Tag: Dupe this look

Dupe this #6

My style-prediction for southern hemisphere summer is ‘European Summer Holiday Vibes’. Breezy, woven, natural-fibre clothes which have a slightly fancier edge. Think things you could throw on over togs when heading to the beach, but which are nice enough to wear to sunny afternoon drinks.

The kind of clothes you’d pack for a summer vacay on the European coast. Think Daniel Craig’s seersucker two-piece swimsuit from Glass Onion, Aubrey Plaza’s wardrobe in White Lotus (particularly this vintage dress and this striped shirt). Neutral coloured linens and crisp shirtings, pleated pants but relaxed shirts, there’s matching sets and plenty of elastic-waisted wide-leg pants.

So here’s a summer-style inspired Dupe This.

The striped shirt is the obvious starting point, and I saw it coming when I set up this Summer Stripe Pinterest Board. Crisp shirting in vertical stripes (lots of white and cream as the neutral shade).

Check out my roundup of oversized shirts for the perfect smart, but casual, sun protection excellence.

NZ striped shirting fabrics

I love the crumpled cotton look on this dress, and I think The Fine Cloth Company’s Washer Cotton in lilac would be a great dupe.

No exact dupe patterns but Quincy from Jennifer Lauren, Naomi from StyleArc, Wildwood Wrap Dress or Melba from Muna and Broad all have aspects of the inspo.

I think we’ll be seeing a lot of relaxed-fit shirts in fun summery prints (probably with matching pants or shorts).

Check out my roundups of not specifically oversized shirts part 1, part 2, and part 3 or specifically the Waikerie Shirt or Gilbert Top and this fabric.

Printed summery fabrics

I love to find an exact fabric match- it’s much easier with prints than it is with solid fabrics. Use this cotton shirting for an exact fabric match with Romey from Sew House 7, or Huon from Muna and Broad

Whether it’s excellent straight line holes or broderie anglaise holes, what says summer more than fabric with holes in it?

Make a shirt or a shirt dress (lots of links above) or a boxy top like Augustina (free), Torrens (extended sizes), or Square Neck Top,

Find broderie fabric

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Dupe this #5

In which I find RTW garments and recommend patterns and/or fabrics to duplicate it!

The dupe in this means duplicate rather than to be tricked by. Although, I suppose if the pattern and fabric match I recommend is a good enough match then you might trick people into thinking you purchased this exact look, thereby duping them?

Maybe it works both ways! You can catch episode 4, episode 3, episode 2 and episode 1 on the blog.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Dupe the fabric

If you’ve been on the ChCh sews email newsletter you’ll know that I LOVE finding garments made from fabrics I’ve seen online.

I spotted these dresses that are made with silk check from TFS and shared them in the Dupe This #3 post.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Since then, I’ve spotted even more RTW garments that use it! I really like it as a shirt- especially the relaxed camp collar paired with silk! If you’re looking for shirt recommendations check out all my shirt roundups! I would dupe this with my go-to Waikerie Shirt but you could also use Helen’s Closet’s Gilbert Top.

The silk top above has a knit neckline, so it’s kind of like a woven t-shirt. Dupe it with Merchant and Mills’ woven Tee Shirt pattern (which has a knit neck) or skip the casual neck with a woven shell top like Cashmerette’s Montrose Top or Grainline’s Scout Tee.

I’ve made a point to include some pointelle since I’ve been seeing a lot of it popping up recently. OTY Fabrics in NZ has some cute pointelle fabric and there’s a $12 per metre merino with subtle pinholes from Nick’s Fabrics in Auckland.

Dupe this look with the Cashmerette Fuller Cardigan or the Juniper Cardigan from Jennifer Lauren Handmade.

A swingy t-shirt dress is a great choice for cool weather layering

I would dupe this look with a lengthened Hexham Dress, but TFS Mabel Dress would also be a great choice.

Perfect for winter in merino, in NZ I search Nick’s Fabrics, The Fabric Shop Otara, and Backstreet Bargains first when I’m hunting for NZ-based options.

I have recently fallen into an internet rabbit hole of summer striped shirts or dresses (this pinterest board will attest).

TFS have a great selection of striped shirtings, including this chocolate and white stripe which may well be an exact match for this shirt.

I would dupe this with the Muna and Broad Tarawi Shirt, but TAL Oversized Shirt or the Grainline Archer Shirt.

It’s getting towards cosy time and if you’re not keen for a self-quilting extravaganza then you can duplicate this quilted outer with pre-quilted fabric!


Maai Designs in Aus has some lovely colourful options, but at $15 per metre, this black pre-quilted fabric from Nick’s in Auckland is a great choice too.

