Sewing a Capsule College Wardrobe: Plans for My Daughter

This fall, I’m sewing something extra special—my daughter’s capsule college wardrobe. Since she’s heading off to dorm life (with limited closet space!), we sat down together to plan a mix of comfy, versatile, and stylish pieces that can be layered and worn in lots of different ways. The best part is everything is coming straight from my fabric stash, thanks to the color palette we’ve built for her wardrobe over the years. Read on or watch here:

She’s had her colors done through Color Guru and is a Calm Summer, which makes fabric pulling a dream. With 35 harmonious shades that all mix and match, I can shop my stash confidently knowing the pieces will coordinate beautifully. Working within a set palette also keeps her wardrobe cohesive and ensures she can maximize every inch of her tiny dorm closet. If you’re curious about finding your own season, you can use my code TOMKATCOLOR for 10% off any package

Here's what I have planned to sew for her.  Don't forget to check my RESOURCES page for additional coupon codes!

Workout Wardrobe

Since her dorm is right next to the university rec center, she wanted some gym clothes. I cut everything from stash fabrics in her Calm Summer colors.

• Greenstyle Stride Shorts & Leggings – bike shorts in purple and navy, plus two pairs of full-length leggings for cooler months.
• Greenstyle Power Sports Bra – one purple, one navy. A perfect fit for her!
• Workout tops will be store-bought since I don’t have the right fabrics for those.

 Corset & Lace Layering Top

• Louisa Patterns Corset – recycled from thrifted jeans, lined with periwinkle cotton sateen. We’re modifying the design to lace up the sides instead of the back.
• Seamwork Greer* (hacked into a top) – sheer stretch lace mock-neck with bell sleeves, meant for layering under the corset or vests.

 Pajamas

• Love Notions Luna Loungewear Shorts* paired with a Love Notions Summer Basics Tank* (with a built-in shelf bra for dorm comfort). The fabric is a fun cotton spandex knit with ice cream cones and popsicles.

 Casual Shorts

• Cashmerette Everett Shorts* – made from Brussels linen in a denim blue shade, no cuffs. A quick and comfy piece for late-summer wear.

 Blouse & Trousers

• Charm Patterns Marlene Blouse (Patreon pattern) – short-sleeved button-up in a lilac striped shirting. My daughter fits the Gertie block beautifully.
• Paradise Patterns Portilla Trousers (pleated version) – rayon twill wide-leg pants, perfect for the September transition into cooler weather.

 Denim Skirt

• Charm Patterns Ingrid Skirt – sewn in gray denim for an easy-care option instead of wool. She can style this with tees, blouses, or boots for versatile looks.

 Everyday Dress

• Charm Patterns Society Dress – knit dress version in striped French terry. Long sleeves, slightly below the knee, with endless styling options from sneakers to heels.

 Wrap Top

• Seamwork Idra Wrap Top* – cropped, billowy wrap blouse in a chambray tencel blend. It’ll pair perfectly with trousers, skirts, or even jeans for a denim-on-denim look

Sewing for my daughter as she starts college feels like such a meaningful project, and I can’t wait to share updates (and hopefully some photos!) as these pieces come together. If you’re planning your own capsule wardrobe or just looking for inspiration, don’t forget to check out the Resources page—it’s where I keep coupon codes, links to some of my favorite fabric stores, and pattern companies.

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