Skirt dilema...

[corrin.livejournal.com]

I have this dress I want to make into a skirt to wear to a formal. It is a long silky-ish/jeresey-ish material. I would like to cut it into a skirt. The problem is there is a zipper where I need to cut it off at. Is there anyway I can cut right through the zipper or will I need to take the zipper out completely? Also the top I plan on wearing with it will just come to the top of the waistband so it won't be covered. I don't want to have it scrunched or ruched with elastic band but I'm not sure if I have any other options beside using elastic. Anyone have any suggestions? Sorry if this doesn't make a whole lot of sense....thankyou!