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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
Teresa Edington
April 12, 2016 #
Absolutely LOVE the cotton rayon for kit 3!!! This is a pattern that I could really learn from using.
Marlo
April 12, 2016 #
I like the dyed wool (kit 3) and a close second is the red fabric!
Wendy T
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3.
Kristen
April 12, 2016 #
Kit three is lovely! I like the pattern as well as the gray/pink color scheme.
MonicaAD
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 1 and Version 3 … FIESTA ;)
Katherine Coviello
April 12, 2016 #
The flirty #2 kit in the Modern version will suit me, and my closet, well. Giddy-up!
Sarai
April 12, 2016 #
Love #3. The subtle pattern is very chic.
Shannon
April 12, 2016 #
Definitely Kit 1. I’m a sucker for bold reds.
Anita Harkess
April 12, 2016 #
I’d love to win Kit Two, three dark denim. It would go with everything!
Lisa
April 12, 2016 #
I am so excited about this pattern! Literally yesterday I was thinking that I needed to make myself a pencil skirt for work but I don’t have a pattern I like. Then this pops up today!! Perfect. I really like the diagonal pockets with the notch! Really cool and classy :)
If I were lucky enough to win… I’d want kit 3! It would be a beautiful skirt to wear for work.
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
We must be operating on the same wave length! Can’t wait to see your version!
Ronni
April 12, 2016 #
Kit two for version two. But only because I don’t feel great in red. If I were just admiring someone else’s skirt, I’d have to say the red is tops! Can’t wait to try the pattern!
Melanie
April 12, 2016 #
Great new pattern! I love the pocket details. I think the denim and polka dot kit is my favourite!
Shiree
April 12, 2016 #
Kit #2. Denim, Denim, Denim! A denim skirt is always in style. I’ve missed have a nicely tailored denim skirt in my wardrobe. For past two years I have been increasingly making more of my clothes. I would love to make a new denim skirt!
Looking forwarding to adding Selene to my collection of Colette patterns.
Kristin
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is my favorite! And what a great excuse to conquer welt pockets. :)
Olga
April 12, 2016 #
Beautiful skirt! I love pencil skirts and the welt pockets are a neat design element. I love the first and 2nd kits the most. I usually gravitate towards cooler colors, but the classic red wool is perfect for this skirt.
Kimberlee
April 12, 2016 #
I can’t decide between 2 & 3, but the polka dot lining gets me. And color blocking with denim would be fun.
Ann Jackson
April 12, 2016 #
Ohhhhh, I just can’t decide……………….
but if i must he grey with little welt pockets and I’ll have to make a swing grey overcoat for our Australian winter………..thanks for the opportunity
Cheers
Ann
M KP
April 12, 2016 #
This pattern is perfect to share with my French daughter in law who lives in Avignon. I would choose kit 3 ….we both love gray to wear with orange.
Pam
April 12, 2016 #
Love Kit 2. The denim in Selene would make a casual yet dressy skirt that can be worn many places! This is a great pattern! I’d make version 3.
Adi
April 12, 2016 #
I usually dont wear skirt…maybe this is the pushI I need;)
I like the second kit, jeanes pretty much goes with anything!
Lenney
April 12, 2016 #
I like all the kits, but I would LOVE to win kit 3. It’s perfect for year round wear in southern CA.
Carol
April 12, 2016 #
Oh the first kit is amazing. Who doesn’t need a little red skirt in her wardrobe?! Move over little black dress, the red pencil skirt is here!
Cathy
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is my choice, though all are great!
J
April 12, 2016 #
Oooh they are all lovely, kit 3 would be a switch up for me!
Airie
April 12, 2016 #
All really lovely choices, but kit #2 the denim with polka dot lining is a personal favourite and something I can easily see myself wearing everyday. Really like the pocket options also.
Annette
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2 is lovely!
Eme
April 12, 2016 #
They are all lovely, but I’ll pick the number 2 because I loooove me some polka dots
Kathy
April 12, 2016 #
I have been waiting for a pattern with all those detail and the instructions to complete them. Well, I’ve ordered the pattern and now I just want to win the kit. I’ll take the red please.
Bridget
April 12, 2016 #
It has to be kit 1, I love that red shade.
Maya
April 12, 2016 #
I would love to make Version 3 The Modern Classic with Kit #3.
The diagonal notched pocket detail gives an edgy detail to this elegant skirt, which I’m in love with. Paired with the patterned suiting fabric from Kit #3, I think this skirt would give off a smart casual look that’s great for work/formal events. And of course the pink rayon lining will give a secret soft feminine touch to it.
I love that this combination will have both strong stylish elements, as well as a soft elegance!
Mags
April 12, 2016 #
I would love to win kit 1′ oo la la!
Hannah
April 12, 2016 #
This pattern looks amazing! My fave has to be kit 3, made in version 3.
Whiti
April 12, 2016 #
The red kit is my favourite! Perfect for cooler weather in the Southern Hemisphere.
