Four cool patterns for Fall and how you could style them— for sizes 44-52 (US 12- 20)!
burda style magazine plusmode patterns often come in cool styles for those who are a size 44-52. I question these looks sometimes though because the photography and styling doesn’t always reflect the mix of style and personality we have on BurdaStyle. Today I wanted to highlight some really cute bsm pattern styles, but take it a step further— and offer some fresh ideas as to how one could alter and style these looks, in a BurdaStyle fashion.
1. Baby Doll Dress: This pattern, which includes must-have sideseam pockets is a great look for women who want structure on the top, but flowing, non-clinging fabric in the mid-sections. I would recommend removing the bottom hem band, slash and spread the bottom skirt from hem line up to make the dress more voluminous like the photo above. Worn with a structured leather jacket this dress pattern instantly becomes downtown chic. This pattern is also available as a <a href=“”http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/072010-low-shoulder-blouse">Baby Doll Top, which you could easily lengthen into a dress.
2. Shirt Dress: As soon as you call this caftan-like pattern a shirt dress, it has a younger feel. I think it would look great shortened a bit and cinched at the waist with a fun belt. Your fabric choice can also really change the vibe of this look— silk would make it more elegant, plaid or men’s cotton shirting would create a great day-wear piece. The shape again has structure but isn’t too tight anywhere— and it’s comfortable!
3. Shirt Jacket: This shirt jacket is super cool. You could make it out of a men’s shirting cotton (as seen pictured above) for a preppy look— or what about a waxed linen blend a la Chloe? The A-line shape if figure flattering and would actually look great over the babydoll dress!
4. Pretty Puff Skirt: I can’t say I am crazy about puff skirts, and they tend not to be so flattering on anyone, but I like this skirt paired with a tailored jacket. If you’re not afraid of volume, raising the hem would give it a younger feel.
Photos above are from lookbook.nu, technical drawings are from burda style magazine, July 2010
Sep 13, 2010, 08.04 PMby flamingjewel
All right, so far all the plus size patterns are FANTASTIC but I’m not plus sized. The last burda magazine I was so bummed, the only patterns I wanted to make were not my size. I like the romantic nostalgia of it, and also, more coverage. I suppose I will have to keep working at my pattern tweaking skills.
Sep 12, 2010, 01.08 PMby mrsb-h
Can I ask why plus size models were not used for these pictures? It would help us see how they actually fit those of us at the larger end of the fashion scale!!
Sep 7, 2010, 09.46 PMby shahinaz
I like the four patterns but the neither the baby doll dress nor the skirt will fit the big sizes. They will just add to the big body shape and give it a bigger dimension!!!
Sep 5, 2010, 11.09 PMby bola
Nice post, I love these patterns. I might have to see how that baby doll dress pattern fits. I like Sewella have a bit of a chest and so i often stay away from garments that have less shaping because it makes me look bigger:)
Sep 3, 2010, 04.34 PMby ichigogirl
I happened to notice that there’s a current issue of Burda style magazine out now that ONLY has plus-size patterns in it, that might be worth checking out for those of you who can get your hands on it. I had to look through it even though I’m a petit one, since the Burda Style plus-size patterns are usually my favourites (inspiring, figure flattering) and I wasn’t AS impressed as I ususally am, but there were quite a few things that looked nice enough. And with about 30 (?) patterns in it there should be something in it for most :-). Look at the models here: http://www.burdastyle.de/magazine/burda-plus/herbst-winter-2010_bsmid_116.html Only in germans, but a picture is worth a thousand words, right?
1 Reply
Sep 6, 2010, 03.14 PMby laurwyn
I have bought the plus size issue and I have realized that it actually only featured patterns from last year’s fall/winter issues. I don’t mind as I have none of those… But it is a little bit sad too!
Though, what I like is that they have added sized (up to 54, which is too big even for me!), so that everyone can play!
Sep 2, 2010, 07.32 PMby prairieponygirl
Love the patterns!
Sep 1, 2010, 11.15 PMby alisondahl
I have made a couple of babydoll dresses for my line and I found that they look great on bigger busts (I am not so chesty) but my sister is, and she loved the babydoll dress I made for her. I made it in silk, so it was more slinky, not too stiff, so it flowed down nicely and concealed at the same time.. She ended up buying more from other designers and now that shape is a major part of her wardrobe. I love the look with a tailored piece on top too— for any shape.
Sep 1, 2010, 12.45 PMby sewella
Lovely ideas alison. As a matter of fact I’ve copied the ‘baby doll’ pattern but was reluctant to make it. I was not sure how it’ll fit me (read: will it make me even bigger??!) But now, with the band removed, I will have to reconsider it!
Aug 31, 2010, 09.37 PMby laurwyn
I really enjoyed this post! Like you, sometimes I question the Plus patterns. But lately, Burdastyle has delivered great things. The september issue is magnificent! I think that a lot of those patterns are really nicely fitted. I love your idea of a Babydoll dress. I wander if it would work for girls that have a bigger bust. Would the fabric not fall straight? Though you could cinch it too, maybe right under the bust?