Est. 2010
DIY 1920s Costume from 1980s Dress
You guys. We messed up.
With the 2020s looming ahead of us we got too excited and did something rash.
I blame this:
We got way ahead of ourselves and started throwing Great Gatsby theme parties back in 2013, and all because of a mediocre movie that was pretty to look at. Why did we do that? Now we’re actually in the Roaring Twenties, but are already over 20’s fashion again. 🙁
Or are we?
When Historic Columbia announced they were throwing a Speakeasy-themed happy hour at the Seibels House (a lovely historic home here in Columbia, SC), I was all about it.
Unfortunately, the closest thing I had to a prohibition-era ensemble was this:
Thank you, 1980s for bringing back the dropped waist look for a minute, as it suits my costuming needs quite nicely!
Of course, alterations were needed.
Those sleeves had to go as well.
Next, I closed up those raw armholes…
I took in the sides a bit…
…and then narrowed the shoulders by turning the top shoulder seams under and tacking them.
And that was it!
OR WAS IT?!?
Remember those flowers I removed from my last refashion?
Well, I put them in a baby dye bath with these:
And here’s how they turned out!
I hot glued the flowers together in twos and then glued them onto an elastic hairband.
And here’s how it all turned out!
Erin, Ken, and I enjoyed an evening of cocktails and a lecture on what it was like to live in Columbia during the prohibition era. Sadly, Mr. Refashionista was under the weather and could not attend. :'(
So, if you have any fun 1920s parties coming up, just head to your nearest thrift store and grab an 80s drop waist dress (or two!)!
Cheers!
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66 Comments
Elaine
Missed you. So happy to see you doing well <3
lisaione
The refashion was great, but I LOVE the brooch. Happy to see you back.
Annie
LOVE it! Also the flower headband is adorable! So happy you’re back at this blog; I missed it!
Cheryl Jones
I LOVE this 20’s refashion! And you were undoubtedly the cutest flapper at the Event. Hope Mr. R is feeling better.
Lee
So adorable! I really admire your creativity, and I’m sooooo glad you’re back!
Bree
Oh!! You nailed it for sure. The lace flowers took a dye well and the headband is a very nice touch. Looks just great. Excellent refashion!!
Suzann
So nice to see you back! Great dress! You look adorable.
Sheri
I don’t under the step on narrowing the shoulders. Can’t wait to try this.
Lidia HS
A long beaded necklace and…¡¡Perfect!!
Susan Boop
Yessss I remember the flowers!! This is completely darling!!
Theresa Clark
I wanna !!! Soooo cute !
Murielle
Tres cute!
Bethany B.
That’s so smart! (I never would have remembered that the eighties also had a dropped waist craze. The 1980s and the 1920s do not connect, fashion-wise, in my mind.)
[Sorry for double posting. Previous comment linked to wrong person. I’m sure she’s lovely, but she’s not me.]
Bethany B.
That’s so smart! (I never would have remembered that the eighties also had a dropped waist craze. The 1980s and the 1920s do not connect, fashion-wise, in my mind.)
glorylennon
SUPER CUTE!
Karen
Love it!
goldeglo
The dress is cool, but the hairband is dynamite!
Moriah Schairer
I’m so glad you’re back!!!
Bobbi
You always do a great refash and look great in it. You are a very clever and confident girl. Thank you for sharing. it is inspiring.
Cris Sanchez
So cute! I love 1920s fashion. We had a high school dance themed in that era and I loved it. It was a very long time ago but I still remember what I wore very well.
Jess
Your refash is very last season-Downton Abbey! Great job… your look is spot on.
chris10b
We spent the day at the Biltmore House yesterday in Asheville. They’re hosting a Downton Abbey exhibit until April 7. We didn’t do the entire exhibit–it’s split up at two different places on the grounds–but we did do the small exhibit at The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village. It was made up of costumes and clothing from the show. You might love it!
P.S. So glad that you’re back!
