7 Plus Size Royalcore/Dark Academia Sewing Patterns: Tops

There are many versions of the white dress shirt, but the most cottage/royal/academic/fill-in-the-blank -core version is the button-front with voluminous bishop sleeves. Variations can be added by changing the collar (band, notched, swan neck, or bertha) or sleeve style (peasant, lantern, or gigot), by adding or taking away ruffles, by moving the buttons from the front to the back (this seems... inconvenient to me), or removing them all together. Either way, we're on the lookout for size inclusive sewing patterns and diaphanous fabrics to help us accomplish our aesthetic dreams~

Sizing

I should also make a note about sizing; to qualify for this list, the patterns had to reach at least be in my own size range:

• Bust: 54 in.
• Waist: 50 in.
• Hips: 60 in.

I also have a bias against knits as I haven't sewn with them before and a lot of my cottagecore love comes from historybounding eras that didn't use knit fabrics as much.

The Patterns

Pattern: George & Ginger Boudoir Blouse

Size Range: Bust 55.5" - Waist 48" 

What Makes It Royalcore: jabot neck ruffles, gathering at the shoulder, ruffled cuff, and button-front

Pattern: Closet Core Cielo Top (and Dress)

Size Range: Bust 64.4" - Waist 64.8"

What Makes It Royalcore: wide sleeves gathered at the shoulders, a simple bodice; simple hacks like adding a button placket and cuffs or sleeve band would make this top very versatile!

Pattern: Muna and Broad Huon Shirt (and Dress)

Size Range: Bust 100.5" - Waist 100.5"

What Makes It Royalcore: Button front, band collar, gathered bodice, back yoke, AND sleeves, optional self-fabric waist ties for the dress

Pattern: Friday Pattern Company Sagebrush Top

Size Range: Bust 67" - Waist 67"

What Makes It Royalcore: gathered yoke, puffed sleeves, and the sweetest ruffles at the upperbust

Pattern: Seamwork Aster

Size Range: Bust 56" - Waist 54.25"

What Makes It Royalcore: button front, v-neck, back yoke, optional pleats at the front shoulder, and wide sleeves

Pattern: Seamwork Marlow

Size Range: Bust 62.5" - Waist 63"

What Makes It Royalcore: button front, v-neck, pattern construction perfect for soft drapey fabrics

Pattern: Rebecca Page Patterns Very Vintage Sewing Pattern

Size Range: Bust 54" - Waist 50"

What Makes It Royalcore: rounded collar, pintucks, bishop sleeve with long cuff

Lastly, remember that you could use the bodice from any of the dresses listed in my 7 Plus Size Cottagecore Sewing Patterns post to make a top as well! See this tutorial by Janelle of Rosery Apparel on creating DIY statement sleeves:

Fabrication

For these items a lot of the mood or aesthetic is not just in the fabric used but the trims and notions, like buttons, lace, etc. so I have included some of those options as well, just to get your minds percolating. I have also included links to the instagram hashtag for each pattern, check out how others have made these beautiful tops! All fabric below is $14/yard or less at the time of this posting.

classic men's shirting in white

Softened  Linen 3.5 oz in Light Cream

Cotton Lawn in Parchment 

Softened  Linen 3.5 oz in Black

Rayon Crepe in Mauve Dusk

Rayon Dobby in Canyon

Viscose Floral Printed Crepe in Black

Trim

Beige Broderie Anglaise on Swiss Voile

Buttons

Mother of Pearl Shank Buttons 10mm

Natural Linen-look Fabric Covered Buttons 1/2"

Vintage Pearl Gold Metal Shank Buttons .5"

Classic Gray and Gold Vintage Glass Buttons