Easy DIY Tunic Dress Refashion
It has been raining here in Columbia. For days and days.
When weather forecasts predicted some flooding over the weekend, I packed a bag and fled to a friend’s place (which sits at a higher elevation than mine) to wait it out.
I knew I’d be feeling a little stir-crazy from days stuck inside rather than hanging out with friends. So, when I packed, I only packed refashionables!
I figured it would be a good excuse for a challenge, as well as a boredom buster. 🙂
I just knew this 80’s dress would make a perfect comfy DIY Tunic Dress!
The dress is nice and warm, and I like those big batwing sleeves.
It’s meant to be of generous fit, but even so, it was still too big for me. I didn’t like the length either.
I saw this one becoming much shorter and paired with leggings for a cozy stay-at-home outfit.
Of course, since I wasn’t at my house, I had to complete this refashion with much fewer sewing supplies than I’m used to and without a dress form.
Oh well! It’s all a part of the challenge!
First, I eyeballed this frock and decided I wanted to take it in 1.5 inches on each side.
I figured this would make the hips more fitted, but still leave the top free-fitting.
It took a little creative thinking, but I managed to measure and pin each side.
With the dress turned inside-out, I pinned my side seams.
To complete this refashion, I had to rely on an old (more travel-friendly) pal.
That’s right! It’s my old sewing machine! The one that started it all!
Each side got stitched down, then I removed the excess fabric.
Next, I chopped off a bit from the bottom.
A quick hem followed.
After a good press, my new dress was ready for a day of lounging in style!
This dress could easily be belted, but I actually like leaving the waist free.
This is also a flattering look for women who are more of an apple shape, as it plays up your legs, while the full sleeves help give balance.
Douglas seems to be handling the downpour just fine.
Cheers!
65 Comments
EcoGoodz
Your refashions are inspiring. Who would’ve thought that dowdy shirt dress could have a new life as something so adorable?? Well done!
Amy
This must be serious if you are stashing a sewing machine at his place!!! This dress is adorable!
Ali
I LOVE it and used to have a dress like that! Feeling bad for the folks in S.C.
Beverly Phelps
Sending prayers and good wishes your way. We are your neighbors in the Charlotte area, and we have been very worried about you in South Carolina. Hope you are staying dry! I enjoy your blog, and I am inspired by your creativity!
Irum
Very cute! I’m veryyyy much a beginner so always appreciate the steps and pics. I also love the idea of redonating some of the refashions. And being in Cola too so that’s a great way to help in our community. So happy to see everyone’s strength and support.
silvi
Hola soy silvi de cuba lo que haces es encantador me gusta mucho
Teri
Prayers for SC.
sulis shadd
so cute glad you are doing ok with all this rain. I was wondering if you thought of maybe putting in pockets with the extra fabric you took off the bottom.
Lalee
It looks real cute on you..I must say the women’s dresses you find are so huge I wondering what the women who wore some of them looked like..maybe they lost weight and gave them away ,…. Lalee in Calif
Linda
Lovely refashion! I’ll have to look out for this kind of dress here in UK charity shops!! Hope the flooding has subsided now, and that you don’t have any damage at your place. ((HUGS))
Jane
Excellent!! Loved this remake. And it’s a look that would work very well for our cold Canadian winters.
Veronica
You really do have a special eye for this. I hope I can be just as good when I get my sewing machine soon. LOL on the measuring tape, it turned out fabulous Jillian!
Catherine
Stay safe. I love this refashion – so cute and could be worn out of the house as well.
Lisa
Hope you guys are ok. I know it is bad down there…I’m from NC so we are (sorta) neighbors!! Love your refashions 🙂
Karen G.
Adorable, as always…you and the dress! Been watching the news. Stay safe!!
cheryl miller
I’ve been thinking and praying for you and SC all day. Please let us know if you’re okay.
elizaplan
Hope you guys are still dry! I am glad you are back with the updates. Love this dress! Also I love your dog!
ReFashionista
Thank you so much! Giving your blog a looksie right now! 🙂
clayo
I really like this look, adding the tights was brilliant! Keeping everyone in the flood areas in my thoughts.
jenny_o
Looking good as always. Your fella has a very kind face. But you know that 🙂
Tabitha
I love the dress especially with leggings
Marnie
Your hair is especially sassy in these photos. This is a very appropriate & becoming refashion. The fella is handsome, but really a impresdive in the fact he isn’t scared of a toothbrush, or sewing machine, left at his house. He’s made space for YOU – which includes creativity, a pup & your supporters. A secure man indeed!
Bless everyone & the land in the Carolinas. We need a canal built the width of the country so your water excess can flow to our SW shortage. Then we could ship cargo in the canal & spare the land travel of trucks. Us thrifty gals have the answers!
Carol
Thinking of all of you as you endure the flash floods. Just saw on tv what is happening. Keep safe.
