Ever since the Scandal clothing line was announced, we have been inspired to take a few more risks with our fall wardrobes. Sure, buying new pieces is always fun, but remaking the ones you already have is even more exciting. In this style tutorial, we’re taking a piece that every girl has in her closet — a tried-and-true black skirt — and turning it into a next-level basic by adding a ruffled, asymmetrical trim. It may seem like a major overhaul, but you only need basic sewing skills to transform this old staple into a statement piece. Scroll on to learn how to tackle this restyle — you got this!
Materials:
– 1 yard white fabric
– 1 yard black fabric
– old black skirt
– thread
Tools:
– sewing machine
– scissors
– pins
– measuring tape
Instructions:
1. Cut your skirt to the desired length if necessary.
2. Measure the width of skirt hem and the diagonal length of the skirt to determine the length of your ruffled trim. Add two inches to this number to allow for the seam.
3. Cut circular pieces out of the white and black fabrics. To do this, fold each of your pieces of fabric in half and then in half again the other way. Cut a half circle shape with an inner radius that equals the total length of your ruffled trim (the number you calculated in step 2) and divide that by six.
4. Open up your circles and cut them once so that they’re now long strips instead of circles.
5. Sew the black and white pieces together, leaving a 1/2-inch seam and a hole large enough to pull the ruffled piece right side out.
6. Turn the black and white piece right side out so the seam is not showing.
7. Pin the backside of the ruffled piece to the skirt.
8. Sew the ruffled piece on the skirt.
9. Iron the skirt before you wear it out.
First, trim your skirt to your desired length if it is too long. Remember, you will have a ruffled piece hanging on the bottom, so it can be just a bit shorter than you would actually wear. Next, measure out your ruffled trim by finding the width of the skirt and the length of the diagonal from hip to opposite corner. Add two inches to this number to allow room for a seam. Then, cut matching circular strips out of the white and black fabrics. To do this, fold each fabric in half, and then in half again the other way. Cut a half circle shape with an inner radius that’s the total length of your ruffled trim (or the final number you calculated in step 2 — got it?). Once your circles are cut, open them up and cut them once so that they’re now long strips instead of circles. Finish this bit by sewing the black and white strips together, leaving a 1/2-inch seam and a hole large enough so you can pull it right side out.
Turn the black and white ruffle piece right side out so the seam is not showing, pin the backside of the ruffled piece to the skirt and sew it into place. Simple, right? Unpin the skirt, flip the ruffled piece over and iron it out before you wear it out on the town.
From any angle, this skirt is a total #win. Wear it with a black cami (like I am here!) to give the illusion of a dress that’s perfect for date night, or toss on a short-sleeved sweater and high tops for a weekend outfit that would rival the most on-trend looks from Fashion Week. Or, pair it with a stiff collared shirt + cropped blazer and it’s ready for an office appearance… well, maybe at an inch or two longer :)
Now you can’t picture this skirt without the contrast ruffle, right? We’ll admit we’re totally smitten. Muah!
What ways have you restyled your basics? Did you update your looks for the upcoming season, to be more on-trend, or both? How did you work your DIY style magic? Tell us in the comments below.
