Est. 2010
’80s Dress to One Shoulder Dress Refashion
When I first donned this ’80s-tastic dress, the song Lady in Red began playing on a constant loop in my brain.
It was quite annoying.
This dress has a lot going on, doesn’t it? But I actually like a lot about it!
Let’s take a closer look at that fab fabric…
I love that bright red. Not that you’d know it as I don’t own many red dresses. Therefore, my latest acquisition is a step in the right sartorial direction.
Here’s a closer look at the label.
I always love it when I score something that was made right here in the US!
I also liked that diagonal pleating across the front of the dress.
I didn’t like how ill-fitting it was on me, and I thought those sleeves were too much.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission. Thanks!
When I spotted this dress on the $1 clearance rack, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. I would refashion it into an elegant one-shoulder dress!
First, I grabbed my seam ripper and began unpicking the right sleeve.
As I picked, I discovered a teeny tiny shoulder pad (because…you know…those sleeves weren’t floofy enough, right?) that I ripped out as well.
I only needed to rip out one of the sleeves for this refashion, as I would be completely removing the opposite shoulder in my next step.
I made a big chop across the top of my dress, using those diagonal pleats as a guide.
Then, I folded the edges of the armhole under twice, securing them with my sewing clips
(You can get your own sewing clips here.)
I closed up my armhole carefully, making sure to sew with the folds of the pleats, rather than against them.
Then, I folded and clipped the open fraying mess at the top of my dress.
I quickly stitched this down as well.
All that was left to do was get this dress fitted!
I put my dress on my dress form and pinned the sides at the armpits.
I took my dress off my dress form to pin the rest of the sides, leaving a little extra room at the hips.
I chose to pin this dress off my dress form instead of on because the silky fabric is much easier to work with this way.
After each side was pinned, I sewed my new side seams!
Then, I cut off the excess fabric with my pinking shears.
I tried my dress on, and discovered the top was still too big.
This wasn’t much of a surprise, as the shoulders of my dress form are just a smidge larger than my own.
Not to worry! I tweaked the top by taking the open shoulder side in a smidgen.
I pinned where I wanted to take the top in, then marked a line to blend it into the existing side seam.
Then, I pinned along the chalked line.
Finally, I stitched it down.
After ironing my new dress, I was all done!
Ain’t she a beaut?!?!
I was thrilled with how elegant this dress turned out!
I styled my new dress with a pair of teal sunnies and mustard Jack Rodgers sandals.
With a refashion this nice, I couldn’t just hang out on my porch all day! It needed to get out and be seen!
I headed out the door to meet with Erin for an after-work bevvie at Bourbon!
We’ve both been a little cranky about not being able to safely travel for over a year.
But we’re happy to see things appear to be getting better! We spent the evening chatting about all the places we can’t wait to visit!
Oh! and I’d be remiss if I didn’t show you my new handbag I had custom-made by local designer, Sally Peek!
Her business is Nana by Sally. My new bag was made out of remnants from a regional furniture maker (that would have otherwise been tossed out!). Stylish, locally-made, and sustainable? Yes please!
I hope you’re all having a great week and are finding small things to be delighted by/look forward to as well.
Cheers!
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