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Introducing Selene: Modern Fit, Classic Style
Selene’s Story
-Haley
On my first morning in Paris last autumn I stepped onto the intricately tiled sidewalk in front of my hotel, my stomach begging for food after an early morning flight.
I started to make my way through the chilly and charming cafe lined streets of the 2nd arrondissement in search of food — specifically I needed a burger. As I walked I allowed myself to become captivated with the city that surrounded me, and I began to notice that the rumors seemed to be true — every woman who passed me seemed so effortlessly dressed in flattering skirts, silk blouses, and well-tailored coats, all paired perfectly with well-appointed accessories.
I was instantly smitten with the city’s seemingly inherent fashion sense, and felt a bit out of place in an outfit that would normally be considered stylish in Portland.
As I spent time wandering and observing the street style of Paris, I became determined to infuse more French fashion into my own wardrobe while maintaining my own distinct fashion identity.
I wanted more fine fabrics, fitted jackets, and form fitting pencil skirts. After all, I reasoned, putting on a nice dress in the morning is just as easy as putting on my usual uniform of skinny jeans and a button down.
And that’s where the idea of Selene was born – an effort to fuse my love for Parisian and American street style.
The plain front of version 1 and the tailored welt pockets of version 2 are perfectly suited to be spotted on any cobblestoned, cafe lined alleyway of a major European metropolis.
Version 3 invites a bit more of an American sophistication with the notched menswear inspired angled pockets. All three versions are designed to become wardrobe staples that you can wear year round in any city, so you’ll never feel out of place.
Learn These Skills
Version 1: The Simple Classic
Show off your love for vintage-influenced style in a modern pencil skirt that boasts classic details.
Selene combines a contemporary silhouette with timeless details such as a lapped zipper. Take advantage of the simplicity of version 1 by using a gorgeous floral or bold stripes.
Version 2: The Tailored Classic
Welt pockets are a classic, tailored detail that look stunning on jackets and skirts alike.
Flex your sewing chops by sewing version 2. With its single welt pockets, this version sews up beautifully in wool. Or sew up a version in linen for an effortless look ideal for sunny days.
Version 3: The Modern Classic
Who doesn’t love pockets? Version 3 features diagonal seamed pockets with a menswear inspired notch.
This version is ideal for color blocking. Go bold by using a high contrast fabric for the side panels and pockets, or try using a contrast pocket lining for a more subtle color pop.
Selene looks great in…
Selene is a truly versatile skirt. It looks just as stunning in a dark wash denim as it does in a lush tropical wool.
Get 15% Off + Win!
Can’t wait to start stitching this versatile skirt? Lucky for you, Selene is 15% off through April 19th! No promo code needed, just add Selene to your cart and the discount will be applied at checkout.
In celebration of Selene, we are also giving away three hand-picked Selene kits. These gorgeous kits include all the fabric and notions needed to make Selene (pattern not included).
Kit One Includes: 1 3/4 yards of 60″ wide wool gabardine in lipstick red, 2 yards of 45″ wide tone-on-tone pin dot lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Kit Two Includes: 2 yards of 60″ wide dark wash denim, 2 yards of 45″ wide acetate polkadot lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Kit Three Includes: 1 3/4 yards of 60″ wide cotton rayon yarn dyed suiting, 2 yards of 45″ wide pink rayon lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Leave a comment below sharing which kit is your favorite for a chance to win! Three lucky winners will receive their favorite kit pick. Winners will be announced here on the blog on Tuesday April 19th.
Find Selene Locally
Support your local shewing shop. Check out this list of retailers from all over this globe.
Comments
Emily
April 12, 2016 #
Kit Number 1 is fantastic! Red wool is a lovely component of any woman’s wardrobe. Congratulations on your new pattern release! Everyone at Colette HQ has a right to be very proud of the fabulous work you are all doing!
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
Thank you for your kind words, Emily!
Ayo
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3! No, 2! No, 3! Yes, in the end, I choose 3, although I do covet those polka-dots as well.
Suzanne
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3, the cotton rayon.
Marsha
April 12, 2016 #
It’s a tough choice. But I think I would go with #1 because I love a luxe skirt and I need more color in my wardrobe.
Rachel
April 12, 2016 #
The classic version would be great with kit number two- great for work! I recently went through a major wardrobe decluttering and got rid of most of my (ill fitting) skirts. Excited to sew some new ones!
Amy Woitas
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2 is my favorite – I love the crisp look.
And I love version 3 of the pattern – I would do a solid with a pop of color on the pocket!!