Beatriz andrada
April 12, 2016 #
The denim one is fantastic!
Sica
April 12, 2016 #
Waouh! Cette jupe est vraiment très élégante, avec plusieurs déclinaisons possible, un vrai must-have!
Merci à toute l’équipe de Colette pour ce très beau patron!
Merci aussi pour ce petit jeu, difficile de choisir un kit, ils sont tous très beau! Allez, si la France peut participer, je choisis le kit 2!
Ruth
April 13, 2016 #
Love kit 3 and seriously need to make some interesting work wear.
Linda Rees
April 13, 2016 #
I love this pattern! I think it will suit all ages and body shapes, too,. And thank you for using such a gorgeous, womanly model. I am often put off buying patterns where models are too skinny, because I would feel like I was supporting the ‘anorexic’ look and as the mother and grandmother of four girls I can’t justify this. I think the kits you have put together are perfect, I especially like the spotted linings, I wouldn’t have thought of that. My favourite is the third kit because the colours together look so delicate. I am off now to buy the pattern!
Susan Broers
April 13, 2016 #
Kit 2 because: polkadots and denim! great combo :)
Erin
April 13, 2016 #
All those combos are incredible but I’ve got to say #1 with that lipstick red wool is my favorite. Bright red can be considereda “neutral” right?
Becca Reho
April 13, 2016 #
It’s a tough choice but I love kit two.
Kirsty
April 13, 2016 #
All three photos are glorious – and will be stunning skirts…but there is something about that bright red that makes my heart sing! I can imagine it making a beautiful work skirt.
francesca
April 13, 2016 #
Love this pattern – and the red kit! What a stunning combo!
Jane
April 13, 2016 #
Kit #2 looks fab! That polka dot lining. This looks like an awesome pattern to try out, and I love that it comes in the extended size range!
Kate Dawson
April 13, 2016 #
I have been plucking up the courage to move from pyjama pants to a skirt – and this looks just the one! A stunning racy red that will put a spring in my ‘oh I can’t believe I made it myself’ step!!! How clever are you – thank you for a pattern I can really see me making up :-)
Lucy
April 13, 2016 #
What is ‘sweep’ in the finished garment measurements?
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
Sweep refers to the circumference of the hem.
Nina
April 13, 2016 #
Love the look of kit 2 and the skirt is beautiful. I can’t wait to try version 3.
Jessica
April 13, 2016 #
Kit 3!!
Maria
April 13, 2016 #
I really like kit 3. the diamond designs are cute
Rebecca
April 13, 2016 #
Great pattern. Love kit 3.
Susanne
April 13, 2016 #
I really love Kit 1 – this vibrant red is amazing! Fingers crossed…
Aga Pyl
April 13, 2016 #
Absolutely, loved Kit Three. With cotton rayon yarn dyed suiting, pink rayon lining.
I love a gray fabric with interesting pattern, makes it fascinating. It stirred my imagination many of non-obvious solutions. I love such ordinary colours that after sewing, turn out to be stunning and to intrigue. :)
Julie E
April 13, 2016 #
I’ve been looking for a great skirt pattern for a while & now I’ve found it! Selene is exactly the sort of thing I’ve been searching for. Kit 2 would definitely be the one for me as the polka dot lining is inspired :-)
Anne Davey
April 13, 2016 #
It would definitely be Kit 3 for me. It would be great for work, but then I couls wear it at the weekend with my favourite t-shirt – effortless dressing!
Hannah Ellis
April 13, 2016 #
Oh wow these are all lovely! But I think kit 3 is the one I could most see working for me! I would also make version 3 :)
S Fernandez
April 13, 2016 #
Gosh! Kit 3 looks beautiful with the slanted pockets. I love it!
Katie
April 13, 2016 #
So hard to choose as all 3 are so lovely! I think it would have to be kit 3 though, it would be a lovely option to wear to the office!
Jennifer Oliver
April 13, 2016 #
All three versions looks dreamy, I think #3 would be my fave on balance… so much inspiration!
Amy
April 13, 2016 #
Ah perfect timing, pencil skirts are on my list for the Aussie winter! All kits look gorgeous, but #2 would be my pick as I’m sorely lacking a denim skirt. X
JoJo Kanner
April 13, 2016 #
Whoa, Nelly! These kits are a sewist’s DREAM! Throw my name in the hat for any one of them…Thank you Colette for the endless inspiration! :-)
Diana
April 13, 2016 #
I’d go for the Kit 3, love the colors and would wear it with any black grey white tops this spring
Elizabeth
April 13, 2016 #
What perfect timing – I spent an unreasonable amount of time this weekend looking for a suitable pencil skirt pattern, and here is Selene! I would love to make it using kit 1 – love the red and the wool.
Wallis
April 13, 2016 #
What great timing! Can’t wait to see your completed skirt :)
Rhonna Jerauld
April 13, 2016 #
The gabardine (and the pattern!) look just lovely!!
