Clara Wrap Top- Reviewed by Ronda

I’ve been wanting to make a ballerina top for a little while, since such a piece is a classic wardrobe staple. So, when I had the opportunity to choose a pattern to make from the Sew Fab bundle, it was clear that one of the patterns I should choose ought to be the Clara Wrap Top from GreenStyle Creations. First, I will talk about the top itself, then I will show how I styled it three different ways.

About the Clara Wrap Top and My Fabric Choice

This knit top has a neck binding, hemmed wrap closure, and three sleeve links: long, ¾ and short. It also has bust darts, which I think contributed to the great fit. I chose to make the ¾ sleeve version. Based on my measurements, I made the size 3XL, the largest size the Clara Wrap Top comes in (the pattern runs from XXS-3XL). I did not add length (the pattern is drafted for 5’7”, and I am 5’10”), but I think I might when I make this again. The pattern does have height adjustments marked on it, so adjusting it in the correct spot is easy enough.

It’s recommended that for sizes L-3XL of the Clara Wrap Top to use 1 ½ yards of 58”-60” 4-way stretch knit fabric with at least 50% stretch. I chose this gorgeous white on black floral print I’ve been hording in my fabric stash for I’m not sure how long. I can’t remember if it came from So Sew English or Freckle Fabrics, but it dates to a time when I might have binge-shopped at those two sites.

The wrap top was a lot easier to make than I’d have expected. I used mostly my serger and coverstitch machines. The longest part of making the top is hemming the wraps – they’re pretty long, and so it just took a bit for my machine to cover that distance. I would recommend this pattern to an advanced beginner who isn’t afraid of neck bindings. Although I’ve purchased many of the patterns by GreenStyle Creations, The Clara Wrap Top is the first I’ve actually made.

I had fun styling the top for three occasions: Backyard BBQ, Concert, and

The Backyard BBQ Look

For this look, I paired the Clara Wrap Top with a pair of jeans I picked up at JC Penney’s a few years ago, my Old Navy white leather sneakers, and a beaded choker I’ve had since my college days. I kept my makeup neutral.  I had a lot of fun modeling this look, and I think it’s perfect for an informal setting like the backyard BBQ or grabbing lunch on a restaurant patio with a couple of friends.

I could have alternatively styled it with some white shorts, olive pants, or coral jeans to achieve a similar casual look. My favorite thing about the fabric I used for this top and the top’s style is that it can be dressed up or casual. Another casual look you might want to go for is pairing it with some high waisted leggings and a sports bra for a before-or-after the gym look.

The Concert Look

For this look, I paired the Clara Wrap Top with black jeans from Meri Skye, boots from Lane Bryant, my leather jacket from Target, and Beila Fringe Necklace. This was my favorite of the three looks, and I think I’ll probably rock it when my husband and I see John Mellencamp in a couple weeks.

I also thought about pairing it either with my leather skirt, red pencil skirt, or leather leggings to achieve the same effect. The key here is to pair it with a high and dark waistline, some punchy jewelry, darker shoes and an edgy jacket. I love my black moto jacket for this purpose.

The Date Night Look

Wichita has something like 1000 different restaurants (not exaggerating), so my husband and I like to explore them. Some of them wouldn’t be midriff-bearing appropriate, but by wearing the Clara Wrap Top over a dress or over a cami, I can extend the looks possible with it. So, for this post, I paired the top with a black sweater-knit tank dress from Forever 21, tan booties from Shoedazzle, and earrings I’ve had since grad school that I got from, I think, the now-closed Fashion Bug.

This look would also be nice for the symphony, theater, or even a matinee show of an opera – especially if I switched out the black dress for a red sheath dress I have from Loft and wore this Clara Wrap Top over it. Alternatively, I could pair it with a velvet skirt and a black camisole for a winter-worthy dressy occasion.

The Clara Wrap Top by GreenStyle Creations is quite versatile – and you can dress it up or down as much as you’d like both with other garments and accessories or by switching up the fabric used for the top. I’m thinking about making a soft version in a lightweight pink sweater knit as well.

You can get the pattern in the Spring ’19 Bundle. And don’t forget to enter our giveaway to win fabric you can use to sew up your bundle, more details here!

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