Deborah Leber
April 12, 2016 #
I love all three combinations!! They all represent totally different looks, which are appropriate for any occasion. I think my absolute favorite is Number 2: those polka dots on the lining make it stand out from all the others. I can just see a silk blouse in a similar fabric to the lining to complete the ensemble!! Fantastic skirt pattern–keep up the excellent work!! Tres chic!!
Shannon Applegate
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit number 3! The combination of the pattern with the pinkish lining is lovely. I am a public school teacher, and with a nice blouse and some low shoes, it would be perfect. And pockets to put my pointer in—wow!
Wallis
April 13, 2016 #
I made version 3 for myself and can vouch that the pockets are quite handy. Can’t wait to see yours!
RoxAnne
April 12, 2016 #
Love kit 3. Would like to challenge myself with the welt pocket- All the pocket variations are the best part of this skirt.
Sarai
April 13, 2016 #
Go for it! I love love love to sew welt pockets.
Mel
April 12, 2016 #
I’d pick the denim kit, thanks for the chance!
Anoush
April 12, 2016 #
I love the red gabardine! What a beautiful color!
Regina
April 12, 2016 #
I love Kit 2 – polka dots are the best!
Kaoru Marie
April 12, 2016 #
What a great classic, tailored wardrobe staple. I keep telling myself to get on the pencil skirt train for its simple sophisticated look. The cotton rayon suiting fabric kit would definitely fit into my work wardrobe. Thx for the giveaway opportunity!
Pam Quiros
April 12, 2016 #
I love this new design and all three kits. I am leaning towards the last one in grey cotton rayon because of the texture.
Esther
April 12, 2016 #
I like the denim because it’s hearty and sharp looking.
I like the cotton rayon for the textural print Fiber design.
How would you recommend a more conservative woman who prefers more length adjust this new design?
Haley
April 12, 2016 #
Hi Esther, Selene comes with built-in lengthening lines, making it easy to modify to your preference. Selene would look really lovely with a longer hemline!
Lucy
April 12, 2016 #
How would this work for someone with a slightly larger behind who did not want it to be too figure hugging?
Haley
April 12, 2016 #
This is a fit issue I work around often on my own body. Typically, I start by grading between sizes. I recently made a Selene muslin, grading from a 12 at the waist to a 14 at the hip. After trying on my muslin, I then decided to add an extra 3/4″ of ease to just the back. I would recommend taking a similar course of action. Start by grading between sizes based on your body measurements and make a muslin, that is a step I can never afford to skip when making things that will hug my behind.
Esther
April 12, 2016 #
I actually protrude in front and am rather flat behind. Any more recommendations?
Haley
April 12, 2016 #
I would recommend cutting a size based off your hip measurement, then executing a full abdomen adjustment. This tutorial is great.
Lucy
April 13, 2016 #
Thankyou. And to be super tiresome, (though I do want to know,) can you point me to a good tut. on ease? I have the same problem as Esther- my tummy protrudes a bit, and so does my behind. Im a kind of zigzag. I have never looked or dealt with adding ease before, and not sure how you’d do it on the back of a skirt. (Do you just add some extra width to the pattern piece?)
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
Hi Lucy, your 28″ waist and 36″ hip means that you fall into a 2 at the hip and a 6 at the waist. I would recommend grading between sizes and doing a full abdomen adjustment. At this point I would then make a muslin to check you adjustments. You may find that you still want to add a bit of ease. To add ease, just add extra width at the side seam of the back skirt. Ease should always be added at the side seams and never at the center front or back.
Lucy
April 13, 2016 #
I may add that my waist measures 28″ and my hips 36″… what size would be begin with?
Anne Johnson
April 12, 2016 #
Selene is a great addition to your collection of classically styled clothes that also teach newish sewers about garment construction. I particularly like kit 3. I can see using it to make version 2, maybe even using some of the lining for the welts.
Jude
April 12, 2016 #
I love them all! Winning either would make my day!
Teresa
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2 is adorable, would love to win it.
Gabriela Viveiros
April 12, 2016 #
Hello!
Kit two is AMAZING! My favorite colors ever and ever!!
I have been trying to reconnect to sewing, it used to be something that really made me happy. Due to some life events we drift apart… Now I want to go back to smiling again!
I love all your patterns! This skirt is beautiful, I loved the pockets on vesion 3! Such an interesting design element!
Thanks!
Meg
April 13, 2016 #
I really hope you start sewing again soon! Breaks can be healthy when you need them, but it sounds like it’s something that made you really happy. Good luck!
