I woke up yesterday morning to Mr. Refashionista giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Happy Birthday! I love you.” he whispered before heading to work.
“Mrrrrphmrrrphloveyoutoo…” I groggily responded.
I didn’t get to sleep in for much longer though. I had to get up and figure out what I was going to wear for my special day!
I chose this Fortuny-style pleated dress that I think is from the the late ’70s, but could be from the early ’80s?
If you have a strong opinion on this (or even better, a definitive answer), leave it in the comments below!

I love the color of this dress and I have a thing for fortuny pleating.
But other than that, this $1 thrifted find didn’t have much going for it. It’s matronly to the max…not how I want to look on my birthday!

At first glance, this dress may appear to be a top and a skirt. But look closer!

But could I refashion this matronly mess into a cute dress for a nice dinner with Mr. Refashionista in time?
*suspenseful reality show music plays*
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To get started, I used my seam ripper to carefully unpick that pretty beaded leaf appliqué from the shoulder and set it aside.

Then, I made a big chop across the top of the dress.

Those sleeves just weren’t doing it for me, folks. I’m only going to be working with the bottom part of the dress henceforth!

This effectively removed the V-shaped top part from the body of dress, which is totally fine (and what I wanted to happen).
I took the bottom part of my dress (sans V-shaped thing) and put it on my dress form inside-out, fitting it by the back seam.

Here’s what the front looked like:

Next, I sewed a single seam down my pinned line.

Then, I cut off the excess fabric.

Now that the body of my dress was fitted, I needed to deal with the top. I’m going strapless for this refashion, so I needed to add a casing, into which I’d be inserting elastic.
I folded the top part of my dress under once (leaving enough room to easily insert my elastic) and pinned it.
I used my sewing gauge to measure as I went.

Then, I sewed my casing down, leaving about a 1″ gap so I could feed my elastic through.

I know I keep talking about adding elastic, and we’re going to get back to that, but now it’s time to switch gears and get back to that V-Shaped thing!
I didn’t want to leave the top of this dress as-is, so I grabbed the cut off part of the V-shaped thing (DOES THIS HAVE A REAL NAME????) and laid my dress over it.
I traced around the top of my dress with tailor’s chalk where I planned on adding a truncated version of the V-thing (which I’ll be calling “Lil V” from here on out).

When I was done tracing, I cut Lil V out.

This left me with two pieces like this:

I turned my V pieces with right sides facing each other and pinned the sides down.

I also took a moment to double-check that the measurement across the top of Lil V was just a teensy bit larger (1/2″) than the top of my dress.
I sewed each side of Lil V down.

Alright. Things start to get a little complicated at this part. I’m going to try to explain the next few steps as best I can, but they were kind of hard to photograph.
I knew I wanted to attach Lil V to the top of my dress for a pretty layered look (which is oddly evocative of the original piece now that I think about it. But I didn’t want to have a visible seam along the top of the dress (I don’t know why, I just didn’t).
Look closely at the photo below. You can see how I’m getting ready to pin the right side of Lil V to the inside of the top of the dress.

Attaching it this way means the fabric will be able to just flop over to the right side of the dress!
I pinned Lil V in place, making sure the front and back of the V were aligned with the front and back of the dress.

Then, I sewed it into place, stitching right on top of the stitch I added for the casing.

Just like with the original casing, I left a gap in Lil V for the elastic I promise I’m about to add very soon.
Here’s what my dress looked like from the inside when I was done.

I hope my instructions are clear. As I said, this process was challenging to photograph in a way that made any sense at all. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments and I promise I’ll answer them.
Now to add some elastic!
I grabbed a length of elastic from my stash, wrapped it around myself right below my armpits, and snipped off a length that felt snug but not too snug.

Then, I grabbed this little guy. He’s called a bodkin and he’s great for all of your elastic-inserting needs. You can get a bodkin of your own here.

I attached my bodkin to the elastic…

…then I threaded it through!

You can use a safety pin attached to the end of piece of elastic to push it through as well!

I sewed the ends of the elastic together.

Then, I sewed the small gap I had left earlier….

…along with the pleated part.

