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Paper bag waist skirts are their own sort of beast—'people either love 'em or hate 'em. But whatever your feelings to the oft scoffed-at shape, they seem to be staying put, so not make your own to add to your eco-wardrobe?
A DIY paper bag skirt is a great project for beginners because it's oh-so-simple: There's no measuring required and you pretty much just have to sew two straight lines!
This super-thrifty project requires just two silk scarves or bandanas—and a skinny belt to hold everything in place.
If you happen to find a long, wide scarf you love, just cut it in half to form each side, remembering to finish the raw edges so your skirt doesn't start fraying. If you don't have two rarely worn scarves in your closet already, head to a second-hand or vintage store or a local flea market and you'll surely find some great options.
Just a word to the wise: Hold up silk scarves to the light to make sure they're not see-through—you really don't want to make that kind of fashion statement!
Not sure if your scarves are too small, too big or just right? Each scarf needs to cover your front or back with an extra couple of inches on each side. Just hold the scarf up to the widest part of your hips, and voila!, you know if it will work. (Don't forget to about the length: The top edge should sit a few inches above your natural waist.)
Once you've selected your scarves, lay one scarf on top of the other with the wrong sides facing out, then pin along the right and left edges and sew along the edges to create your side seams. Turn it right side out and you've got the basis of your skirt.
Slip on the skirt and throw on a belt to cinch in the excess fabric around your waist—that's higher than your hips, girls—and make sure to leave three to four inches of fabric above the belt to give that tied-up-paper-bag waist.
Could it be any easier?
Paired with a tucked-in organic cotton shirt, this look is simple, sexy and sweet.
Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of Naturally Savvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.