Gabriela Viveiros
April 13, 2016 #
Thank you so much! I really did! =)
Liesel
April 12, 2016 #
Wow! Love the look of this pattern! And all the kits are amazing! If i had to choose, the red one would be my favorite :)
Veronica
April 12, 2016 #
I adore kit 3, the Selene skirt is simple enough in design to have a fun print. And I love the combination of gray and pink. Even if no one will see the pink lining, I’ll know it’s there!
Meggan
April 12, 2016 #
Kit two is my favorite, but kit three is a close second.
Rena Katinas
April 12, 2016 #
I love it, ordered and can’t wait for it to appear in my mailbox!
Two questions, what does sweep refer to in the finished measurements?
Can a swayback adjustment be made by slightly reshaping the darts (curving them a bit?) I probably would like to sew one up before any sew-alongs get under way.
All three kits are terrific, but I’ll say number two just because it’s the most versatile for upcoming warm weather and will still do well into autumn!
Haley
April 12, 2016 #
Hi Rena, those are two excellent questions.
The sweep refers to the hem circumference.
Adding a slight curve to the back darts is a good starting point, if you are still experiencing fabric puddling, you may also want to reshape the back waistline, eliminating some fabric at the center back. If you also make this adjustment, be sure to add length at the hem to compensate for the length removed from the waist.
Hope this is helpful!
Rena Katinas
April 12, 2016 #
Thanks Haley! I have a pretty deep curve at my lower spine, so a two pronged adjustment sounds like the way to go!. Once the swayback is dealt with I can make a bunch like I have with the Ginger pattern. It definitely looks like a great stash buster!
Nichelle
April 12, 2016 #
Love kit #2!!! Denim is so versatile and can be dressed up or down. This denim + the Selene skirt pattern = a year round wardrobe staple.
Shanti
April 12, 2016 #
Gorgeous! I love the inspiration behind the skirt, so classic and wearable.
The kits are all lovely but #3 would be my preference.
Anna
April 12, 2016 #
Oh! I’m really loving your new pattern and the incredible styling of the photos! So a big congrats on designing a pattern with such great versatility and style. I’m also loving all three of the kits but I guess if I had to pick one it would be kit #3, with the notched pockets.
Sarai
April 13, 2016 #
Thanks Anna!
Dulcie
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit 3 – rayon is dreamy to sew with and wear.
KZ.
April 12, 2016 #
ooh, I LOVE pencil skirts!! and I love the lipstick red wool of Kit #1. Congrats on the launch!
ZaraD
April 12, 2016 #
Oh what beautiful skirts and kits, I think kit 2 with the denim and polka dot is a winner for me!
Ibijau
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2 would be trully gorgeous… Selene makes me want to give pencil skirts a try!
Jennifer
April 12, 2016 #
I absolutely love all of them, but I have to say, the combination of denim and polka dots is so pretty! I’m a very new sewer and so I look forward to learning new techniques with each project. The part I often struggle with is choosing fabric (what goes together, what would look good with the pattern, etc). Thank you for taking all the guess work out of it!
Christa
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3! Ohmylanta!!
Victoria Moreno-Jackson
April 12, 2016 #
I love the colors in kit 3!
Lorelei
April 12, 2016 #
I love Kit 2! Beautiful looking skirt
Iris
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is my favorite!
Jamie
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit #3! They are all so gorgeous, though!
Christine
April 12, 2016 #
All three kits are gorgeous (as is the pattern!), but my favorite is number 3. I’ve never sewn a lined skirt before and would love to give this a try!
Charlotte
April 12, 2016 #
I’m drooling over that suiting! The blush lining!
Jenny
April 12, 2016 #
The denim kit is my favorite. Good looking, versatile, AND comfortable. I like style version 3. Can’t have clothes for work that don’t have pockets!
lisa carver
April 12, 2016 #
They are all great kits. I absolutely love the red wool gabardine and would love to try doing welt pockets.
Sarah Moore
April 12, 2016 #
I love the fabric choices in kit 3, but kit 2 is a close second!
Tiffany
April 12, 2016 #
Oh, I’m enjoying this stylish and classic pattern. I’m drawn to the pretty, classic wool in kit #3, but the idea of a denim skirt in kit #2 with the notched pockets fits my lifestyle better and I just love that polka dot lining, so that wins out for me. : )
Anna-Marie
April 12, 2016 #
Love the red, great new pattern.
Camille Bock
April 12, 2016 #
Love kit #3! Kit #1 next favorite .
