How can I make this look less 'nursery'?

[Aparecium]

I've got this pattern. I love the look in two versions of the same fabric. Is there any way I can make it look less like I work with small children?

Nope.

🤣 Wrong answer 😔

Yes! It all depends on the pattern of the fabric you use, I think.

I know it's not what you were thinking, but how about using a light denim or chambray? I think that pattern would look great with a workwear kind of fabric, and would worry that having a patterned fabric would look a little bit 'Play School'. (Apologies if you're not ancient and so don't get the reference!)

I wonder whether it's possible to get Goth/Whimsy Goth patterned chambray-type fabric.

Yes this is what I was thinking. Although I'm sure you can get something goth too Op.

Use "grown up" fabrics, and you'll be good to go.

Use fabrics and patterns that appeal to 3 year old girls - like all the ones the the photos - and it will look like you've bought sonething from the kids section.

What do you mean by workwear? Denim seems to me casual wear, not workwear?

By grownup fabric do you mean the material or to the pattern on the material?

Denim was the original work wear! That's literally what it was made for. So using something like denim or chambray looks more like work than nursery.

@DongDingBell explained the grown up fabric - the opposite of their second paragraph. If you use whimsical patterns and picture fabric it will look more nursery than something perhaps more plain or a pattern without a picture on it.

Fabrics like denim, drills and twills were traditionally workwear fabrics and they were hard wearing.

I used to work at a lovely fabric shop (would love to work at I've again but I'm now in Surrey, not Dorset and haven't found anything yet - do let me know if you know of anywhere, lovely mumsnetters!

This isn't where I worked but for gorgeous patterns and fab fabrics i recommend a look at Merchant and Mills for inspiration, if you haven't already been there! I found this pinafore dress pattern there:

https://merchantandmills.com/uk/the-whittaker-pdf

For pinafore type dresses, M&M suggest medium weight woven cloth, 8-12oz denim, cotton canvas, cotton drill, corduroy and yarn dyed medium weight linen, which is quite a range of options, some of which could possibly be patterned.

Hope it's a helpful link 😊

Oh I see, workwear as in physical work. I was thinking office work. We have a relaxed smart-casual dress code, and unfortunately denim is banned. I could probably get away with chambray that was not denim-coloured.

I don't think a pinafore would ever pass muster as smart casual in a workplace.

What would you wear under it?

I agree with averyone urging you to steer clear of patterns. I'd also shy away from corduroy.

I think the only fabric you could get away with for a smart casual pinafore would be a velvet of some sort. Not very summery, and actually veering toward Mrs Claus/ Christmas stylee.

have a look at Merchant & Mills linen. Perhaps 2 shades of grey or blue. Maybe one with a chalk stripe, one plain or with a small check. Definitely avoid any bright colours or you’ll look run the risk of looking like you’re auditioning for a job on CBBC

What about a navy /white pinstripe and just change directions for the pocket section and add a little red silk handkerchief for fun?

Linen with a decent weight might work for smart-casual. You might have to lose the patch pocket on the front, though, and be confident you can get a good finish.