Love your refashioning ideas.
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy
Although I have not sewed a stitch since 8th grade home ec (many, many years ago) I love reading your blog. Today’s do- over turned out great.
I am in Cola too, and we vastly underestimated what was going to happen this weekend. Prayers for those who have been hit very hard.
Toddy
Great dress. Listening to the news. Omg enough rain to need an ark.
Norma
Love the redo. Keep them coming
judy ross
I can never find a shirt long enough to go with my leggings. This is perfect.
Karen
Love this one! Looks super cozy!!
vintage51
Always love your refashions. You have been a big inspiration for my blog. I even posted you as one of my favourite bloggers. Would love if you check my blog out and give me some tips at vintagethrifter51.com. Thanks so much for all your great work and inspiration. Cheers, Michele
Candy Hicks
LOVE LOVE LOVE ! ! ! You did a FANTASTIC refashion ! ! ! !
Mary Ann Whitman Fitzpatrick
You definitely rocked this dress/tunic. Fabulous!!!
Lauren
Needs one of your Fabulous belts.
Jackie
Awesome refashion! Oh, and I LOVE your flats! Where did you get them?
galishka
Beautiful!!!
NancyW.
Love, love, love it and your hair and Douglas and your guy is super cute ;)) Your posts always brighten my day!
Anne Fraser
Well that turned out great! Glad you are keeping dry in good company.
Barb Harrison
I remember owning a dress like that!..scary monsters!
I love your site and the magic you do!
Amy Clark Walko
Do you take requests? Here’s mine: seems like the only sweaters I wear are cardigans. I need new ones but all I can find is the same-old same-old. I imagine refashioning, perhaps by putting 2 together somehow. But I’m having trouble getting started. Any hope you can help?
Peg
Love it!
Barb
Hope flooding doesn’t cause too much damage . Like the refashion a lot .
Margaret
Beautiful makeover, as usual! Love your little doxie too!
Lois
Love your creativity and what you see in a piece of clothing…very inspiring. My very old fav machine just died on me,,,bought in 1969 when I was a senior in high school…I don’t think the new ones can beat it…miss it much
Del
Love the hair!! and the whole look. Glad to hear you are safe sound and Happy!! Very happy to see you posting more often
Betty Daggett
This is a very cute re-fa. I love it that you are also considering people of a larger size in your post. You are so tiny and cute but not all if us can do all of the re-fa you do. Thanks.
Elizabeth
love the refashion on this one
Jeanette
I’d add a colorful scarf!
Nancy
Jillian, you look like a model in a VERY high end catalog. Classy as all-get-out.
Nancy
P. S.
Douglas, how do I love thee….let me count the ways………………..
Denise
Sending prayers. Love your refashion. If you ever want to visit Dallas you can stay with me and refashion something fun for me. Win win lol
Grimm
I love the look!
All the folks receiving floods and heavy rains are in our prayers here in California. (It’s flooding/mudslides here in the mountains.)
Jennifer
Love Love Love that outfit!
Wendy
Love the refashion (always), but your hair looks super cute!!
AshleyAshley
Love it!!
Shirleyd
Genius! It looks really, really nice!
Beth
I just love how this turned out! Don’t know that I have quite the “creative vision” you’ve been blessed with, but you sure make me want to start haunting local thrifts! Thoughts and prayers coming your way for drier weather and maybe some sunshine?
Jan Brodie
What a difference a bit of taking in and shortening can make. I love it. Well done you clever thing.
lyndawh
The refashion is adorable and complimentary! And we are so sorry for the flooding devastation you all are experiencing. Prayers are and have been said for you all. Sure hope your place survives okay.
Victoria
Glad you’re back 🙂
blissinger
I like what you did with this dress. Guess you’d have to call it a tunic now. But the leftover from the bottom will probably come in handy too. (I always save the bottoms when I shorten a dress, I just know I can use them someday) You didn’t mention the fabric, I’m assuming it’s a mix of poly/cotton?
We just had a ferocious rainstorm and flood last night, so I can relate to your anxiety about what might be happening to your home while you’re away. We were bailing, squeegeeing, and mopping for hours! The silt is the worst…yuck!
Your guy looks like a real sweetheart, and it’s very kind of him to indulge your creativity by keeping your tools handy for you at his house.
Jennifer
I really like this. Sophisticated and simple for just being mellow.
laurpud
Thanks for the tip! (I’m an apple) Good luck with that flooding {{HUGS}}
Miss
Super cute, MUCH better with leggings! Is that a red Jeep in the background??!! 🙂
ReFashionista
Thanks! Yep…those fleece-lined leggings will be getting a lot of wear this fall and winter!
Gwen
Looks great!
Jenny
Glad y’all are doing okay in this weather! That dress transformation is unreal – you have a great eye, it looks fabulous!