Sign In
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
Logan
April 12, 2016 #
Love those diagonal seamed pockets.
Anne
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is my favourite. Love a rayon lining…
Danette
April 12, 2016 #
Love the dark wash denim! I don’t sew many garments, but this looks like something I would love to try. Thank you!
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
I have to say that the pattern team knocked it out of the park with the instructions. The highly detailed step-by-step directions make this pattern a fun challenge!
Veena
April 12, 2016 #
The lipstick red one is my favourite. I could see it working nicely as a tailored work skirt!
Eliz
April 12, 2016 #
Fantastic skirt and I like the fact that you use a real person and not a twig for a model. Now I know that this skirt will look great for me. I would like #3, or #2, but since I never win anything, I will be buying this on pay day.
Kelley
April 12, 2016 #
Oh my – I LOVE kit 3!
Jen Shepherd
April 12, 2016 #
I absolutely love all three, but I’d probably go for kit 3. I’m excited to try this pattern!
Suzanne Lavoie
April 12, 2016 #
It is hard to decide but I love the denim with the polkadot lining!
Anabel
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit number 2!
Katie Zellner
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2 is beautiful! I love the polka dot lining so much! Version three is beautiful and I am so excited to make this to develop my work and interview wardrobe.
ellen
April 12, 2016 #
This is such a great pattern! I would say that kit # 1 is my favorite!
Anne
April 12, 2016 #
Oh, so difficult. I like the new pattern. I like versions 2 and 3 best. I’d like to win kit 3 to make version 3.
Katherine McFatridge
April 12, 2016 #
Kit three certainly has my heart! I’m a sucker for a subtle pattern and I’m thrilled about this release because I wear skirts almost exclusively outside of work.
Rhian
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2 is really cute, especially the lining! I love this pattern – I would never normally buy something like it in a shop due to inevitable fit issues, but I’ve always wanted the perfect pencil skirt.
Sarai
April 13, 2016 #
Yeah, that’s the greatest thing about sewing, right? :)
Karen
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 in version 3 for sure! The red is a close second, but that subdued palette.
Julie H
April 12, 2016 #
Loving the gray/pink rayon version :)
Kaelyn
April 12, 2016 #
I’d love to make kit 3 in version 3! I love those pockets!
Susan
April 12, 2016 #
Kit @2 (denim and dots) is the one for me, and I’d do the welt pockets! Great looking skirt.
Lucy
April 12, 2016 #
Lovely. You tricked me into thinking it was a top or dress:)
Max Mechan
April 12, 2016 #
The rayon one I think. I like lightweight skirts. I love all the extras – pockets, darts etc you’ve included in the pattern. Lots of thought went into this. well done!
Gaëlle S.
April 12, 2016 #
That pattern looks fabulous, and I love knowing the story behind a design! :) I find the 2nd kit very inspiring, so that would be my choice.
Chandra
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2 is my favorite but they’re all beautiful!!
Miet
April 12, 2016 #
I like both Kit 2 and 3 a lot, but my favourite is Kit 2. Lovely skirt, too!
Lynette
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is really lovely!
Claudia
April 12, 2016 #
Oh, I love the pocket options! Would like to make the skirt with Kit 3! :-)
Teri
April 12, 2016 #
I love the third kit! The suiting fabric is gorgeous!
Annie L
April 12, 2016 #
Just bought the Selene pattern and already I’m dreaming up different skirts to make! Kit 3 is gorgeous but kit 2 is my absolute fravourite. The versatility of blue in my wardrobe is limitless. Fingers crossed!
Annie L
April 12, 2016 #
*absolute favourite. I was much too excited to spellcheck, I guess.
Jen
April 12, 2016 #
I love Kit Three! The textured pattern on the fabric looks amazing!
Helen Reinders
April 12, 2016 #
Love this pattern and all the kits! My favourite one is the navy though. Congratulations on another smashing pattern#
Katie Teach
April 12, 2016 #
I think Kit 2 would be my choice – dress it up or dress it down, it would be any woman’s wardrobe staple!
Megan Mitchell
April 12, 2016 #
I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect denim skirt so Kit #2 would fit the bill perfectly!!
Brenda
April 12, 2016 #
The red wool for sure and i’d make it with the notched pockets!
Sarah
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2 I’d love a denim versions 3. Such a fantastic design and with pockets it would be worn everywhere :)
Henna
April 12, 2016 #
The first kit is gorgeous – love that shade of red!
