In case you haven’t noticed, I have been matching by bag to my outfit in the last few posts. Sorry if you’re not into matching as much as I am, but this week is more of the same. #sorrynotsorry. This week I made a navy and orange wool plaid skirt and matching drawstring bag.
Pattern
I love this skirt, but I kind of think I like the bag even more! Stay tuned for a future post dedicated to the bags I have been making lately. Today we are going to focus on the skirt. This is a great simple circle skirt. It’s very easy to sew. It only has two side seams and a waistband which is optional. I included the waistband on mine because I think it makes the skirt look more finished, but to each their own! I used Simplicity pattern 1200 for this. It’s great it comes in a few different lengths so you have a lot of options.
Fabric
I bought this fabric just a few weeks ago on Etsy. In the photo, it looked like it was navy blue and red but this listing said it was orange. I contacted the shop owner just to be sure. I was hoping it was going to be red. When she told me it was more orange, I thought I’ll give it a try and bought it anyway. I’m glad I did. I don’t wear a lot of orange and it’s subtle so it’s a nice change.
Almost every bit of this fabric was used to a make this skirt. I was going to make it a little longer, but there wasn’t enough fabric. Circle skirts are very fun for twirling, and I love the look of them. However, you need a fair amount of fabric to make on,e depending on how long and full you want it to be. This pattern is for a 3/4 circle skirt. You can make them with different amounts of fullness depending on what you want. It can be 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 or a full circle skirt. You can also draft your own pattern and make your own. If you google circle skirt you will find a lot of tutorials on how to make one. All you need are your measurements and little bit of math knowledge. I chose to use a pattern because, well math isn’t really my thing.
Outfit
When I was looking for shoes to wear with this I came across a pair of orange Kate Spade heels I had forgotten about, and they matched great. In case you didn’t know, I have a thing for matching…and symmetry. You can read all about it here. I have mentioned this before, but I just can’t pull off the pattern mixing look. It makes me feel uncomfortable like I got dressed in the dark. All the power to those who do it, but it’s just not for me. Anyway, I threw on a white shirt, an old navy-blue wool J Crew blazer, and my favorite navy earrings and called it a day. Dress it up or down this outfit can be worn just about anywhere. Swap out the blazer for a denim jacket and some flats and you’re ready to run errands, or throw on a cute top and some jewelry and you’re ready for date night. Wear it as is and you’re ready for work. There is nothing better that a versatile outfit!
If you’re interested in checking out some of the other skirts I’ve made you can read some of my other posts. This is another wool plaid skirt, and this is a fun holiday inspired striped skirt.
If sewing is not your thing you can shop similar items below.
Photos by – Chloejane Photo + Film