GET THE LOOK: ESME YOUNG

The Great British Sewing Bee is back for its twelfth series, and we're buzzing with excitement. We've been exploring sewing pattern inspiration for Sewing Bee judge Esme Young – a true style icon who absolutely warrants her own curated collection. Customers constantly ask us for pattern recommendations that match her distinctive aesthetic, so we've handpicked designs from across our site that capture that unmistakable Esme energy.

Grab a cuppa and a bag of mini cheddars (if you read this article, you will know why they are essential!) and get comfy for this Esme Young-inspired blog post!

When it comes to defining Esme Young's signature style, the shirt dress is undoubtedly the piece that springs to mind. This timeless silhouette is never left plain – Esme always adds a distinctive flourish that keeps things interesting. Whether it's a carefully placed pleat or a hint of volume, there's always something wonderful to admire in her dress choices. I've curated a selection that showcases those special details that make Esme's pieces so memorable. And remember, a striking statement necklace is absolutely essential to complete the look!

1. Named Silmu Shirt and Shirt Dress
2. Merchant & Mills Cawley Dress
3. Christine Haynes Eaton Dress + Blouse
4. Named Ilta Shirt Dress
5. Fibre Mood Phyllis Dress

The shift dress is another essential piece in Esme's wardrobe – deceptively simple, yet never ordinary. Like everything she wears, Esme refuses to settle for understated; each piece features a thoughtful detail that makes it special. Whether it's added structure or a softening element, the sophisticated pattern-cutting techniques elevate every dress she owns. These styles are invariably finished with a bold statement necklace to complete the look. I spent time exploring our shift dress sewing patterns in search of those special touches, and I'm thrilled with what I've found!

1. Sew Over It Zoe Dress
2. Merchant & Mills Trapeze Dress
3. The Maker’s Atelier V-Neck Shift Dress
4. Fibre Mood Debra Dress
5. The Maker’s Atelier Day Dress

Esme has a real talent for statement jackets – the one she wore during the Christmas 2023 special is a perfect case in point. It's the ideal way to elevate a simple pair of elegant black trousers and instantly convey that creative flair. The fabric choice is absolutely crucial for nailing this aesthetic, so look for textures like woven jacquard or shimmering sequin finishes. Esme has been spotted in a bomber jacket more than once, making it an excellent starting point for your search.

1. Maison Fauve Misfit Biker Jacket
2. Tessuti Fabrics Lyon Jacket
3. The Maker’s Atelier Sport-Luxe Bomber Jacket
4. The Assembly Line Cropped Jacket
5. The Maker’s Atelier Utility Jacket
6. Trend Patterns TPC27 Puff Back Jacket

A pair of tailored trousers paired with an eye-catching top is quintessentially Esme, so I couldn't resist featuring some beautifully cut trousers in this collection. Esme's black trousers always have something special about them – whether it's the pleating, the drape, or the cut of the leg, there's always a touch of sophistication. Here are my picks for achieving the home-sewn snazzy slacks look…

1. Maison Fauve Andrea Trouser
2. The Assembly Line Culottes
3. The Assembly Line Classic Trouser
4. Fibre Mood Bernie Trousers
5. Bella Loves Patterns Billy Trousers
6. Merchant & Mills Pegs Trousers

I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but you’ll find that even Esme’s tops have a little twist. Their simple silhouettes are offset by a splash of something a little special and unexpected. I had a lot of fun digging through our patterns to find a selection of styles that mimic the shapes she tends to go for, combined with a little flourish of clever cutting.

1. Maison Fauve Volata Blouse
2. The Maker's Atelier The Atelier Shirt
3. Fibre Mood Nova Top
4. Elbe Textiles Townsend Shirt
5. Fibre Mood Sanna Top
6. Liesl + Co Norwood Blouse
7. Atelier Jupe Emma Blouse

I came across this stunning photograph of Esme, and I'm utterly inspired by the outfit she's wearing. The vibrant colour pairing is truly eye-catching, and it's a brilliant example of just how versatile skirts can be. Esme has a real affinity for tailored shapes with subtle detailing – and here again, you can see how a strategically positioned pleat can completely transform a piece. I've selected some skirt patterns that I think really capture the essence of Esme's personal style.

1. Tessuti Fabrics Mahlia Skirt
2. Fibre Mood Maddie Skirt
3. The Assembly Line Asymmetric Midi Skirt
4. Fibre Mood Trina Skirt
5. The Assembly Line Tulip Skirt

While going down the rabbit hole, I found some great things to watch and read that I thought you might like. I really enjoyed listening to the Audible version of Esme's book, Life Behind the Seams, read by Esme herself!

1. Esme Young – Audible Sessions
2. Prima interview
3. A Night with Esme Young – Interviewed by Joe Lycett
4. Life Behind the Seams by Esme Young

And if podcasts are your thing, you might like these:

1. That’s Not My Age – Esme Young
2. This is a Token – Alex Monroe (jeweller) – Esme Young
3. Grazia Life Advice – Esme Young

Finally, I’ll leave you with last year’s Esme-focused blog post. We shared a "Find That Pattern" hunt for sewing patterns to recreate some of Esme Young’s outfits. Enjoy!