Sandy
April 12, 2016 #
I like kit #3. I am a conservative dresser and I like the fabric included in #3 to wear for a variety of occasions. I’m ordering the pattern and hope to win the kit. I really like pencil skirts and they are hard to find in ready made in the right size, style and length. I love the pockets on version #3 of the pattern. also. I love pockets in any garment. Whether I win the kit or not, I’m definitely going to make the skirt.
Erin
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit 1! Can’t wait to sew this myself :)
cheryl parmenter
April 12, 2016 #
Love the simplicity of kit 1 and 2, but kit 3 would be so fun to style for work and play!
Grace
April 12, 2016 #
Congrats on creating a pattern that is both a wardrobe staple AND fills a whole in the market with the lined vent! All three kits are lovely, and I think denim one is divine, but I think I’d go for the 3rd kit with the rayon cotton suiting if I had the chance and I’d make the 2nd version with the welt pocket.
Tracy
April 12, 2016 #
I love red, pick me!
Courtney
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is beautiful! :)
Shauna
April 12, 2016 #
That is a tough decision! I think I would have to go with Kit 3 since it’s the one I would be able to wear the most (although I love a bold red and a dark denim!).
robin
April 12, 2016 #
I loooove that denim with polka dots!
Paula
April 12, 2016 #
Really lovely pattern! If I were to pick one kit, it would have to be the tweed (love me a tweed).
Jill
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 1 looks so awesome to me – red is such powerful, yet fun color. Although Kit 3 could easily get me over my fear of printed bottoms! Excited for the new pattern, too!
Sam
April 12, 2016 #
Wow, I love them all but since I already have denim & red linen in my stash I would love kit 3 please, that way I could make them all!
Thanks for the opportunity.
amanda
April 12, 2016 #
The lipstick red fabric is just perfect for this skirt. This is a great staple with fun options that make it interesting. Great pattern!
Paula C
April 12, 2016 #
Wow this skirt! Totally what I love to wear. On top of that, you’ve given 3 fantastic choices–so hard to choose. I think I would go with the red, or the denim…so hard! Love the pattern. I’ll be purchasing very soon–thanks
Mary
April 12, 2016 #
Pick my favorite kit??!! That’s a Sophie’s choice! Okay, I’d have to say #2 the denim kit is my favorite, followed closely by #3 the patterned suiting. Love them all though!
Sarah Whitten
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is great with the subtle pattern in the classic sophistication of the business gray. I’d wear it to work and out to dinner with the boyfriend with my favorite black suede wedges.
Jen P
April 12, 2016 #
What a lovely pattern. I can see making each version. Of the kits, 2 would be my first choice, followed by 1. Thanks for another great pattern!
knitmo
April 12, 2016 #
It’s pretty difficult to decide which kit is a favorite. The third kit and suiting would allow for a maximum flexibility for a work workhorse.
I am smitten with the wonderful pocketing details — what a way to elevate a simple pencil skirt.
Brigitte Devalois
April 12, 2016 #
I love the skirt! All three variations are great!
My favorite kit is #3. I love working with different patterns and textures of fabrics.. I can see myself using this kit for version 3 with the notch pocket.
Congrats on a great looking new pattern!
Kathryn Jones
April 12, 2016 #
Kit no. 2 for SURE!!!
I am a denim NUT and would LOVE to make this as my FIRST pattern from Colette! I have been drooling over your style and am losing a lot of weight! I’m in serious NEED of a STAPLE skirt for my new wardrobe and I want it to begin with a new Selene Denim skirt kit from Colette Patterns! ♥ BTW – I would make it with the diagonal seamed pockets – SO FLATTERING!
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
Version three and a gorgeous dark wash denim are a match made in heaven!!
Kathryn Jones
April 13, 2016 #
you betcha Haley! ♥
Sheri
April 12, 2016 #
I absolutely love the red kit…it will be an amazing staple to my work wardrobe..I can’t wait to sew up several versions of this skirt!
S
April 12, 2016 #
Oh I would love the red wool! It’s such a vibrant colour!
Sandi Pratt
April 12, 2016 #
I love me a denim skirt !! I can’t wait to get this and sew it up and learn some new skills. Fingers crossed !
Laura F.
April 12, 2016 #
I have so many dark blue, black, and brown clothing items that I would love the red fabric kit!
Samantha
April 12, 2016 #
I would love either Kit 1 or 3!
Sandra fraile
April 12, 2016 #
Love denim and love the kit two,this skirt is lovely!
Nele
April 12, 2016 #
I would go for kit #3, no doubt! But they all do look wonderful. I’m pleasantly surprised with this skirt, I love it!
Melissa
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit 3!!! That fabric looks amazing!
