Some handmade pieces have a way of circling back at exactly the right moment. I originally made this botanical ruffle skirt several years ago using McCall’s M7606, but when I was planning the August issue of The Roxbury Edit, I immediately thought of it for the cover.
This month’s style feature was all about Johanna Ortiz, whose designs are known for bold tropical prints, dramatic flounces, and that effortless resort-glamour vibe. Suddenly, this skirt felt very Ortiz-adjacent. With its palm print, slim silhouette, and layered flounces, it fit the theme perfectly—and gave me a very good excuse to pull it out of the closet and give it another moment in the spotlight.
fabric
The fabric is a lightweight tropical-print cotton. The oversized palm leaves and saturated greens are what really make it work. There is a lot going on, but the simple shape of the skirt keeps the print from feeling overwhelming. It also has enough movement to really show off the flounces along the hem.
Sadly, this exact fabric is long gone, but any lightweight cotton, cotton lawn, rayon, or viscose with a little drape would give you a similar look. And clearly, if there are palm leaves involved, I’m probably going to approve.
I’ve rounded up a few fun options here, here, and here. I loved the last option so much that I bought three yards!
pattern
I used McCall’s M7606, View C as the starting point for this botanical ruffle skirt. The pattern is a wrap-style skirt with an asymmetrical curved hem, which makes it perfect for adding a little drama without adding a lot of bulk through the waist and hips.
Of course, I couldn’t leave well enough alone. The original pattern includes a ruffled hem, but I wanted more movement, so I added a second tier and swapped the gathered ruffles for flounces. The result is softer, swishier and in my opinion a little more sophisticated.
How to style a Botanical Ruffled skirt
- White button down – link
- Raffia slides – link
- Pink bag – link
- Short sleeve denim jacket – link
- Gold bangle – link
- Green bead bracelet – link
- Polka dot scarf – link
- Sunglasses – link
- Earrings – link
Botanical Ruffled skirt shopping links
Shopping links from left to right.
More styling tips
If you are looking for more ruffled outfit inspiration I have you covered.
final thoughts
It’s funny how a botanical ruffle skirt I made years ago suddenly feels completely current again. Between the bold botanical print, the wrap silhouette, and all those flounces, it fits right in with the Johanna Ortiz-inspired style I’ve been loving lately. It’s also a good reminder that sometimes the pieces already hanging in your closet are worth another look. Trends may come and go, but apparently palm prints and ruffles have a much longer shelf life than anyone expected.
