Sewing a Linen Matching Set with the Cashmerette Everett Shorts

Earlier this spring, I spent some time in New York and noticed two trends everywhere: cropped, boxy shirts and longer shorts. After seeing those silhouettes styled over and over again, I decided to lean fully into the trend with this matching linen set featuring the Cashmerette Everett shorts* and my hacked Vernon shirt. The cropped Vernon paired with the longer shorts feels relaxed, modern, and incredibly wearable for summer. Read on or watch here:

If you missed the beginning of this capsule wardrobe project, you can read all about the original plan, fabric selections, and seven-piece capsule concept here ➡️ Summer Capsule Sewing Plans & Fabrics.

Sewing the Cashmerette Everett Shorts

The Everett pattern* is such a fantastic summer basic.

It features:

• Elastic waist
• Front slash pockets
• Back patch pockets
• Optional belt loops
• Optional cuffed hem
• A subtle paper bag-style waistband detail

The waistband has a tiny gathered flange at the top that gives just a little visual interest without going full paper bag waist.

As someone with a very short torso, I appreciate that it’s subtle.

Click ➡️ HERE for a full review plus sew along for the Everette shorts.

My Fit Modification—Adding Width to the Leg

The Everett has a slightly slimmer leg shape by default, so I added a little extra width at the side seams.

It wasn’t much — roughly 5/8" per side seam — but it gave the shorts a straighter, more relaxed silhouette.

Sometimes an inch here or there makes a huge difference in how proportions look on a petite frame.

Why Lightweight Linen Works So Well for These Shorts

For this project, I used a beautiful tonal striped linen from Style Maker Fabrics.

It’s a lighter shirting-weight linen, which I normally would not choose for structured pants. But for relaxed elastic-waist shorts? It works beautifully.

The fabric feels lightweight, breathable, soft and comfortable to wear.

And because the waistband is fully elasticized, I’m not too worried about the linen relaxing throughout the day. (With more fitted linen pants, I often stabilize seams with cotton twill tape to prevent sagging, but these shorts don’t really need it.)

Playing with Stripe Direction

One of my favorite parts of this project was experimenting with stripe placement.

The front pocket bands were cut on the diagonal for subtle contrast, and I cut the back pockets on the cross grain so the horizontal stripes would actually stand out.

I wanted those back pockets to be visible instead of disappearing into the fabric.

It’s such a small detail, but details like that make handmade clothing feel extra special.

Want Help Matching Prints and Stripes?

If prints, plaids, or stripe matching feel intimidating, check out Fabric Print Matching mini course where I walk through:

• Stripe matching
• Plaid placement
• Large-scale prints
• Bias cutting
• Directional fabric planning

It’s designed to make print sewing feel much less overwhelming.

These Shorts Sew Up Fast

One of the best things about the Everett shorts is how quickly they come together.

Both matching set pieces were sewn in a single afternoon, and the shorts themselves probably only took about an hour start to finish.

That makes them great for beginner garment sewists, perfect for batch sewing, and ideal for summer wardrobe building.

Fast projects that you’ll actually wear are always satisfying.

Are You a Matching Set Person?

I have fully embraced matching sets over the last few years.

I love that you can:

• Wear the pieces together
• Break them apart
• Mix them with basics
• Create a wardrobe that feels cohesive without being boring

They just make getting dressed easier.

So now I want to know — are you on board with the matching set trend?

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