I'm making an A line skirt. How can I jazz it up...?

[IDismyname]

It may out me if I explained why I have to make an a line skirt, so bear with me :)

It's going to have to be quite simple and zipped down the side.

How can I make it look 'current' for this winter? What fabric could I choose? Any particular embellishments I could incorporate?

I'm a 47 yo size 16 and really don't want to look frumpy!

Can you make it in leather or pleather?

I would look at White Stuff skirts for inspiration, they have lots of gorgeous patterns. If you want something simple, I would make it in a cord material and sew 2/3/4 thin strips of different materials/ribbons horizontally around the skirt at regular intervals from the hem.

Hmm. I'd heard that cord was going to be in this winter. I could make it in a bright colour. Not sure if I am brave enough to wear leather! Would it look ok in an A line shape?
I'm liking the flowers idea, too. Trouble is, all the ones I've found are a red/ black / gray colour way. I'm into brighter colours. I need to hunt some more...
Thank you for your ideas.

I think you need to be careful of embellishments- you don't want to your skirt to look homemade.

If you look in the shops there are lots of a-line skirts and wool/tweed fabrics are very big this season. I'd go for a lovely wool fabric, and a skirt made well and wouldn't bother trying to zjuzh it up. Jigsaw/Hobbs at selling plain lined a'-lined skirts for £89. Team with thick tights, chunky boots and nice knitwear and it'll look great.

Thanks, Fay. Maybe I'll look at tartan wool.

I like a good challenge - I'll have a high old time matching up those plaids :)

Quite by chance I am also drafting a pattern right now for an a-line skirt. I'm using a jacquard fabric for a 60s feel - inspired by Saint Laurent A/W collection.

Ujjayi - where did you get the fabric from?

Denim, a la Chloe SS15?

ThisBitch - you are right - I should be looking ahead to Spring!

I would do a bright colour -- like yellow.

No embellishments.

I bought it from a vintage store which sells fabrics as well as clothes. I also regularly buy clothing from charity shops which I like the fabric of but not necessarily the cut. The larger the better to give more dressmaking options. Take a look on somewhere like myfabrics.co.uk - they have a good selection.

And yes a dark denim with raw edges would be great too.

Slightly lower the hem at the back and go for a contrasting/interesting lining fabric?