Whew! Now the dress was basically done and all I had left to deal with were my accessories!
I needed a sash for my waist, so I took the scrap from where I took the dress in and pinned it into a tube with right sides facing each other.

Then I sewed it down and turned it right-side out.

Please note: In my “after” pics, you’ll notice my sash looks thinner than this. That’s because it is (no sewing trompe l’oeil here!). I thought the original version was too thick so I went back and sewed it to be thinner.
But what about that pretty beaded leaf?
I couldn’t just leave it behind! It’s one of my favorite things about the original dress!
Rather than sew it to my new dress, I decided to turn it into a brooch that can be worn with all sorts of things!
First, I hot glued a safety pin to the back.

While the glue was still gooey, I pushed a tiny scrap of fabric over the pin with my fingernail.

Check out my new birthday dress!

I really really like this one and am pretty proud of the overall transformation!

All refashioning aside, I think it’s just a really nice dress!

My new dress was perfect for warm sunny day.

I’m glad I kept that beaded leaf!

And check out these sweet vintage velvet slippers I thrifted for $3!

The only thing I don’t like about this dress is how long the back of Lil V ended up being (since the back of the dress dips a little).

This could be remedied by making the back part of the V shorter than the front, but I didn’t think it looked bad enough for a total do-over.

- You might also enjoy this mother of bride dress refashion (similar original dress, totally different refashion).
- Here’s another dowdy Fortuny pleated dress I refashioned into a cute strapless top.
- And here’s a no-sew Fortuny pleated dress refashion from waaaay back!
I headed out the door for drinks at Craft & Draft with Erin, followed by a birthday dinner at Il Giorgione with Brian.
I ended up waaaaay early (rare for me) and hopped into a nearby art gallery where I scored a little birthday gift for myself.

That ceramic cubist cat is by Jeri Burdick. I’ve wanted one forever. When I worked in the nonprofit arts sector I could never afford one, and then she stopped making them.

The boutique owner decided to sell one from his personal collection, and I got lucky!
I had a lovely time sitting outside with Erin, who also brought me a sweet gift!



For those who are wondering, I just turned 39!
This birthday was a really special one (for obvious reasons). 38 was…tough. I kept receiving flowers, chocolate, cookies, and other really sweet gifts from my friends all day. It made my heart smile.

Mr. Refashionista and I enjoyed a delightful dinner and of course, wine.

Here’s hoping 39 is filled with health, love, happiness and all the good stuff.
Cheers!