Karrie
April 12, 2016 #
Kit #2 looks like it would fit in my everyday wardrobe. Love it! I’d make this into version #3!! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win!!
Ophelia Chang
April 12, 2016 #
I love Modern and Classic versions, and win or not, I’m doing it up in #1 and #3 kits. But I’d rather win, if you know what I mean! Thanks for the discount!
Karen
April 12, 2016 #
Kit three! (Although I love the kit two polka dots..) But kit three would be perfect for dinner out or a work function. <3
Tamara Shapiro
April 12, 2016 #
Love Kit # 3!!! Can’t wait to see it up ?
hannah bryant
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 would make such a beautiful skirt for work!
Mickey
April 12, 2016 #
I love skirts. They are so satisfying to make especially out of Kit 2. I love denim too!
Jill
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is beautiful! I love it Jill
Malin
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is my favourite and I would use it to make skirt version 2 with welt pockets.
Stylememary
April 12, 2016 #
I love that red wool! A classic style in a classic fabric never goes out of style.
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
I agree 100%!!
raquel
April 12, 2016 #
For me kit two or three! Beautiful skirt!
Allison Borst
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 looks AMAZING! Love that diamond pattern!
Penny
April 12, 2016 #
I would love kit #3! I think it would go with my conservative 62 year old taste!
Chris Waechter
April 12, 2016 #
I really like kit 3. It matched more of my wardrobe needs. I also like the first version of the skirt.
Wallis
April 13, 2016 #
Sounds like a great combo!
Anna
April 12, 2016 #
I just love the denim kit – Polka dots always win me over!
Patti
April 12, 2016 #
Definitely Kit #3 for my daughter’s professional wardrobe addition.
BeckyK
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit #2 for casual days and #3 for work…work probably the priority right now though. Fab pattern and looking forward to having a selfish sewing weekend :-)
Marilyn
April 12, 2016 #
I like the denim for versatility, and the dotted lining is a perfect touch. Also love that red wool…
Joanna McCreadie
April 12, 2016 #
Great design, especially like the details in each version. From sophisticated to just plain cool! Would love the denim version to sew for myself.
terri
April 12, 2016 #
I’ve always been more of a pants person, but Selene is gorgeous! Kit #3 would be the perfect addition to my wardrobe, although I do love the denim of kit #2…
Rose
April 12, 2016 #
Kit One is my favorite!
Jenn Goble
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is killing me with its loveliness! I was just wishing that Colette had a good pencil skirt with pockets pattern. Thanks for making my wish come true!
Sarai
April 13, 2016 #
Ha, I love when that happens! Glad we could oblige.
MJ
April 12, 2016 #
Either Kit 2 or 3 would be my choice. Looking forward to trying this pattern out!
Jennifer Dickinson
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 1! I need more red clothes.
Yvette
April 12, 2016 #
Luuuurvely! I’d go for the red kit. The fabric looks great quality and I don’t wear enough red!
Connie Fidgeon
April 12, 2016 #
Since I work at home most of the time, denim is the choice for me! I can wear it casually as well as dress it up for a more formal day. Plus, the polka dots rock! Even though they are on the lining, I will enjoy knowing they are there.
Sarai
April 13, 2016 #
So true, I just love a fun lining, even if I’m the only one who knows about it. On my Selene, I used the prettiest lilac silk and it makes me happy every time I put it on (or look inside the pockets).
Teronia
April 12, 2016 #
It’s a close toss up between the Red and Denim, but i’ve been dreaminnof a denim pencil skirt for at least a year so I’m going to choose Kit #2 as my favorite!
Maria
April 12, 2016 #
Definitely the Red! I love those welt pockets. Great looks all of them.
Christine Chin
April 12, 2016 #
Red wool! But they are all lovely.
Patricia
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is the bomb. Great skirt variations.
Patricia
Rachel
April 12, 2016 #
With warmer weather approaching, I need to add a few more skirts to my wardrobe. Kit 3 would be perfect for me!
Diane Palme
April 12, 2016 #
Loving the denim version and I am all over this pattern for my handwoven fabrics. Thank you!
Sarah Bonita
April 12, 2016 #
The new pattern looks beautiful, yet again! I love all the fabric selections as always, but I would have to say I’m most impressed by #3, so beautiful!
Anna
April 12, 2016 #
While all the kits are adorable, I think kit 3 is my favorite! The pattern on the fabric makes a little bit more unique and interesting while still remaining classy!
