On the days when you just don’t know what to wear, monochrome is your friend: it makes you appear well put together even if you got ready in five minutes, and is so classic and timeless that you’ll be in style whatever the trends dictate. Basically, it’s the lazy person’s way to look good, which, quite frankly, I’m all for.

I had planned to make a dress using the Love Sewing magazine’s Brigitte pattern but a quick rummage through my wardrobe told me I have many dresses and nowhere near enough tops (well, I have enough, obviously, but a girl can always have more). However, I loved its simple shape and mid-length sleeves, which are ideal for the in-between weather we’ve been having lately, so decided to make it into a blouse instead, using a lovely heart-print crepe de chine I had in my fabric stash. In fact, the weather decided to coordinate with my monochrome look the first time I stepped out wearing my new top – it was a rather grey day, but at least it complemented my outfit. Another reason you can never go wrong wearing monochrome when you live in Britain.

I’d never sewn with crepe de chine before and I thought it might be a bit tricky to control, but I actually found it pleasingly easy to work with and has definitely encouraged me to be a little more adventurous with my fabric choices in future. The Brigitte pattern is ideal for beginners who may have a couple of easy projects under their belt, like the Colette Sorbetto, and fancy pushing themselves a little, or more experienced dressmakers who want a quick project – basically, this is as close as you’ll get to fast fashion in the sewing world.

Do you like monochrome, or are you a fan of colour? Have you tried making the Brigitte yet?

Top Handmade Skirt New Look (similar here) Boots ASOS (similar here) Bag H! By Henry Holland (similar here) Necklace By Rachel Loves Bob, available at Objet de Desir Watch Casio