How to Wear the Carolyn PJ Top for Street Style
The fabric for this post was purchased with my fabric partner discount from The Sewing Workshop. All words and opinions are my own.
Hello hello!
I’ve had this top in mind for several months and I’m really excited to finally share my finished Carolyn top that I made for the final month of #SewMyStyle2019. Check it out!
About a year and a half ago friend and sewing inspo, Tori, shared a photo of her black and white polka dot Carolyn shirt styled for daily wear and I absolutely loved it! I felt like it was the same kind of idea as the Sonnet James playsuit, but less obviously pajamas. It looked so sharp and totally comfortable, and I logged it away for a future make. So when I found out I’d be a Sew My Style host for the month of December theme, pajamas, and that one of the featured patterns was going to be the Carolyn pajamas by Closet Case Patterns, I was ecstatic to take the opportunity to make my street style Carolyn.
The Carolyn pajamas are a woven pj pattern “designed for chic lounging” with a button up collared shirt and pants or shorts with an elasticized waist. Piping can be added for a classic pj look. Usually I make a 16 in Closet Case Patterns, but because I wanted to guarantee that the shirt wouldn’t be too snug since I did want it to be comfortable enough to sleep in if I wanted to, I went with an 18. I ended up narrowing the shoulder seam a little but kept most of the lounge-y, slightly oversized fit I was looking for. The 18 provided plenty of ease so I think for future versions I’d be just fine with the 16.
Back in May I bought this lip-tastic deadstock rayon from the Sewing Workshop. I don’t normally go for a black and red palette (my husband could tell you I’ve actually been outspokenly against that color combo), but I suppose some rules are meant to be broken—and it was totally worth it for this fun print! I only had a remnant cut so I didn't have a ton of it, but the piece I got was just the right amount for the shirt pattern, and I think its a perfect choice for a pajama top that can double for daily wear.
If you want to try out this style, here are a couple of tips for integrating pjs into your normal wardrobe:
Prints will make all the difference. You’ll obviously feel like you’re wearing jammies if your shirt has little sheep or similarly sleep-themed motifs (unless sheep are your thing, in which case, rock on!). If you’re making your own top, choose a print that you’d also be ok sewing up as any other blouse. Of course some patterns do double duty—I love Tori’s polka dot version. Its a classic pattern whether you’re making pajamas or day wear.
Fabric type also matters. My Carolyn top is made with rayon challis which doesn’t feel nearly as pj-like as something like flannel.
Style it up. Pop on some slim jeans (I’m a fan of black!) to contrast with the lounge fit of the top, and give that shirt a french tuck for on-trend styling. I also chose a modern loafer shoe as a nod to swanky velvet loafer slippers one might wear with a classic pajama set (see exhibit A).
In the right fabric and with the right styling, the Carolyn top is quite literally secret pajamas!
What do you think of this style? Would you venture out in your jammy-jams? I’d love to hear what you think!
