Sewing For My Sanity

From Fabric to Fabulous

Petite Winter Outfits: Styling Faux Leather & Sequins

A petite style guide featuring LASCANA. Learn how to style faux leather and sequins for the season, mixing DIY sewing patterns with ready-to-wear staples.

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Finding Sanity in the Winter Season

As we head into the busy winter season, my schedule as a pediatrician gets fuller, and my time in the sewing studio gets shorter. Maintaining my “sanity” means finding a balance between creating my own clothes and finding high-quality Ready-to-Wear (RTW) pieces that support my busy life.

This season, I’m partnering with LASCANA to curate the ultimate guide to petite winter outfits. I selected two standout pieces from their collection—the Sequin Bomber Jacket and the Faux Leather Dress—to see if they could pass my “sewist’s eye” test for construction, fit, and versatility.

Here is how I’m styling them three ways to create a versatile winter wardrobe that works for everything from the office to a special night out.

The Sewist’s Eye: Why Faux Leather?

As a sewist, I love the look of leather, but I know the challenge of sewing it! One wrong needle hole and the fabric is unforgiving. I’ve sewn with faux leather and real leather in the past; it’s fun and challenging all at the same time.

  • Sewing Tip: If you want to learn how to sew leather yourself, try this Seamwork tutorial for sewing with difficult (but beautiful!) fabrics.

That’s why finding a well-constructed RTW leather dress is such a sanity-saver. This LASCANA Faux Leather Dress fits my petite (4’11”) frame beautifully. The deep V-neck lengthens the torso, and the paneling provides a sleek, structured silhouette without being restrictive.

For My Sewists: This dress immediately reminded me of two of my favorite sewing patterns: McCall’s 7569 (which I’ve made in faux red leather!) and Simplicity 1314. Both feature similar color-blocking and structural lines. If you are a maker, you could easily hack either of those patterns to incorporate a deep V-neck for a similar vibe!

The Sewist’s Eye: Why This Faux Leather Dress Works

Leather is notoriously difficult to sew—one wrong needle hole, and the fabric is ruined. That is why finding a well-constructed RTW option is a sanity-saver.

This LASCANA Faux Leather Dress fits my petite (4’11”) frame beautifully. The deep V-neck lengthens the torso, and the paneling provides a sleek, structured silhouette without being restrictive.

For My Sewists:

This dress immediately reminded me of two patterns in my stash: McCall’s 7569 (which I’ve made in faux red leather!) and Simplicity 1314. Both feature similar color-blocking and structural lines. If you are looking to sew this look, you could hack the Simplicity bodice to mirror this sharp V-neckline for a sophisticated finish.

Look 1: The Office-Ready Layer

When planning petite winter outfits for a busy day at the clinic, I need to be professional but stylish. I layered a Ruffled Aritzia Blouse (Wilfred Caravel) underneath the dress. The soft texture of the birch-colored ruffles contrasts perfectly with the edge of the black leather.

Completer Pieces: I finished the look with my Rag and Bone black leather booties—my absolute go-to for comfort during long shifts! Honestly, I love these heels so much; I own more pairs of them than any other shoes in my closet. It is the most comfortable heel you will ever wear. I also added simple, elegant jewelry from Baby Gold and this gorgeous patchwork leather bag from Coach.

Look 2: Sleek & Sophisticated Evening

By simply removing the blouse, this piece transforms. Worn solo, the dress becomes a sleek, date-night staple. I added a chunky gold necklace to fill the neckline and grabbed a clutch. This is the definition of a “completer piece”—one item that does all the work for you.

Look 3: Fabric Fun with Texture

Sometimes, you just need to sparkle! This LASCANA Sequin Bomber Jacket is pure joy. It’s lightweight but makes a massive statement.

I paired it with Spanx Faux Leather Leggings and my Bocage Rider Boots for a look that is comfortable enough for a family gathering but festive enough for a night out.

The Verdict

Whether you are sewing your own wardrobe or curating perfect pieces, the goal is to feel confident. LASCANA has delivered on quality and fit, giving me a stylish break from the sewing machine during this busy season.

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(Disclaimer: LASCANA items were gifted. All styling and opinions are my own.)