Krista
April 12, 2016 #
I love hearing the story behind it–makes me twice as likely to buy it! :) It has some great design features to it–I bet I would learn a lot by sewing it.
erica
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit 3!
Katie Jones
April 12, 2016 #
Loving that lipstick red wool!
Valerie
April 12, 2016 #
I’m having trouble deciding! I think ultimately Kit 3 is the winner. Although, that red is definitely screaming fun.
joy zemrock
April 12, 2016 #
They’re all gorgeous, but I really like kit #2!
Denise
April 12, 2016 #
You are a peach for hosting such a fabulous giveaway! I want the maraschino cherry wool prize. And what a flattering new design. I am eager to make it.
Leslie
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2 would get the most use in my casual wardrobe. Great new pattern! Thanks for the giveaway.
Detra
April 12, 2016 #
I am really liking the cotton rayon yarn dyed suiting skirt. It can would work for me at work, going out to dinner and church. Pick me. Thanks.
Penelope
April 12, 2016 #
Wow – kit three would look amazing with those fabulous pockets.
Linda
April 12, 2016 #
They are all GREAT! I do, however, love the vintage styling with those welt pockets. All three fabric and lining kits would create an amazing garment, but I think the #3 rayon kit would render that true vintage-y look. Exciting!
Olivia Hart
April 12, 2016 #
Kit one! Who doesn’t need a lipstick red tailored skirt?! The others look nice too but I’m not one to go quietly!
Catherine
April 12, 2016 #
I love the colors and patterning of Kit 3. I’m very excited by this new pattern!
Michelle
April 12, 2016 #
The rayon shirting would make a gorgeous addition to my closet! It would be the star of my spring/summer wardrobe. The Selene is now on my list of to-makes, this kind of high-waisted skirt is so flattering on so many. Kudos to the designers!
Toya
April 12, 2016 #
Arrgghh so hard to choose as they are all lovely. At a push kit no 2.
Christine
April 12, 2016 #
I am really loving the pockets in version 3 of the skirt. And I really want to make it out of kit #2. The denim and cut are so perfect for my casual office and it would transition so easily into evening. So perfect. And the dots make me so happy. I love a fun lining. I’d need to make sure to line the pockets so I could see it from time to time while I wear it too.
Anokhee
April 12, 2016 #
All my life, I have been self conscious of my chicken legs and knobby knees. When I used to try on skirts in stores, I would inevitably veto the purchase because my insecurity would win out over my desire to dress freely.
A few years ago, I started sewing and my whole attitude towards my body has changed! Instead of feeling inadequate because I don’t look good in store-bought clothes, I feel in control because I can make exactly what flatters me.
My goal for this spring and summer is to wear skirts at least half of the week – kit 2 would be a wonderful starting point!!!
Meg
April 13, 2016 #
My nickname used to be “Meg Chicken Legs”, so I totally understand where you are coming from. It’s amazing how empowering sewing can be for your body image! Happy sewing :)
Prairie Lark
April 12, 2016 #
Love kit two! It adds this stylish staple in a fabric that blends with my current coordinates. This will be my second Collette pattern!
mjb
April 12, 2016 #
Number 3!
nickkole e huerta
April 12, 2016 #
Love set three! I’m not sure which style I’d make. They’re all nice!
Chui
April 12, 2016 #
I love all the pocket options! My favotive is kit one but they all look great.
Anja
April 12, 2016 #
I would absolutely LOVE to make version three in that vibrant red! Va-va-va-voom! Off to order my pattern now ….
Lindsay
April 12, 2016 #
Oooh I love the print in kit #3. Another great pattern to add to my stash. Thanks, Colette Patterns!
Melise
April 12, 2016 #
Wow…I love Kit #3–that fabric is fantastic. And I really LOVE version #3 with the notched pockets.
Louise Roberts
April 12, 2016 #
For me it would have to be kit 3, patterns are a must; lovely with a simple black shirt, top for work, and black opaque tights to show the skort off.
meredith
April 12, 2016 #
I love them all. My favorite is probably the grey with pink lining.
Erica Cronin
April 12, 2016 #
I would make the classic( love those pockets) in the denim! A great take on the menswear look plus I live in my jeans- why not show a little leg!?!
Meagan Grant
April 12, 2016 #
I would pick Kit 1, I always need more colour in my life.
Terry
April 12, 2016 #
kit 2 is totally my style!! now off to order my pattern!
Lisa Gregory
April 12, 2016 #
Lipstick red will alway call to me as will pockets. So i would make version 3 with it.