Pants pattern and instructions available here.

Cut fabric according to pattern.

Sew back center seam of skirt together using 1 1/2" seam allowance and stop stitching 4 1/2" from top (this will be your button placket). Trim seam allowance to 1/2", clip at top of stitching (before placket) and press open.

For placket, press under the left side of the skirt back 1/2". Baste across top.

For other side of placket, press under the right side of skirt back 1 1/2". Baste across top.

Sew side seams of skirt together. Press seams open.

Hem skirt by folding under 1" and pressing. Then fold and press the raw edges under 1/2".

Machine stitch or hand stitch hem.

Machine baste around top of skirt, keeping tails of threads long on both the starting and ending points. (You'll use those to gather it later.)

Stitch side seams of top together. Press seams open.

Stitch side seams of top facing together. Press seams open.

Stitch straps lengthwise with right sides together using 1/2" seam allowance.

Press seam allowance open and trim to 1/4". Turn straps right side out.

Position seam at center back of straps and press straps flat. Top stitch on both long edges of straps.

Pin straps face down on top, 1/2" from armhole, angled towards the arm holes. Baste.

Hem the bottom edge of the top facing by pressing under 1/2" and then 1/4" and machine stitching. (Or serge the edge if desired.)

Pull threads to gather skirt. Pin skirt to top, right sides together, adjusting gathers as necessary. Ensure that side seams match and that top extends 1/2" beyond skirt placket in back. Stitch skirt to top. Turn garment right side out and press seam allowance of skirt toward the top. Remove any basting threads that show.

Place the facing and top right sides together and stitch across top front and under the arms. Stop stitching 3 1/2" from the side seam on both sides.

Pick up stitching again 1" past your stopping point (this is where the strap will be inserted). Continue stitching along back and turn corner at edge of material and continue stitching to end.

Clip seams at curves.

Insert straps into openings you left at back side of top. Baste or pin in place.

Top stitch a scant 1/8" from edge at sides and top of top.

Stitch 1" across bottom of placket parallel to waistline.

Mark buttonholes, spacing three evenly along placket (approximately 2" apart).

Make buttonholes parallel to waistband following your sewing machine's instructions. Make buttonholes approximately 1/8" wider than your button.

Cut open buttonholes. If using scissors (as opposed to a buttonhole cutter or punch), place a pin at the end of the buttonhole to prevent overcutting.

Using chalk or other marking pen, lay top flat and mark through the buttonholes for the position of the button.

Sew on buttons.

Hand stitch bottom of facing to skirt/top seam allowance.

If buttonholes terrorize you, just replace with snaps or velcro.