Nettie Bodysuit and Nita Wrap Skirt

Before the Nettie bodysuit pattern by Closet Case Files, I really had no idea how much I needed a bodysuit (actually multiple bodysuits) in my wardrobe. It’s an ideal bottom layer to wear with pants or skirts. The trim silhouette just can’t be beat. It’s great for showing off a waistband and a waistline for that matter. I think a bodysuit would also be great for layering. I don’t need too many layers in LA but I can imagine it being a great winter base layer, minimal bulk but extra core warmth.

My last couple of Nettie's (here and here) have been a little loose at the waist so I adjusted the size by grading down at the waist and hips to between a 10 and 12. The tricky thing with knit fabric is that there are different amounts of stretch. So while the last Netties felt looser this fabric feels a lot more snug. The fit is pretty good now and I’ll continue to use this modification for future bodysuits.

I made this bodysuit a few months ago and can’t remember where I bought the fabric. Perhaps at Joann’s? It’s a basic 4-way stretch. Not too thin. Not too thick. Sometimes, it feels like it's hardest to find the most basic fabric. Like fleece back sweatshirt fabric. How is not in every color, in every store?

Here, I’m wearing the bodysuit with a mini Nita Wrap Skirt made from brown corduroy. I’d had the corduroy in my stash for years and I’m so glad that I used it for this skirt. The length and the fabric have a 70s vibe that I really love. I can totally picture Ali McGraw wearing this skirt with a turtleneck, tights and boots. A few of my pattern testers also made the Nita Wrap Skirt in corduroy and I have a feeling that this fabric is making a comeback. Which gets me thinking, I’d love to have a pair of flared corduroy pants. How awesome would that be?

I took these photos way back at the beginning of February and it's taken me this long to put together the post. I put in so many hours into creating and launching my latest pattern that it’s been hard for me to motivate myself to do new blog posts or even sew new things. This last weekend I didn’t even turn on the sewing machine once. I did cut out a new blouse but I usually spend 10 times the amount of time sewing. I think I’ll come out of my cocoon soon and feel a little more energized.

The bodysuit has quickly become a staple in my wardrobe. I recently converted my teal Nettie dress into a bodysuit. I never wore the dress but I’ve already worn the bodysuit and I’m sure I’ll wear it a lot more. This weekend I even ordered some navy fabric for another bodysuit. I’m thinking I need to do elbow length sleeves and a scoop back. I might be getting a little obsessed. :) If you're liking this look or wondering what else you can pair with the Nita Wrap Skirt read my roundup of five pattern pairings. And if you don't have the skirt pattern, you can pick one up here. Happy sewing!

Nita Wrap Skirt Pattern Pairings

Separates are great wardrobe builders because you can mix and match with your other pieces but sometimes it can be hard to figure out exactly which pieces to pair a new item with. So today I’m sharing a few pattern pairings ideas for the Nita Wrap Skirt. This skirt looks best with a tucked in shirt or cropped top so that you can show off the fitted waistband. You can go for a skin-tight bodysuit or tuck in a looser fitting top that slightly hangs over the waistband.

Five Patterns to Pair with the Nita Wrap Skirt

1. Ella Top by Liola Patterns
I made an Ella Top last year and have been meaning to do it again ever since. It’s very simple but has a lovely back yoke and pleat detail. I’m wearing my Ella Top with a denim mini Nita Wrap Skirt in these photos. It looks best tucked in with just a little flounce at the waistband.

2. Lark Tee by Grainline Studio
The easiest way, most casual to wear the Nita Wrap Skirt is with a basic t-shirt, like the Lark Tee. Just tuck in your tee, throw on some sneakers or sandals and you're ready to go.

3. Astoria Sweater by Seamwork Magazine
This vintage-style sweater has a beautiful narrow waist that will pair beautifully with the Nita Wrap Skirt. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something with longer sleeves or want to use a knit fabric.

4. Nettie Bodysuit by Closet Case Files
I’m a big fan of this pattern and love to pair it with Nita Wrap Skirt. It’s just the best way to show off the waistband and you never have to worry about keeping it tucked in.

5. Simplicity 1366
This basic cropped top is another great pairing option (here's mine). It works with a length hitting right at or just below the waistband. Other cropped shirt options are the Inari Tee from Named Patterns (see mine here) and the Hayden Top from Seamwork.

For more Nita Wrap Skirt styling ideas, check out the Pattern Tester Roundup and this RTW inspiration post. Then head over to the shop and pick up your own copy of the Nita Wrap Skirt. It's a really easy pattern to sew that will have you kicking of spring in style. 

I’m thinking about making Pattern Pairings a regular column/recurring post theme. Is that something you’d be interested in? There’s really nothing better than donning an entire outfit that you’ve made yourself. So why not plan ahead for how you can match one pattern with another? Do you have other pattern pairing ideas? Or maybe requests? Let me know in the comments.

Nita Wrap Skirt Inspiration

Clockwise from top left: A Pair & A Spare // 9 to 5 Chic // Hello Fashion Blog // Snapped

Hi sewing friends! I've been really thrilled with the positive response to my latest PDF sewing pattern, the Nita Wrap Skirt. As is often the case, this design was inspired by RTW. Naturally, I put my own spin on it, creating a design that easily spans three lengths and is super simple to put together. The great thing about using RTW as inspiration is that you can see how to style the skirt and consider which style works for you. RTW can also give great ideas for different kinds of fabric you can use. For example, in our above inspiration photos, there's leather, corduroy, twill and suede. All of these fabrics are a of medium weight which I think helps the skirt hang straight and prevents it from flipping around (as we know wrap skirts are prone to do).

Clockwise from top left: Reformation // Style du Monde // Anthropologie // Asos

The above examples provide some great ideas for how to style the skirt. You can pair it with a crop top, a loose fitting blouse, a boxy top (maybe a Lou Box Top :) or a fitted turtleneck. You can also see how the design can go from dressy to casual depending on the fabric. The brocade like fabric in the bottom left is topped off with a tie belt and platform heels for an evening look while the bottom right, in light denim shows how to put together a weekend-casual look. 

I'm working on some ideas for patterns to pair with this skirt as well as a sewalong full of photos. In the meantime, check out my roundup of tester versions of the skirt. And get your own copy of the pattern right here. Happy sewing!