Seeing Red
I found this simple dark red skirt in the Trinity House Hospice Shop in Streatham last spring. Dark red (what was ‘burgundy’ is now called ‘oxblood’ but I’ll stick with ‘dark red’ for now) was in fashion last autumn and happily for me, it’s coming back. I believe this is one colour that flatters me, so I’m pleased to see it’s back this season. I was a bit slow off the mark last year but this year (spoiler alert!) I am planning an autumn wardrobe in which dark red features heavily.
This Country Casuals skirt is 100% Pure New Wool and as such I paid £8 for it, perhaps a little steep but the colour is perfect.
First thing to address was the size. The thing was 2 sizes too big. I took the opportunity to custom-fit it to my frame by taking it in by a substantial amount at the back seam. Removing fullness only at the back seam meant I didn’t have to touch the (more complex) zip area at the side seam, but it did mean the side seams would sit a lot further towards the back. Not ideal, but I’m gambling no-one will notice.
This meant cutting the waistband down the centre back and unpicking both the back skirt and back lining seams. The back lining seam was off-centre because of the vent.
I cut off about 20cm from the length (the whole vent) and then I took it in 5 cm at the waist tapering quickly to 8 cm at the hip. You can see how much I pinned out below. I did the same with the lining.
After reassembling the back waistband, the seams don’t quite match up, but it’s good enough.
To add some visual interest, I am using red lace fabric. I searched high and low for some red lace trim but couldn’t find any, so I’m making my own. I cut the scalloped edge from the fabric, following the lines of the pattern, and pinned it to my skirt.
Applique-ing the lace was fairly straightforward, using a small, narrow zig zag.
Here’s how it looks on the reverse side.
You can then cut off the hem of the skirt as close as you dare to the zig zags, being very careful not to cut the lace.
Any joins in the lace fabric can be carefully joined using the same zig zag stitch and then trimming any excess (below).
This new red skirt with added visual interest was perfect for a night out on the South Bank. I paired it with a white shirt, dark red and diamante necklace, red gem and string bracelet, fierce dark red nails (this colour is Essie ‘Fishnet Stockings’ in case you’re interested), and newly-acquired dark red patent shoes. I think this one will be getting a lot of wear over the winter.
Charity Shop Chic 
I would never have thought to add the lace, but it really gives this skirt a lift, such a good idea! I also love those shoes…
Thank you for commenting – yes, it badly needed a lift! :)
Such a chic skirt. Love how you’ve used the lace and the colour is perfect for autumn.
Thank you so much! I am going to be wearing this a lot, I think.
I loooove this colour! I think you got the length of the skirt fabric so perfect, the lace sits at just the right spot. Looks so good with that shirt and jewels. So lovely.
Thanks Amy, I love this colour too! That length is my go-to length for skirts as I don’t like to show my knees if I can help it!
Beautiful! I have never appliqued lace to anything before as it looked so hard to do but you’ve made it seem so simple and inspired me to give it a try. I think this could easily become a new sewing obsession for me!
Thank you for the comment! I’m a bit obsessed with lace (and dark red) at the moment. This technique is actually a really easy way to jazz up something plain. Just be careful with the scissors! I do hope you give this a try.
another great transformation! LOVE LOVE LOVE those shoes too!!!
Haha, thanks! :)
I love how you followed the scalloped pattern in the lace and trimmed the skirt to mirror that. Brilliant!
Thanks Carissa, it’s such an easy technique and it adds so much.
Love this one, too. You always inspire me. Now, when I’m out thrifting, instead of just looking for things I can wear “as is”, I also look for things that can be done over.
Hi Kelley, thanks for commenting! So glad you liked this project. You’re right, when thrifting one should be looking for garments with potential!
Way adorable! clever!!
and thanks for inspiring me to add lace to a skirt.
You’re welcome, Judy! Hope you try this yourself. Thanks for reading.
I love your brain. Adding the lace is inspired – totally pinning this and will copy the idea somewhere down the road. I also just finished an oxblood skirt – it’s such a perfect fall colour!
Definitely do this! Lace is making a comeback. I am having to restrain myself from adding lace to everything in my wardrobe in this manner :)
Absolutely fantastic.
Thank you Kim :)
You look fabulous! Great job!!!
Thanks, Eileen!
So incredibly pretty. I love it. That colour suits you so much :-)
You’re sweet Janene, thank you! x
Amazing transformation! You are one talented lady!!
You’re very kind, thank you Doris.
So chic!!!
Thank you Marie! :)
I love this! You did a great job!
Thank you so much!
WooHoo smart transformation. I love the shape of the white blouse. Is it too one of your refashions? I don’t remember it???
It isn’t, but you could easily make something like this from a men’s shirt. Thanks for commenting!
Very simple and very stylish!Excellent as always!
Thank you, Mary!
You kill me every time. It is fabulous!!!!
Thank you for reading Carlee :)
Wow! You made a Country Casual’s garment sexy!!! That’s a tall order and this skirt looks wonderful! xxx
Ha, thanks Zoe! I am delighted with how this came out actually, I have already worn it several times!
This is my fav outfit you’ve done so far! Gorgeous. Where’s the shirt from too???
It’s a really old Reiss one. I love it because it has all the darts going into the neckline – I have not seen that anywhere before or since! Thanks for commenting.
I love this. The detail with the hem is beautiful
Thanks Denise, glad you liked it!
Oh that is lovely…and I love the tone of that red!
Glad you agree, Kathie!