Tutorial Preview: DIY A-Line Skirt w/ Pockets

equestrian print skirt

Ann Taylor blouse, DIY skirt (tutorial coming soon), J.Crew Factory belt, H&M; blazer
J.Crew Mona pumps (only cap toe colors left – use LOVEJCREW for 25% off $150+), Prada tote

A few weeks ago, I saw a swatch of fabric posted by the talented SewPetiteGal, and immediately caught equestrian print fever. A big thank you to my friend Ping (another DIY extraordinaire) who scored the last bits of the material for me at Fabrix for $3 / yard. I haven’t made clothes from scratch in years, and wanted to re-learn by starting as simple as possible. I know a proper zipper looks best on a skirt, but you can’t beat the ease of an elastic waistband. I’ve heard from many of you who are interested in trying sewing (or have already started lessons!), and thought this would be a great beginner’s project to share.
equestrian print skirt2
I’m not entirely pleased with the results or with this outfit, but one of the best things about sewing is that you can tweak everything to your own preferences and learn from mistakes. Self-notes for next time: try a heavier, less wrinkle-prone fabric, blind hem the bottom, and pair full skirts with more fitted tops. And eventually, attempt to learn zipper insertion. I’m already eying fun printed fabrics in more season-appropriate colors for skirt # 2.
equestrian print skirt1
Please check back next week for a tutorial on the basic process for this easy skirt, which you can tailor to any length or fullness, and of course use any fabric that you want. And for anyone who tried marking this DIY clutch, I’d absolutely love to see any photos of your creations via Facebook or Twitter!

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56 Comments

  1. Maria wrote:

    Jean!!!
    What type of sewing machine do you use? I've been thinking about investing in one, but not until I take a class or two 🙂
    Also, I followed your lead and bought a base shaper for my LV neverfull. A very worthwhile investment. I am bummed they don't make one for my style of the Prada tote!

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  2. GEMMA wrote:

    Such a lovely outfit:) Good job!

    Check out my blog: http://www.gemmamonclus.blogspot.com

    Love, Gemma

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    I LOVE THIS SKIRT on you so much. Although you're not 100% happy about the skirt, I can only see perfection. I love the color of the skirt and the length of it. You look gorgeous and have amazing talent! I can not wait to see the tutorial on the skirt. Thanks ahead for sharing your talent with us. LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  4. Laks wrote:

    Thank you!!

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  5. Anonymous wrote:

    I love this outfit and you look fantastic! Id love to hear about your methods for selecting outfits for the week. Do you plan them all in advance or somehow put them together the night before/morning of? I find that it takes so much time out of my morning and would love any tips you could share. Also, do you arrange your outfits around one piece or do you conceptualize a theme and then select items to accomplish that? Would love to hear about your process for working through that, since your outfits always look so pretty and polished! Thanks for the tips as always!

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  6. Gigi wrote:

    What a cute skirt!

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  7. Jackie wrote:

    OH I love love that belt too bad they don't have it anymore. 🙁

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  8. Jackie wrote:

    I love it and I can't believe you made it. I love the fabric print too. I think it's perfect. I really need to learn how to sew. I would be making so much stuff.

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  9. Andria @ Hong Kong office rental wrote:

    You look so attractive. I love the blouse. It’s really nice on you.

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  10. SincerelySammie wrote:

    Don't be so hard on yourself! I think the outfit looks great! Good job on that skirt. You inspire me to get back into learning how to sew.

    http://www.sincerelysammie.com/

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  11. Anonymous wrote:

    Thank you! 😃You always recommend the best stuff. Congrats on new job and thanks got helping fledgling fashionistas like me.

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  12. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there – I'm sorry but it was an old purchase from last year!

    Posted 3.22.13 Reply
  13. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there!
    1) I think you can agree that it's possible to find time to do the things that we're each passionate about. I love the blogging community and either take photos occasional before work or on weekend mornings. I do my posts late around midnight, which unfortunately does result in less sleep than I'd like but makes for a good end to a work day : )
    2) The weather here sounds about the same as London, but whenever we have rare, unseasonably mild days I try to take a few outfit photos at once. My office is very warm, so my colleagues and I sometimes commute in tights but take them off once we get to work.

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  14. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Laks – Try high-waisted shapewear (ie. Spanx) that is focused on tummy control, and look for skirts that have wider, sturdier high waistbands to help hold that area in. Wider belts worn at the waist may also serve to visually cinch in that area.

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  15. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there – Thanks so much for your feedback, and I miss finding and sharing deals as well! I took a new job last year and sadly don't get out of work often before my favorite stores close. I'll definitely try to incorporate some more posts of any good recommendations.

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  16. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thank you! This skirt measures 19" long and for reference, I'm about 5 feet tall.

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  17. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thanks for the tip!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  18. newpetite wrote:

    Agree with you about wearing a fitted top with the full skirt! two lose items end up swallowing the body. However, I love what you are wearing here. The blazer is streamlining your look here.