Lealer Jenkins
April 13, 2016 #
My favorite is the red wool skirt. I love pencil skirts and this would be perfect for office wear.
Claire Mousley
April 13, 2016 #
Wow beautiful clasic designe. I’m love kit number three the yarn dyed rayon is fantastic.
Cre8ive
April 13, 2016 #
Wow beautiful clasic designe. I’m love kit number three the yarn dyed rayon is fantastic.
Amy
April 13, 2016 #
The third kit is definitely my favourite, grey and pink… Perfect! Congrats on another great pattern!
Krista Park
April 13, 2016 #
I live the third one. That rayon has such great texture! I really love the notched pockets, and I’m eager to do a lining.
Lisa Neely
April 13, 2016 #
Count me in! I’m working on zippers and linings so this pattern is perfect for me! And who doesn’t love a red skirt?
Tatjana Alakovic
April 13, 2016 #
This new pattern is just stunning. My favorite is red wool. I think that this classic style deserves a bold colour.
Carol S
April 13, 2016 #
Love them all, but picking the red.
Sharon
April 13, 2016 #
How did you know I’ve been searching for the perfect pencil skirt pattern on Pinterest for a month now & now I have it :) kit 3 is my fav
Brigid
April 13, 2016 #
I’d love the denim kit. And I think I’d love to use it to make version 3!
Jeanne Jones
April 13, 2016 #
I would love to win the denim skirt kit. I have bought several skirts this year and the denim would be perfect for my lifestyle-retired!
Ruth Kabzinski
April 13, 2016 #
Kit 2 please!
Patricia
April 13, 2016 #
Definitely Kit #3 – love the color and texture!! Great basic skirt pattern with some nice details to experiment with.
G
April 13, 2016 #
As I graduate from a professional degree program, I’m looking to sew pieces that will be work place appropriate staples. A Selene skirt in gray (Kit #3) would be a perfect, understated, but fashionable start to my professional wardrobe!
kelly
April 13, 2016 #
can’t decide between the red and the denim!
Lisa
April 13, 2016 #
I like kit #2! And I really love version 3. Great versatile basic with interesting details.
Deb
April 13, 2016 #
I love this skirt design! All 3 kits are great, I think I’ll pick kit #2. Thanks for the chance to win!
Nicole Eveland
April 13, 2016 #
I LOVE the diagonal notched pockets on version 3. I’d love to make my own with that red wool!
Sandee
April 13, 2016 #
The denim (kit # 2) is great for my lifestyle. This is great, not only will I get to learn some new techniques, but make something to suit my daily needs – no matter what the season.
Mary Ellen Eckels
April 13, 2016 #
I love the dark denim version – and the lining is so cute. Love the dots. I think I’ll make the modern version as I’m such a pocket fan – those are adorable.
Tammy Themel
April 13, 2016 #
Ooohhh. The denim is delicious. Yes please
Melissa Hoover
April 13, 2016 #
Kit 3! Love that fabric
Amanda W
April 13, 2016 #
I love kit 1, I would definitely make version 3 – I love a good pocket!
Sara C
April 13, 2016 #
Great pattern! I’d love any of these kits, but kit #2 would fit right into my wardrobe.
karen
April 13, 2016 #
I love them all, but if I had to choose it would be kit 3.
Thanks for the opportunity
Stephannie
April 13, 2016 #
I love all of them, but have to go with kit 3.
Nicole
April 13, 2016 #
Oooh, red wool is for sure my favourite.
Silje Bauge
April 13, 2016 #
I really liked kit nr 3. Would be perfect for me!
Lynn H
April 13, 2016 #
Love the red kit. Great tailoring details.
Kim
April 13, 2016 #
I would definitely pick kit three, since it is still modern yet classic.
Avrïl
April 13, 2016 #
My fave is Kit 3 – very elegant!
Tran Nguyen
April 13, 2016 #
I love Kit#3.. such a classic look, with good detailing.
Kat
April 13, 2016 #
The red one is definitely my favourite! Sexy but classy! (though denim is a close second…)
Paige Pederzani
April 13, 2016 #
I would make kit three in view three!
Aimee
April 13, 2016 #
I love it! I want to make one ASAP! I love all the kits but I know I’d wear the denim one the most.
Andrea
April 13, 2016 #
I love the denim! I’ve been looking for a denim pencil skirt and not finding what I want, so I’m excited to make it myself! Beautiful pattern!
Deb J
April 13, 2016 #
I love this skirt!! and the options… All 3 kits are beautiful, each in its own way… Given a choice I would choose to make #3 for the limitless options of dressing up, or down, with tops and accessories.
Now…. I am ordering the pattern and crossing my fingers for #3
Amanda
April 13, 2016 #
Love Kits 2 and 3, but if I had to choose, I’d say Kit 2 would be more of a wardrobe staple for me.