For patterns, check out my roundup of quilted patterns here.

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Dupe this 4

Hello and welcome to Dupe This, episode 4, you can catch episode 3, episode 2 and episode 1 on the blog.

If you’ve read these Dupe posts before then you know they’re really just an excuse for me to dump a heap of info all in one place, and also a thing I use to justify how I’m always looking to find the exact fabric that has been used to make clothes!

In this episode, I also tell you where to find double gauze in NZ and drop some links to what might be new-to-you fabric stores!

Duplicate these looks

The Matilda Dress from Cool Stitches would be a lovely dupe for this summery dress.

Pair it with washer cotton from The Fine Cloth Company, or shirting from Fabric Box in Auckland.

Dupe this cornflower blue silk top with the Barons Dress from Daughter Judy Patterns or the LB Pullover from Paper Theory.

Cornflower silk from The Fine Cloth Company would be a great match but I also recommend Fab Fabrics, who frequently has 40% off their silk if you’re an email newsletter subscriber.

I love this dramatic sleeve on a simple shape (here’s evidence and here’s even more evidence)! You could use the Muna and Broad Torrens Box Top like I did or the ZW Soft Blouse from Birgitta Helmersson with a double gauze fabric (sometimes called double muslin).

Double gauze in NZ?

Here’s a little list of places that I’ve spotted with double gauze, ordered vaguely by price, from lowest to highest.

Replicate this pleated floral skirt with this fabric from Fab Fabrics and the free vintage-style skirt from Peppermint Magazine or the 3 Pleat Skirt from Assembly Line Patterns..

Or for a bright fabric, this palm leaf linen, this blush tropical linen or this bright blue daisy print on cotton lawn.

Use the Belemnite Dress from Marilla Walker and silk crepe de chine from Hawes and Freer in Auckland or the silk cdc from The Fine Cloth Company in Wellington to replicate this sage green dress.

For a cheaper fabric, a tencel twill from The Fabrics Shop in Otara could work.

Joan’s Fabrics in Auckland has a similarly bright floral from Fabric Godmother to replicate this shirt on Rose Matafeo as does Harmer and Huff.

The pattern looks like a shirt with a set-in sleeve and a scarf tied like a pussy bow.

Want shirt sewing patterns?

You know I love to find an exact fabric for you!

Fab Fabrics has this exact print but in white and red and this fabric has similar monochromatic line drawing vibes if the monochrome is your deal.

The Lena Shift or the June Sheath, both from StyleArc, could be great fits.

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Dupe This 3

Welcome to Dupe This episode 3, you can catch episode 2 and episode 1 on the blog.

The dupe in this means duplicate rather than to be tricked by. Although, I suppose if the pattern and fabric match I recommend is a good enough match then you might trick people into thinking you purchased this exact look, thereby duping them?

Maybe it works both ways!

Wrap or Faux Wrap Dress

This dress pairs a great printed woven fabric with a wrap (or faux wrap bodice that’s finished with a self-fabric bias binding. There’s a casing around the waist for ties (which seem to tie in the back or the side) and the sleeves are elbow length with a slight blouson that’s gentle gathered into cuffs.

Duplicate this look with:

Millicent Wrap Dress from StyleArc
Roseclair Dress from Cashmerette
Hannah Dress from By Hand London
Poppy Dress from Hubba Ding
June Dress from Hubba Ding
Noor Dress from Fabrics Store (free)

A crisp cotton will best replicate the look of this dress. Consider poplin, shirtings and even cotton sateen if you’d like a bit more structure.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Chore Jacket

Are you one of those inspirational people who both loves the look of and the act of sewing topstitching? I’m not but I have rounded up a selection of Chore Jackets on the blog.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

If what you love about the jackets above is the bold colours, check out the range of Canvas & Drills at The Fabric Box in Auckland. They have fabric in that bright Yves Klein blue!

V-neck Dress with ruffles

This dress has a v-neck, dropped shoulders with gathered sleeves. There’s 2 tiers of fabric gathered into the bodice. The fabric used brings a decent amount of structure which lets the sleeves sit out from the body rather having them drape down the arm.

Duplicate this look with:

Duplantier Dress from Elbe Textiles
Julia Dress from Hubba Ding
Faye Dress from Hubba Ding
Pixie Dress from StyleArc

A crisp cotton like a liberty lawn or cotton voile will replicate the look of this fabric.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Shirt with frill collar

The Honey Top from FibreMood is the closest match that I could find!
Also check out: TFS Bloom Shirt & Dress and The Daisy Shirt.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

A cotton shirting will be the best fabric to replicate the look of the shirt on the left (poplin, lawn, etc). A chambray or shirt-weight denim will replicate the shirt on the right.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Dupe the fabric

If you’ve been on the ChCh sews email newsletter you’ll know that I LOVE finding garments made from fabrics I’ve seen online. I spotted these dresses that are made with silk check from TFS! I love how this simple silhouette lets the fabric shine.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Quilted Jackets & Coats

I fell into the rabbit hole and ended up with a whole roundup of quilted jackets & coats!

