The Deauville Trousers | A Modern Classic Inspired by the French Coast

Traditionally, I am not a trouser person but over the last couple of years, I've been yearning for the perfect 1930's inspired but easy and modern to wear trousers in my wardrobe.

I imagined early morning walks along the Normandy or Riviera coast, windswept beaches, striped parasols and elegant women dressed in beautifully tailored linen accessorised with Breton Tees and strands of pearls. The Deauville Trousers were designed with this spirit in mind—a timeless silhouette that feels as relevant today as it would have done nearly a century ago.

I have a whole nautical themed board called Nautical Dreams over on my Pinterest ~ there's a lot of Riviera/Seaside/Fisherman core inspiration there! https://uk.pinterest.com/taradeightonatelier/nautical-dreams/

I've tried many sewing patterns but like goldilocks in her search for the perfect porridge, none have been quite right. With each trouser, I wrote in my notebook what was lacking. I scoured Pinterest for inspiration and noticed styles on people and in shops that I liked elements of and once I had all these noted down, I set to work!

An original 1930's pattern cutting guide~ nearly all my pattern cutting comes from vintage books using tried and true techniques that create beautifully cut patterns.

A good pattern starts with a good block which is hard to get in this day of computer aided and AI design {it's why lots of sewing patterns and ready made fashion just doesn't work!} so I came up with a vintage inspired method of drafting a trouser block which I shared on my Patreon as a pattern drafting project.

Rather than drafting trousers from scratch, you start from your skirt block and you get a fabulous fit.

I then added all the details I had taken note of in my research. I wanted a classic design that could look tailored and dressed up but was also super easy and comfortable to wear. For me, a generous pleat front was the main consideration. It hides a tummy that fluctuates and is super flattering. It's also INCREDIBLY stylish! I also wanted a high waist and a well cut waistband with belt loops to elevate the trouser and give belt options, giving you lots of potential for styling with different accessories. Tailored, generous pockets were also a must!

The Deauville Trousers are currently available in 3 beautiful Irish/European linens ~ Milk, Jet and Mink. More fabric options arriving soon!

And I can't believe I'm saying this, but I wanted an elasticated back for total comfort and to take account of fluctuations through the day/week/month. I have been resisting elasticated waists as I feel it can be a slippery slope style wise but I'm happy to say, I'm a convert! Style and comfort happily co exist in the Deauville Trousers.

The shape of the leg was really important and this took me MONTHS to perfect. Slightly cropped wide leg with a slight barrel/taper was my aim and this was a process of taking in a few millimetres and assessing, tweaking the curve of the outer seam, taking the hem up a little and so on over and over again until I felt I had it just right.

Order Your Deauville's!

The Deauville Trousers have taken me approximately 3 years of research and development time and an absolute obsession to perfect. I am thrilled with the result. They really are the perfect trouser and have become the absolute core of my Summer wardrobe in the beautiful linens I have selected. I'm now thinking about Autumn and Winter and will soon launch some Made To Order options that will be wonderful to style and wear in seasons I feel much more at home in. I am, at heart a Winter person but these linen Deauville's have really been a gamechanger for me in terms of enjoying a Summer wardrobe!

I feel it's really important that the silhouette remains unchanged while the fabrics evolve through the seasons. For me, sustainable fashion is, in part, timeless design that you can keep going back to. The total opposite to this industry cycle of constant newness and trends. I think it's no coincidence that the most popular workshop I teach is my Copy Your Clothes which always sells out and has done for the 14 years I've been teaching it. Every student has said the same thing ~ they wanted the exact same trouser/shirt/dress again because they loved it but it was no longer available because it was 'out of fashion'!

This is why I'm introducing Made to Order as part of the Atelier—a small collection of timeless designs, each made only when needed from a carefully curated Seasonal Fabric Story of sustainably sourced fabric treasures. Alongside these signature pieces will be limited editions crafted from reclaimed and vintage textiles, celebrating the beauty of existing materials, as well as the opportunity to create something of your own through my sewing and knitting patterns. Together, they offer a more thoughtful approach to fashion—one that values craftsmanship, longevity and creativity over constant consumption.

I hope the Atelier encourages you to build a wardrobe that is considered rather than disposable, filled with pieces that are worn, repaired, treasured and passed on.

I think the Deauville Trousers are a timeless and classic design that will look amazing in a huge variety of fabrics, styled to suit a myriad of occasions and different style aesthetics. And, I am very much hoping will be available for many years to come for those who wish to support my little Atelier by the Sea!

Tara x