Summer 2023 Holiday Outfits – The Best Patterns and Fabrics

The weather warms up and suddenly we are digging out our holiday outfits from last summer and maybe finding that we want something new for this year to update our summer holiday wardrobes. At Fabrics Galore we have looked at what is trending on the high street as well as the best new patterns to create seven fabulous summer holiday outfits.

1. Trouser and Top Co-ord


The popular Friday Pattern Company Saguaro Set trouser and top co-ord is a real winner for summer as it is such a relaxed, loose fit with flowing drawstring trousers and pullover reversible V neckline top with optional tie; even better it can look as glamorous or as casual as you like depending on fabric choice and the addition of strappy sandals and jewellery for evening wear.

We love the khaki version of this but whatever fabric you choose it would easily take you from day to evening. Not only that, but you can wear the top with jeans on another occasion or the trousers with a floppy shirt or a t-shirt. The possibilities are endless…

Trouser and Top Co-ord Pattern

Friday Pattern Company Saguaro Set

Navy Tropical Leaf Print fabric Khaki brown washed linen fabric

Cotton Khaki Sand and Blue Jungle Trails and Washed Linen - Brew

2. Strappy Dress

We have mentioned this new dress pattern before, but we are big fans of the Rose Dress by Holly Dennett. This looks relaxed with a holiday boho vibe and features a curved front neckline and straight low back – highly flattering and so easy to wear. Another day to night outfit, when it’s just too hot to make a decision and you just want to float around.

Holly Dennett Rose Dress Pattern

Holly made it in our Linen and Cotton stripe lavender but if lavender is not your thing, we also do this in a lovely white and beige mix.

Linen and Cotton Mix Lavender stripe fabric Linen and Cotton Mix Beige stripe fabric

Linen and Cotton Mix Stripe in Lavender and Beige

Strappy dresses are everywhere this summer and The Paloma Dress pattern by @ready_to_sew is 100% versatile with a gathered option for a looser strap dress or the straight and slinky version. See it beautifully illustrated at The Foldline who recommend a lightweight fabric such as linen or a drapey viscose.

Paloma Dress Pattern

Ready to Sew Paloma Dress Pattern

Pink washed linen fabric Printed blue viscose fabric

Candy Floss Pink Washed Linen and Petra Royal Blue Viscose

3. Breton Tee and Shorts

A Breton Tee somehow elevates the casual look of a standard T shirt and teamed with shorts is perfect for summer holiday daytime activities. We love the Tilly and The Buttons Coco Top and Dress which means you can make both versions for the price of one pattern.

Tilly & the Buttons Coco-Top and Dress Pattern

Navy Blue and Ecru cotton jersey stripe fabric Candy Stripe Cotton Jersey Fabric

Organic Cotton Jersey Navy & Ecru Breton Stripe and Candy Stripe Jersey

If you are looking for an easy to wear top to dress up shorts, how about a one shoulder top, this pattern by Juliana Martejevs is super quick and only needs a metre to whip up a slightly fancier Breton top. Great for being party ready, just add shorts and Birkenstocks.

Juliana Martejevs Cara Top

Shorts can be a tricky make but you only need to be a confident beginner to make the Wardrobe By Me Camp Shirt and Shorts pattern - the shorts are simple and comfy with an elasticated waist. Perfect for wandering around town or a beach day…

Shorts and Shirt pattern

Make in white or cream for serious holiday vibes....

White cotton fabric Ivory white linen fabric

Pure white cotton poplin and Ivory washed linen

4. Wide leg trousers and throw on shirt

We featured these wide leg trousers before in our Sustainable Summer Capsule Wardrobe blog and think they still look a treat as they can be dressed up or down. Obviously these would look marvellous in any of our washed linens, perfect for very hot days. But don’t just reach for the linen, if you are looking for a fabric that has the lovely texture of linen but with less ironing and hassle - how about stonewashed cotton.

High waist trouser pattern

Wardrobe by Me High Waist Pants

Lime Green striped linen fabric Stonewashed cotton fabric pink

Lime striped linen fabric and pink stonewashed cotton fabric

For the throw on shirt to wear with your wide leg trousers, look no further than the Wardrobe By Me Camp Shirt and Shorts Pattern above.

Me-Made Summer Holiday Outfits Sorted

These 7 patterns result in 7 different looks from 4 tops, 2 pairs of trousers, shorts and 2 dresses which we think make up the perfect summer holiday wardrobe especially if you like packing light. For more fabric recommendations which would be ideal for the featured patterns please contact our friendly team at Fabrics Galore on [email protected] or call the shop on 020 7738 9589 .

Feature Image Credit Ethan Robertson on Unsplash

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