First, happy birthday! Second, I love your spirit! And finally, you have quite a spot of talent! #mydailyfix ❤️
NTW: I can’t sew worth a lick!
The dress looks like something the Golden Girls might have worn. Looks very Dorothy like to me. Don’t know what decade that was??? Happy Birthday and many more. Nice refashion. Keep posting brings so much joy and inspiration to others and myself.
Absolutely stunning, you are so talented!
Happy Birthday Jillian!!! That refashion is one of my favorites that you’ve done, and you look gorgeous in it! A beautiful color on you! Congratulations and cheers to you, wishing you good health and happiness
This is beautiful! And I love how you wrote about making it! Happy belated birthday!
Happy birthday!!! And many years with that lovely husband of yours.
Happy Birthday. I hope the next year is wonderful to you.
The refash looks positively Grecian. I hope you keep the top and do something with that. I was digging those sleeves. Hugs xx
Beautiful refash! Beatiful slippers and happy birthday wishes!!!
Fabulous refashion, fabulous you!
Happy Birthday You look beautiful and the refashion is great!
Happy birthday! Great refashion! You showed that you made a sash, but I didn’t see it on the dress? Can you show a picture with the sash? Thanks!
What a gorgeous refashion and Happy Birthday, Jillian!
So happy you had so many wonderful presents and attention from family and friends.
My birthday is next week, the 17th. I don’t know what we’re doing but I want cake. LOL
You made an absolutely gorgeous dress out of an absolutely horrid dress! Happy birthday!!!
This is definitely one of my favorites. Awesome! it looks great on you. I hope you had a wonderful birthday and that 2021 is much kinder to you.
Happy birthday, have a great year and both of you keep safe and well. x.
Happy birthday! May you have a wonderful year ahead!
Happy Birthday! Cheers to another year doing what you do so well.
Happy Birthday! A tough year for sure, but you were tougher!
That dress is gorgeous! This post made me smile. Your attitude throughout last year has lifted my spirits many times. I hope you have many occasions to wear that beautiful in 2021.
Happy birthday!! Enjoy 39! Love, love, love the dress! Very elegant…you could wear that to a wedding also! Great job!
Happy Birthday Sweet Lady! You look Fabulous!
Happy Birthday ! ! ! The dress is darling and looks Fantastic on You ! ! !
Beautiful job!! I like the look and length of Lil V ln the back.
That’s a great maxi dress! I think the pointed back is just the right length, and the vintage of the original dress is likely mid-to-late 80s I think. Happy BirthYay!
The dress is incredible, and happy birthday!!
dang that is just elegant! And happy Birthday!
I truley love this refashion and you look fantastic.
Wow! Spectacular refashion! Happy birthday today and many, many more!
Happiest of birthdays to you! You amaze me with your talent and it’s so wonderful to see you healthy and happy!!!
Happy Birthday! You are such an inspiration in many ways. God Bless you!
Happy birthday, Jillian! ❤️❤️❤️ Your makeover was “totally awesome, Dude”!! (80’s vernacular from 40 years ago!! Say what!??)
Happy Birthday and many many more!! The pictures are great. It was good to see your other half and a delight to see Erin, too.
Regarding the refashion… Wow! It is wonderful. One of your best ever, I am sure and it looks lovely on you. You have more imagination than anyone.
Happy another revolution around the sun! You did a wonderful re-make on this dress.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You are so talented, I love the results of the blue dress!
Beautiful, love the color. Nice refashion, Happy Birthday and many, many more.
Brilliant refashion !! That was inspired ! And just in time for a birthday that was, hopefully, amazing. Wishing you many many happy more with your cute husband.
Awesome re-do! And, belated Happy Birthday!
Absolutely adorbs! Happy Birthday to you! Mr. Refashionista is a very lucky man to have you! And you him! xo.megan
Vous êtes très belle dans cette robe ! I am sure that even with a non-existing french, you will understand – happy birthday, just enjoy it – and your little hair « petite repousse » is so cute – cheers !
Beautiful dress! You look great. Happy birthday!! Here’s hoping 39 is amazing!
Fabulous
Happy, happy birthday to you, dear Jillian! And, 39?!? Maybe 30, at most…. (have you ever heard of American comedian Jack Benny? There’s a “39” joke in there LOL) And the dress is so very Greek goddess-y. It looks like a fabulous time was had by all. Just as it should be. Cheers!
oh so cute!Girlfriend you exhaust me with all that energy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fabulous you!
This refashion is so cute, i love it !! Also, happy birthday to you, i wish you all the best !!!
Oh my goodness! The small preview photo had not prepared me for the . . . Godzilla of fabric that was the original dress. You did great! Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday. You look beautiful in this gorgeous dress. Love the wig-free look. Many blessing to you and Brian.
Happy Birthday! You always bring a smile to my face.
Happy birthday! You are amazing!!!
Happy birthday!!
Happy birthday! I wish you the most joyous and blessed year, ever!
Gorgeous dress. That will keep you going all summer, or until you make a cuter one, if that’s even possible.
*Birthday Hugs!*
Super adorable remake! Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! I think you are an amazing woman!
