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.
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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.
- Here’s another one-shoulder dress refashion that uses a cut-off sleeve in a pretty creative way!
- And here’s a fun one-sleeved party dress refashion!
- Exposed shoulders aren’t just for dresses! You can refashion a one-shoulder sweater too!
Cheers!
Love this one so much, its elegant and you look stunning in the red especially with your always amazing accessories x
Wow! You made this dress into a beauty! Love the colour.. love the one strap. It’s elegant and not the least bit gaudy. Love the purse with the dress and the shoes as well. Love your hair! 🙂
What a gorgeous refashion! So elegant and the colour looks great on you. It will be perfect for your upcoming travels.
And I forgot to mention I love the bag! Checking out her website now, thanks for sharing a local maker!
Gorgeous! Both you and the dress! Excellent refashion! You are so talented!
And I love finding and buying clothes made in the USA too 🙂
absolutely a super make-over!!
This came out beautifully! I especially love how the top looks.
You definitely need more red dresses. It IS your colour.
I love your eye for seeing potential.
Could you look more amazing?!?! This is one of my all times favorite, most transformative refashes. Brava!
Love the new platform! Seems more streamlined. Thanks for all the post Jillian! I love your writing and sewing, but especially your writing.
This is gorgeous! The colour, the pattern of the fabric, and the way you transformed it from frump to fab. Looks wonderful on you! Say hi to Erin, we feel you. Eager to go visit places again!
what a great re-fashion and your hair is SO au cou·rant.
Fabulous! I love everything about this refashion. It’s made in America, the wonderful squares, the red and of course the shoulder! Keep up the good work. This is an inspiration!
Love. It.
What a brilliant idea. It looks like that was how it should have been in the first place. I think you need to get more red in your wardrobe, it looks beautiful on you.
This is one of my favourites! Looks lovely on you x
That colour looks fabulous on you!
You really rock the red, Jillian. This is such a fun, sophisticated refash. Terrific fabric, perfectly suited to the line of your design. Inspiring transformation on this one. The sunnies and earrings just take it to the top.
Love you! One question, what the heck is a French curve and how do you use it?
Maybe because the right hand needed to be free to do stuff? First time I’ve ever heard of this reasoning but it makes sense — Indian sarees are worn with the big drape over the left shoulder. Hmmmm.
Jillian’s refashioned red dress is the best — like it was originally meant to be one-shouldered! Bravo!
Wow!!! Jillian, your vision is just amazing! I love this dress! I must like red, too, because your Minnie Mouse dress makeover was another bfav of mine.
That dress needs to go dancing! Lol
The before looked like a choir robe. Love the after much better.
Great refashioned like always, love the color. You look good in red.
Red and this kind of dress suit you so much ! Thank you for sharing – stay safe
While I HATE one-shoulder fashions for me, this looks stunning on you. You convinced me to get clips and I LOVE them too! Wish I had gotten more than the 50, but who knew I’d like them so much…besides you of course? Hee-hee. So glad you’re looking and feeling better. Still praying you stay healthy. God bless!
This is amazing! The difference between before and after is staggering. You look fabulous, of course!
This is a really cool refash! But I do have question about 1 shoulder protocol. Back in the day my mom always said that the left shoulder must be fully covered, but the right shoulder could be open or just have a spaghetti strap, and I notice that you often cover the right shoulder and leave the left one open. I’m not sure if this is or was a real rule, or maybe it was because one shoulder fashions were typically formal wear, and it’s traditional to pin a corsage on the left shoulder. Thanks in advance for any thoughts on the subject.
I think I had that dress, in blue. Wish I still had it so I could remake it. You look great.
Very cool — probably quite literally! Might you happen to have heard of actress Dorothy Lamour (wonder how many people are in on that translation…)? You’ve definitely got a “Dottie” vibe going on here with this dress. Hint: she started quite a trend by wearing a particular garment with a definite South Seas homage. And, if you haven’t yet, you have a viewing treasure in store for you watching the “Road” pictures with Bob (Hope), Bing (Crosby), and of course Dottie (Dorothy Lamour)! Enjoy!
Its stunning! I love this dress!
That dress looks great on you! You could wear it out anywhere. Good choices!
Ooh La La! Tres chic!
Super cute, and super elegant. I think this is one of my favorites of your refashions and I’ve been following you for years. Brava, Jillian! Way to sew!
All I can say is “WOW”! This is one of your best. So glad you could save this beautiful fabric and set this dress free for a new life. Outstanding job.
The result looks like a Princess Diana moment and I love it ♥️
Great looking re-do! And the red looks great on you too!!
Love the dress..totally jealous that you can go outside in a one shoulder outfit.. We in eastern Ontario are waaay behind
Too elegant… love that you left the length. Those square earrings are just the right touch! You’re looking great in a stylish refashion.
Total transformation in the best possible way.
Every time I think you have made my “favorite” refashion you come around with another contender for that title. The transformation here is amazing. The fabric looks fresh and expensive in the new look, but in the original dress it reminds me of the flimsy fabric they always use for those “sexy Satan” Halloween costumes. I know… odd place for my brain to go… but the change in even the look of the fabric itself is just so surprising to me. Well done!
high fashion here – love this dress – you are sooooooooooooo good
That dress is amazing!!! You outdid yourself and it looks beautiful on you. Love it, love it, love it!
Oh my dear, you’ve really done it this time! Your refashion is nothing short of fabulous, it’s as though that fugly dress was just waiting for your genius to bring out its beauty. And that red really suits your coloring. ❤
You look fantastic in red, Jillian. I’ve noticed that before. How clever you are, to see such potential in way-out-of-style clothing. This creation has the wow factor. We need a photo of Mr. Refashionista’s reaction to seeing you in this outfit, please.
That turned out AMAZING! It truly went from frumpy to elegant. Well done!
This looks amazing! Brilliant idea making it one shoulder. It is gorgeous fabric.
I’m absolutely in love with this refashion!!! Way to turn something frumpy into something STUNNING!! <333