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  19. Petite-ish wrote:

    Actually I love this outfit!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  20. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, I recently came across your blog, and have to admit, become addicted since! Which in itself is a new experience for me because I'm not very trendy or keen on fashion – although I do like to look neat, tidy and 'nice'.
    I must ask you a couple of things though:
    1. Where do you find the time to do all this?? I mean really! All the effort you put into your clothes, shopping for deals, DIY and taking and sorting through pics on top of everything else.. its remarkable and your dedication is very very admirable!
    2. Surely it gets cold in Boston.. ? I always see you so cheerful and bright in pics, not to mention bare legged! I live in London, and its grey, gloomy and rainy all the time. Not much chance of stepping out without 3 layers of clothes and thick fleece leggings.
    I'm just really curious! Keep up the good work!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  21. Anonymous wrote:

    It looks great. And I thought the loose blouse looked fine with the a-line. It's all a matter of style 🙂

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  22. chiara wrote:

    I actually really like the outfit. The color pairing is really fresh.
    Can't wait for your tutorial: I have a sewing machine kindly gifted from mother in law, and I need to put it in use!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  23. Sophie-Pearl wrote:

    stunning – you'd be surprised how easy it is to apply a zip. Try out a fly zip then go for an invisible (concealed zip 🙂

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  24. lin wrote:

    cute outfit, jean. i love your belt. i'm going to have to find me one of these.

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  25. Laks wrote:

    Hi,
    first things first,I just love your blog and its amazing.. I have lot of skirts and would like to know how to choose tops for them..I see that you tuck the tops inside the skirts and i also would love to do the same but i dont as i have a belly 🙁 .. Could you help me please? Is there anything that i can wear which can hide my belly..

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  26. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean. Long one follower here. I simply adore ur style and as much as I would like to do more dyi stuff I simply don't have the patience or talent to do it. I really miss when you used to post awesome deals and great fashion finds. If u can, can u please let us know what ur picks are and if u know of any sales? I live in a tiny New York apartment and id rather reserve my very limited closet space for quality yet affordable pieces. Thanks for hearing out and looking forward to more posts please! Ur style rocks.

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  27. Stephanie Lam wrote:

    Love the print on this dress!!!

    -Stephanie
    @LaminLouboutins.com

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  28. petitephd wrote:

    It's funny how you're so critical of your DIY and how you put this outfit together, but this is actually one of my fav looks by you! Love the print of the skirt and how well it goes with navy + camel colors. Absolutely stunning, you should be proud of yourself!

    Oh and out of curiosity, how many inches is the length of the skirt? I'm looking to purchase some full A-lines online but am not sure what length I should be looking for in order for it to hit an inch or so above the knee.

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  29. Kay @ Slightly 0bsessed wrote:

    Love the pattern of the fabric – and score at only $3/yard! I've been amassing quite the collection of dress and skirt patterns and can't wait to start sewing something up!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  30. Ann Robie wrote:

    Love your skirt!
    ***
    http://annrobie.blogspot.com/

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  31. FashionEdible wrote:

    Very cute! Love the belt too!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  32. tasha wrote:

    Your outfit is EVERYTHING. Literally in love with all the elements of this look. I am smitten with the J. Crew belt. Excited to see the DIY video

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  33. Adelia wrote:

    It's so fun to make a skirt from scratch! I wish I can do it too. Just thinking of having sth unique that only you yourself have is alreadt so tempting. Haha!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  34. smith90 wrote:

    To make your fabric "heavier" and less wrinkle-prone – you could underline it with another fabric. Threads has a great article explaining it:
    http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4999/understanding-underlining

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  35. Candice wrote:

    This is a lovely skirt! I've been wanting to learn how to sew, but I'm so intimidated. I need to find a place to learn so I can make the DIY clutch and other DIYs.

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  36. melissa rose wrote:

    haha don't be so hard on yourself! I think you did a great job, and the outfit looks great!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  37. lisacng @ expandng.com wrote:

    It's funny you find zipper intimidating (I, of course, do) but pockets are even more intimating, I think! I used to think that the blind stitch was so hard to do, but I googled a tutorial and am like ooooooh! Nice look with the green and blue, Jean!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  38. pretty little things wrote:
    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  39. Anonymous wrote:

    That belt is to die for!!! Is it still available in stores? I will be waiting patiently for your skirt tutorial!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  40. {EnLove With Life} wrote:

    You never cease to amaze me with your talent for sewing and alterations. I wish I had that gift! I always see amazing things at the thrift store that I am too overwhelmed to try and alter myself.

    As always, this look is perfect! I wish we were in real life friends so I could borrow your wardrobe!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  41. ♥ Natalie wrote:

    Super lovely look! <3

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  42. Oby@Fashion.Art.Crafts-Etc wrote:

    This is so cute! You look great!
    http://www.fashionartcrafts-etc.com

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  43. Spiffie wrote:

    You are so cute! Love your style!!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  44. Rachelle wrote:

    Cannot wait for the diy, great skirt.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  45. andrea wrote:

    I've been wanting to learn how to sew for years…but I'm so intimidated! My boyfriend even got me a machine last year and all I've made are pillows. Can't wait to see your tutorial, and no way…this skirt looks perfect with that blouse!

    xoxo,
    Andrea

    http://www.andreaeveryday.com

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  46. Kaye wrote:

    I just tried my first skirt sewing project (it was an extensive alteration, not from scratch) and I can attest that zipper insertion is super easy – just watch a few youtube tutorials. So don't be afraid of that!

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  47. Xuvious wrote:

    Love the skirt, it's so cute!!

    xx
    xuvious.com

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  48. sequins from life wrote:

    Very nice look

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  49. Suzie Q wrote:

    I love A-line skirts and this is such a fun print. Sounds like a great beginner's sewing project. Look forward to seeing your tutorial!

    xoxo,
    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 3.21.13 Reply
  50. Jane wrote:

    The skirt has a very youthful vibe which is different than your usual professional style. Love it!! Greetings from Toronto 🙂

    Posted 3.20.13 Reply

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