Just before Christmas I decided that my wardrobe would benefit greatly from the addition of these Country Road shorts, especially with our casual work period. I loved a couple of brightly coloured pairs (which they no longer have online) but couldn't get over the $70 price tag. I figured it couldn't be too difficult to use Simplicity 3686 to make something similar.
This pattern fits me pretty well so I knew I wouldn't need to make any fitting adjustments. I used the narrow leg view (view E and F) but if I was going to make these shorter then I'd make the leg slightly wider, but not as full as the other views.
I'm really happy with the look of the little details in these shorts, the silk lining for the pockets and the white waistband facing (copied from the inspiration pair) make me smile. I was trying to only use stash fabric and notions so I had to use a white zip and pale pink thread for overlocking/serging. Normally this would drive me crazy but I really like everything about these shorts. The cotton sateen sewed like a dream and because I've made this pattern so many times everything went together really easily.
I've actually got another pair of shorts cut out and ready to go and a pair of slim fit navy pants just waiting for me to sew on the trouser slides. I think Simplicity 3686 has earned the title of tried and true - these shorts bring my total up to 7 and that's excluding the two other pairs I mentioned above. Right, time to go and sew a birthday present for one of our neighbours.
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