Fever Bodice (G+G) and Palazzo Pants (Pattern Emporium)
One thing about me? I love a good mystery.
Golden-age British detective stories are my comfort watch (or read), and I’m always down for a juicy whodunit. So when I finally sat down to watch Glass Onion the other day, I wasn’t expecting a sewing idea to hit me like a plot twist. But the moment Kate Hudson stepped out in that stunning orange bikini, I was obsessed!
That flirty, structured ruffle detail took up space in my brain and refused to leave. It felt bold and playful, not the soft, romantic kind of ruffle I usually think of. I had to figure out a way to make that vibe work off the poolside and into my wardrobe.
The original bikini is the Mulan by Andrea Iyamah, and it’s a moment. I loved the way it reimagined ruffles—modern, sculptural, and totally eye-catching. That tiny spark turned into a full-blown outfit that’s glam, versatile, and (in my humble opinion) fabulous.
started with two tried-and-true patterns and made a few light adjustments to let the vision shine:
• Fever Bodice by George+Ginger – a gorgeous corset-style knit top. I skipped the princess seam binding for a cleaner look, and swapped the original hem for a smooth band that tucks nicely into pants.
• Palazzo Pants by Pattern Emporium – my ride-or-die pants pattern. I went with the widest leg (because drama!), added foxy pockets, and nearly doubled the waistband height. I live for high-waisted anything, so this was a no-brainer.
These two paired together? Chef’s kiss!
But the real stars of the show? The “sleeves”!
To recreate the pleated shoulder from the bikini, I used a twill scuba—structured enough to hold its shape without flopping, and it doesn’t fray. Win-win. Not gonna lie… sewing the pleats was a bit of a pain in the behind, but so worth it.
I marked the folds with an erasable pen, then sewed one fold up, one fold down, right down the center to lock them in place. After shaping the ruffle how I wanted, I added a strap and originally planned to attach it directly to the sweetheart neckline—but why commit when you can have options? A little sew-in snap keeps it secure but totally removable.
One thing that I changed from the original inspo is that I made the ruffles go all across the back, instead of making it an adjustable strap.
I LOVE how it turned out!
It’s always a kick when an idea comes to live exactly how you pictured it. 😄
And then, because I never leave well enough alone, I made a second pair of sleeves—this time in a “scrunchie-style” puff. Softer, flirtier, and ridiculously easy.
I eyeballed some rectangles, sewed the short ends, added elastic to the top and bottom, and voilà. Minimum effort, maximum effect—my favorite kind of hack.
I’ve still got a bit of fabric left… should I try another sleeve variation? Maybe a flounce? Or a mini bolero with cap sleeves? Hmmm…. I guess, for now, I’m just enjoying the three options I’ve got. Haha!
Or maybe the next step should be to make another Fever Bodice and Palazzo set in coordinating solids to be able to mix and match it all… Decisions, decisions, decisions. Lol
If you have any ideas, let me know! 😉
Patterns used (affiliate links)
xxx, Livia
This is adorable! Love that you have made it so versatile. I think matching solids would be great and a bolero too!
That movie was really good also!
Thank you so much!
Yeah, a solid set is a must 😀
It’s such a fun movie, looking forward to the third one 😉
Sewing for ourselves can be so much fun!! Thank you for the reminder. Stunning outfit.
It really is!!
Thank you and happy sewing!
Hats off that outfit is stunning! Thinking about copying it. Do you used a video or instructions for the pleats and the dimensions?
Further additions I could imagine stand alone collar and cuffs perhaps.
Hi! thank you so much <3
I didn't use any videos, just sort of winged it as I went...
Oh! A collar and cuffs is such fun idea!!!
Amazing idea and execution of said idea! I’m obsessed!