I’d say that with the round neckline and welt pockets the closest pattern match would be the Tamarack Jacket from Grainline Studios. However, this jacket has a dropped shoulder and a much more relaxed fit than the Tamarack, and if that’s what you like then perhaps the M&B Grainger Coat is for you.

Shackets- shirt style jacket

If you’re loving the shacket look, checkout my roundup full of shacket patterns!

If you love the check/plaid look then The Fabrics Shop in Otara has a great range online (at a great price).

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Dupe this #2

Hello lovely readers- here’s a quick roundup of some ready-to-wear clothes and patterns that you could use to ‘steal that look’ and sew yourself a version!

Dupe this linen top with The Rātā Top from Chch-based Below the Kōwhai

This linen was in stock at Draper Fabrics a few years ago and you might spot it in your local bricks and mortar store. I feel like it came as both a linen print and a rayon- you can see other patterned rayons at Drapers Fabrics.

For patterned linens, check out Backstreet Bargains and Drapers Fabrics.. or many of the online shops listed here once the weather warms up!

Dupe this bow blouse top with the Tie Bow Blouse from Assembly Line Patterns

A crisp cotton will show the structure of the top, like this black self-gingham, small Japanese check, or micro gingham shirting.

Dupe this woven tee with the Lou Box Top from Sew DIY

Devoré velvet would be a great choice as it has sheer sections, but viscose/silk velvet would also be lush. If sheer is the point, this oak burn out fabric would be a good choice, and if good drape and flowers is the point then maybe a rayon print (or these ones) is what you’re after.

Dupe this with the Roscoe Blouse from True bias but with chunkier neck ties!

This cotton lawn is a similar colour mood, but this daisy and brown rayon gives an autumnal floral mood.

Dupe this gathered-neck top from Kowtow with the Daisy Top from NZ-based sewing pattern designer Hubba Ding

Washer finish cotton from The Fine Cloth Company, or organic cotton poplin from Miss Maude would be great choices for crisp gathers!

Want to get printing?

Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!

Dupe this

Here’s a few pins from my collection which have captured my eye recently, and the fabric and patterns to duplicate them.

Duplicate this outer layer with TFS Poppy Coat, StyleArc Ingrid Coat, I AM Merlin, or Leisl & Co Chaval.

Chocolate houndstooth, carob plaid houndstooth, Miss Maude plaid, or this grandad check coating make a great choice for the jacket.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Bomber Jackets! Does everyone need one? Maybe.

Use these patterns from Seamwork, Grasser, Cashmerette Cashmerette, Trish Newberry, Jalie or the free pattern from Mood

Get your ribbing from Miss Maude, Fable Fabrics, Milky Fabrics, For Fabrics Sake, Backstreet Bargains, or Fabric Box.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Gingham, gathers and a puffy sleeve? Dupe this with the Faye Dress from NZ-based designer Hubba Ding.

The Fabric Store has so many options for gingham, that it’s gingham galore over there!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Find your perfect shacket pattern here on the blog.

Dupe these with purple check wool/alpaca coating, multi-coloured jumbo plaid, a pastel fleece from Mood Fabrics, or black and brown wool check, red and black buffalo plaid.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

A yellow dream ensemble! Check out the winter layering roundup for turtleneck options.

Dupe the pants with Audrey Pants or Eddie Woven Pants from StyleArc, the free Sara Pleated Pants, the Inès High Waisted Trousers or the Tatjana Trousers from Just Patterns.

This great gathered dress heroes this excellent fabric which has a brush-stroke patterned fabric.

Dupe it with the Muna and Broad Huon Dress and this painterly pear-print rayon from Fab Fabrics in Auckland.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

These patched jackets use repurposed fabric to create a unique jacket!

No fabric suggestions for this one since repurposing and scrap-busting seems to be the aim of the game!

Duplicate the pattern with the Muna and Broad Cobden Chore Jacket, Julien Chore Jacket, the over-shirt, or the free Paola Workwear Shirt.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

These silk snakey PJs pair a slippery serpent with slinky silk.

See the ChCh sews roundup of sleepwear patterns.

For snake fabric see this Liberty Fabrics print from Maai Design or this snakey Melanie Macilwain print. The Fine Cloth Company has a great selection of coloured plain silks.

Want to get printing?

Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!