The first time that I sewed the Style Arc Esme top was back in 2015. I sewed it again in 2016, then again in 2017. Good thing that I kept the pattern (ha! I rarely get rid of patterns) as I pulled it out for a fourth time earlier this year!

I’ve always sewn this in relatively structured fabrics; quilted, scuba, or double knits. This time around I used cotton/spandex from The Cloth Shop.

From the pattern page: This knit top has a fabulous bias cut collar that can stand fashionably high or turned over. Make it sleeveless or with sleeves for the cooler months. FABRIC SUGGESTION & DESCRIPTION: Ponte, Scuba or any fabric with a stretch component

As well as the collar, which is definitely a highlight, I like the high-low hemline with side splits. A fabric with some structure works nicely with this pattern to get the collar to roll and sit up nicely. If you’re sewing the collarless version you could easily try something a little more fluid.  I reckon that I could try it in a woven too – I have a small head that would probably fit through the collar.  There might not be enough boob room in a woven though.

I sewed size 12, and it’s quite roomy. I think that I shortened the sleeves an inch or two, or maybe just took a deeper hem than suggested. I am experimenting a bit with my colour palette at the moment now that my hair is greying, and quite like the way that this shade of pink works on me.

Worn here with Style Arc jeans (either Misty or Blakley) and Django & Juliette boots.