Happy Birthday and wishing you many more! You look gorgeous, your dress transformation is stunning, and Lil V’s back is perfect! I have been inspired to try several of your ideas – the latest being shortening a much too long sweatshirt – and always look forward to seeing what you’ll do next.
Happy Birthday! Lovely frock x
Happy birthday from France pretty lady !
Happy birthday! that is definitely an 80s original 😉
Happy Birthday! The dress turned out beautiful and looks great one you. You do excellent work and instructions all made sense.
Happy birthday Jillian! May this dress transformation be a reflection of your new beginning- from a heavy, difficult year to a future of lightness and joy!
YOu look amazing and the re-do is incredible.
Happy birthday, and this is truly impressive.
I learned something new today, I didn’t know that style of pleated fabric had its own name…fortuny!
What an amazing transformation.
Happy Birthday! I have a feeling this next year will be wonderful for you!
Happy Birthday! This is my favorite refash you’ve done! You’re right, the color is awesome, those slippers are awesome, and the back is great. This is such a great example of no waste. I love the fortuny also. You have inspired me to start sewing again. I do not have the vision you have….yet. I have a few old dresses from Goodwill that are waiting on me to refash. I am working on more craft stuff in the meantime. And, you do look 19 like the above person said.
Happy Birthday, This refashion is amazing, love it!!
Yes! Objectively speaking, I think it is one of your best refashions, ever! And I think the way the V dips in the back is perfect. Happy birthday! You are to be celebrated and you have so much to celebrate. Many more years of wonderful celebrations to you! I am always thankful for what you share with us. The inspiration that you offer us is a bright spot in our lives. A big hug from southern Colorado! Bless you and yours!
What did you do with the sleeve fabric? Maybe a scarf, shawl, or handbag? Or pockets?
I love what you do, but I cannot figure out why you never add pockets to your garments.
I ALMOST wore it as a matching headscarf, but it was warm out so I didn’t! You may see those sleeves again in the future!
Great dress! Mary McFadden made clothes with Fortuny-like pleats in the seventies. My mother loved her.
And, Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!! Another fabulous refashion!
Happy Birthday dear Jillian. Wishing you the best.
Happy Birthday love, I hope 39 is the best year yet!
Looks good! I believe that piece of the dress is called a fauxverlay. SWIDT?
You two are so cute together. Happy birthday!!!
Happy Birthday! This was an incredible transformation. You have such a talent. Thank you for sharing!
Happy Birthday Jillian! The dress turned out lovely, just as you are. Have a wonderful birthday and a terrific year!
Happy birthday Jillian. Love this refashion, it´s an amazing transformation from that awful matronly dress. The colour is fab and looks fantastic on you. Tel Erin I love the birthday gift she gave you – so pretty and such gorgeous colours. Here´s to a happy and healthy year.
Happy birthday! Love the dress and love that you made the leaf into a brooch which is what I would have done. 🙂
Happy Birthday to You!!! Love the refashion & that you had a wonderful Birthday!
This was an amazing transformation Jillian! Your creativity constantly amazes me!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday ! The dress is very becoming and quite a transformation. I miss the early dark pixie wig ! You are looking so well these days ! Hope you are getting some walking in daily to rebuild your strength.
Happy Birthday! And I really enjoyed this refashion, inspiring!
Gorgeous! Both you and the dress 😉 And the back side of Lil V looks good as is, not need to alter anything. Great job!
Happy Birthday and I’m sending you warm wishes for your best year yet!!
Happy Birthday to a special lady! And your dress is stunning!
Happy Birthday, Jillian! You are fabulous and awesome!
Beautiful colors on you, including the pink in your cheeks! (: Happy Birthday and may you enjoy many, many more of them!
Understood your directions completely. I was followin’ ya girl! Absolutely amazing transformation and here’s wishing you a very special year. God Bless!
Have a whole Happy Birthday year… you absolutely deserve it! Your dress and brooch turned out lovely. Peace and love to you two!
The original dress looks like something that my daughter’s MIL wore to the wedding in 2013…perhaps she was saving it from the 80’s for a special occasion 🙂 Your new version looks fabulous, including the back view of Lil V…resembling a long fitted bodice. Good to see you smiling again, and a very happy birthday to you 🙂
Have always loved Fortuny. Well done.❤️❤️
You look positively gorgeous in the pic with you and your handsome hubby! If it helps you date it, something about the original dress screamed Golden Girls to me. Love what you did with it. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how you could possible transform it when I first saw the original. You have such a good eye and always impress me!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Absolutely lovely refashion. Happy Birthday and best wishes for a fantastic year ahead…..39???? Goodness you only look 19!!
Happy Birthday! Lovely refashion in which to celebrate to first day of a new year!!!
Those blue shoes are awesome!
Happy birthday!!!!