pair made of cotton twill, fit with pockets that will hold onto your compass, a little snack, and some water!

Purchase Materials Used Below:
Loving the pinafore trend, but looking for something a little different? Attach suspenders to The Aster Pants for a flowy fashion, or create an apron dress using the overall bodice and some well-placed appliques. Keep your eyes on Mood Sewciety for future collections, free patterns, educational posts, and more!
What will be making using the pinafore collection? Let us know in the comments, and tag your Instagram posts with #MadeWithMood so we can keep up to speed on your style!

8 comments
The Eucalyptus Shorts is made with jeans or there is another fabric used? It looks like jeans shorts.
Hi Caroline, these are made with a sateen. There’s a link to the exact fabric above! 🙂
Hello:
Could you direct me to the pattern for the skirt? Thanks.
Hi Lisa! As mentioned, the skirts were drafted using our Circle Skirt Calculator. 🙂
Hello, i would love to make one of these ensembles but i really want the shirt pattern that goes with the Gold skirt so i can do the exact look i see in the above picture. It would be cute for making a Christmas Elf or a Mrs Claus look. Something i would like to make by Christmas (2months).
Hi there! Unfortunately, this shirt isn’t one of our free patterns, but you can find all of our shirt options here!
Where did you find the overall bodice?? Is there a pattern or instructions, because I have ben searching for ages with no success
Hi Maria, I believe it was self drafted by the author. Since its practically a square, I think it would be pretty easy to replicate! Just decide what and how much you want to cover, if you want the sides to be angled or tapered, and try it out with some scrap fabric. Don’t forget to add your seam allowances! Cut out two pieces of the pattern, sew the sides and tops together (right sides together), turn right side out and press. Do any topstitching details you want, add pockets, etc. And then sew it to the shorts.