Inspiration + Styling Tips for Madalynne X Simplicity 8642

Did you hear? I released a new pattern with Simplicity – the 8624. Woo! It’s a high neck underwire bra with foam cups and a keyhole front opening. It features adjustable shoulder straps and a hook and eye closure at the center back. The undie is a low rise cheeky bikini style with the back intended to have scalloped lace edges. Click here if you missed the announcement post and want more details on the pattern as well as the kits I’ll be offering and the sew along I’ll be hosting. Today, I’m showing you the inspiration as well as suggestions for wearing high neck styles.

INSPIRATION:
Up until this point, the lingerie patterns I’ve offered are not the same as my RTW styles. So, if someone wanted to make the Barrett bralette or the Macie ruffle undie, they couldn’t, unless they purchased it and created a pattern from the garment. Going forward, it is my goal to merge the two so that if someone wanted to buy a Madalynne bra, they could, and if someone wanted to make a Madalynne bra, they could do that too. Side note – for you folks who are wondering about the Barrett and the Macie patterns. Yes, they’re coming this year ; )

The 8624 is based on the Margo bra, which I offered for sale in fall 2017. It is the blue bra pictured above. I was first drawn to high neck bra styles a few seasons back, and for my first true collection, this style was included in the line. Margo was also my mom’s name; when I left my corporate gig in August 2016, it was a must that one of the first things I designed was named after her.

HOW TO WEAR: High neck styles, whether lace or a knit/Lycra, is a relatively new trend to the lingerie world. Initially, I really like the silhouette, but got tripped up on how to wear it. For me to design and/or sew something, it has to be wearable. HAS.TO.BE. I first started experimenting with wearing high necks for every day with the Nina (which is available for sale here or to make here). And you know what I discovered? High necks go with a lot of outfits! Once you consider the bra/bralette a part of the outfit, it can becomes an interesting layer. Kind of like an undershirt but for women. The bra doesn’t have to be fully on display, just a little bit peeking out. See the 3 photos above – all are great ways to show it off without being over the top.

Some more styling advice – match the neckline of your bra to the neckline of your top. It’s a great way to embellish an otherwise simple neckline, especially when the bra is a contrasting color. Also, match the style of your bra to the style of your outfit. If you’re wearing a sporty get up, choose a sporty bra. If you’re wearing something a little more dressed up, choose something lacy. While not always true, these tips can help you put together a look.

I hope you all are as excited about the 8624 and find many ways to wear it. Please, please, please don’t hesitate to share your iterations! Upload on Instagram and use the hashtag #bramakingwithmadalynne and tag me @mmadalynne