As we start to think about emerging from the northern hemisphere’s season of pants, heavy tights, and layers of clothing, a new skirt may be just the thing to lighten up the wardrobe. This version, inspired by some expensive ready-to-wear examples I saw, combines the no-nonsense silhouette of a straight skirt with the texture and visual interest of lace—a lot of lace.

If you don’t think of yourself as a lace person, you can substitute other trims, from ribbon (satin or grosgrain) to mini ball fringe, rickrack, decorative braid, or bias tape. The trim wraps around the skirt in parallel lines, meaning it travels across the back, so be sure you choose something that will be comfortable to sit on. I opted for crochet-type lace that has a slightly informal look I enjoy for daywear. The skirt could work with a lacy white blouse, a chambray shirt, or a fitted knit top.

I found a few shortcuts to make the sewing simple and give neat, longwearing results. Start with a straight skirt pattern that has a straight hemline and sides seams parallel to the grainline from the hip to the hem. If you have a tried-and-true straight skirt pattern, work with that. You’ll eliminate all but the skirt’s center-back seam, then use striped, plaid, or checked fabric to guide the trim placement. I applied the zipper with an exposed treatment, which protects the trim from getting snagged when you open and close the zipper.

This is a great project if you are a beginner ready to branch out and make something unique and fashionable. Plus, you can use up trims in your stash. When a little trim seems juvenile, make a grown-up statement by piling it on.