Sarah
April 12, 2016 #
I would wear all of the kits but I think the denim and polkadot would be my first choice! great new pattern :)
Elizabeth
April 12, 2016 #
I love the kit with the red fabric, it would be beautiful!
Laura
April 12, 2016 #
While I actually really like all of the kits, kit #2 is realistically the one that I would actually wear! I love the third version of the pattern. :)
Jeri
April 12, 2016 #
I am really loving the denim and polka dot, would love to wear it all season starting today!
Jana Bovet
April 12, 2016 #
Definitely the red Fabric!
@patterninspiration
Sheree
April 12, 2016 #
At first I was going to say the red gabardine. Red is my favorite color and that is the perfect shade of red. But then I saw the denim. I realized, I have not worn a denim skirt in a couple decades. And the polka dot lining fabric is just fun. So I say Kit 2, the denim version. Wish me luck! :)
barbara
April 12, 2016 #
Love the lipstick red! And the welt pockets! very nice.
Red Head
April 12, 2016 #
I love that this is classic and detailed. Thanks for assuming we have some skills. I like the denim kit best. The contrast with the pattern styling is great.
Sophie Bach
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit three, with the cotton rayon :-D Love the new pattern as well <3
Sandra
April 12, 2016 #
Love kit #2! As soon as I saw the new pattern I imagined it in denim.
Manette Gutterman
April 12, 2016 #
I love Kit 2! Great patterns!
Carmen So
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is my favorite.
Lorraine
April 12, 2016 #
Hands down that yarnbdyed suiting is gorgeous both as a print and a perfect staple to layer colorful tops with
Lorraine
April 12, 2016 #
Woops *yarn dyed
Ember
April 12, 2016 #
Love the denim! What a stellar looking skirt. Win or not…Selene needs to find her place in my collection.
Melia
April 12, 2016 #
It’s hard to pick between 2 and 3 but Kit 2 would definitely get more wear in my wardrobe….So 2 it is.
Wallis
April 13, 2016 #
You might surprise yourself! Sometimes I like to challenge myself by making something in a color or style I normally don’t wear, then I fall in love during the process.
Sherry
April 12, 2016 #
I love all three, but with summer on it’s way, I NEED kit 3!
Andrea
April 12, 2016 #
My favourite is kit 2 – it would make the Selene skirt a great fit for my pretty casual workplace.
Jan B
April 12, 2016 #
All the kits are lovely, and I love that all the notions are included. I love the red the most, I think.
Rachael Martin
April 12, 2016 #
Denim (#2) and version 3 would be amazing! So happy to see a pencil skirt added to your offering — I’ve been looking for one!
Amelia
April 12, 2016 #
All the kits look fab, but I think the red of kit 1 is the winner for me
Yvette
April 12, 2016 #
The red fabric in the skirt is just up my alley.
Elisa
April 12, 2016 #
Torn between the denim and the suiting, but I think it’s going to be that cool diamond print for the win! Lovely work!
Helen Sandoz
April 12, 2016 #
Love kit #3 and version #3
Lyndsey Stanfill
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2! Denim forever! I can’t wait to sew this!
Katie Emma
April 12, 2016 #
Nice work Kris! Kit #1 is my fav.
Gretchen
April 12, 2016 #
They are all lovely, but Kit 2, the denim is so my style. I LOVE Selene and can’t wait to sew it up! I have fabrics in my stash just waiting for this pattern.
Lelia Lyon
April 12, 2016 #
That red!! I already have the perfect lippie and shoes for it :) What a great pattern.
nothy
April 12, 2016 #
Definitely the denim – I love that lining fabric too!
Angela
April 12, 2016 #
I would pick the denim – but it is a hard choice, I love them all! And while I hadn’t planned on buying another pattern, this one looks wonderful!
Stephanie Kay
April 12, 2016 #
i would love the denim and version 2!
Esther
April 12, 2016 #
Selene – you are one smart girl! Love your effortless chic, both simple and elegant. I think we should be friends! Its a tough call but I think it’s kit #3 for me!
Kayla
April 12, 2016 #
I love red and denim so it’s hard to choose between the two! I normally wear dark color bottoms and it would be fun to change it up and add a classic silhouette in a vibrant red. Thanks for the chance to win the kit #1!
Lori Thornton
April 12, 2016 #
The cotton rayon #3 is perfect. Goes with everything! I’d love to win that :)