Phoenix Richards Bingham
I missed your refashions so much and I’m so glad you’re back!!!
Nancy
So that’s what dropped waists are good for. This was a great refashion. I hope Mr Refashionista feels better soon.
blissinger
Now you can do the Charleston! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0oHxyensok
Karen
Absolutely fabulous and I too am so glad to be seeing your magnificent re-fashions again!
Susana Presedo
Even if I never make anything myself, I just love your blog so much 🙂
Lori Yeo
This is super cute. And I am not sure how short it would be, but I can see how removing the pleated bottom would leave you with a super cute “today” dress or tunic top (if it’s too short as a dress)
Roseanne Floyd
Congratulations on your marriage!!! Love little Benson. He is adorable…. Crying over his past life. Those people should be hung up by their short ones!!!!
Lisa
Very cute and now to find a thrifty drop waist….
Jeanette Cz.
I truly have missed you!! You are such an inspiration and a pick-me-up on a snowy day here! Dress is smashing, and I love the headband!
Sheri
I am SO glad you are back! I love your refashions and although I am hopeless at them myself, they have inspired me to look at everything in a different light and find new uses for old things.
Tammy
I’ll add another “I’m glad you’re back!” I really am, I can feal the positive energy coming from you, what a fun way for me to start my day! Thank you and God bless!!
Yona Bello
Another winner! Your post is the first one I read in my email this morning. Your 20’s dress turned out great! So glad you’re back, missed you.
Susan
I have missed you so much! Great refashion with help from little Benson, well done!
wheremydogleadsme
My favorite this year so far!
Catherine
Now who would have thought that dress could have turned out so cute, you look so sweet.
Catherine
Nancy
Great refashion of the dress! Feel black stocking to heavy with sleeveless white dress.
seweverythingblog
Your post showed up in my Reader feed today. Thrilled to hear from you again!
Rebecca Tunnacliffe
That’s really a great refashion.
Stella
Love this dress!! So happy you are back! I’ve missed you! 🙂
Terri Fann
I love your blog. Keep it going.
jennifer hodges
Love it!!
Peggy
Love it!… glad you’re back…I enjoy your refashion
Ali
It makes me happy you’re in my inbox again. <3
Deanne
SO glad you’re back! I can’t sew a lick, but I love your refashions, and this one is fantastic!
Elise Puhala
So cute!!! I mean you, more than the clever dress! I’m so glad you are back and sharing your amazing transformations. Happy new life as a wife. Your hubby is cute too!!! I’m very happy for both of you!!!
Candy
Love the ideas you come up with love the idea of a 20’s party also 🙂
Emily
Love it!!!
Lisa Jackson
Perfect dress!! I so enjoy your posts!
LH
Love it!!
Kathy Terry
Adorable, and I love the idea of a 20’s party!
Christine
Looks great! I enjoy your post and have missed seeing your awesome refashions. I’m glad your back! Congratulations on becoming a Mrs! I hope your Mr feels better soon.
Becky
Too cute by half! Flowers on headband…genius.
MaryJo
I love it all!!
Anita Gomez
You are doing a great job and soooo much enjoy your posts. I missed you!!
Claire
Absolutely wonderful! Oh how I’ve missed you!
westporthillviewfarm
I think the headband is my favorite part.
Pat
Love this refashion. Glad you had a good time!
Beryl Johnson
Wow! Love what you´ve done with that dress. Looks fabulous.
Michelle Van Ellis
Very cute!
AndreaJEP
This post came at the perfect time! Next month I’m going to a 1920’s themed murder mystery dinner, and I have nothing to wear. Now I know I can search for something 80’s and refashion it like this one. That’s way cheaper and easier then sewing a costume from scratch 😀
Barbara
So cute!!! You could bring that style right into the 2020s!!
Nicole
We really did jump the gun on celebrating the roaring 20’s! But fun to have a second go at it now!
Love this refashion!
susie mccormick
SooooooooGlad your back!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love ur blog.
Donna Dodd
I love it! So happy you are back!
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