I just love a simple summery refashion, don’t you?
I wonder what the cashiers at the thrift stores where I source my “before” pieces think when I buy dresses like this:
I’m really surprised that almost no one asks why I’m buying all of these frumpy frocks. Exactly ONE cashier asked if I did costumes for a local theater, but that is the only time anyone has questioned my odd purchases.
Frumpiness aside, I really like the color and print of this dress.
Those front pleats are pretty swell too.
And let’s take a look at that vintage label.
When my friends Phillip and David announced they were hosting a pie-themed poolside birthday party (very specific, no?) for one of our good friends (who prefers pie to cake), I knew I’d need to make this dress work for warm weather.
Here’s an easy way to turn a frumpy thrifted dress into a cute strapless dress!
First, I cut off everything below the armpits of my dress.
Then, I turned it inside-out, folded the top over 1″, and pinned it.
Then, I sewed this part down, leaving a small gap to thread elastic through.
Before adding my elastic, I pressed my newly-sewn casing.
Then, I cut off a piece of elastic that fit snugly (but not too snugly) below my armpits.
Using a bodkin (you can also use a safety pin), I threaded it through the casing of my dress.
Then, I sewed the ends of the elastic together.
My dress was almost done!
I decided to take advantage of those billowy sleeves by turning them into a sash.
First, I cut off the sleeves from the dress.
I removed the cuffs as well.
I cut each sleeve in two.
I sewed each half closed, and then stitched them all together.
And that’s it!
I like the high waist of dress, and think this refashion would make a great maternity summer refashion for any of you moms-to-be!
I styled my new dress with a gold sunnies, earrings, and bracelet combo, as well as black sandals and a beaded necklace.
- You might also like this (very similar) strapless dress refashion.
- And here’s a post from waaaay back where I refashioned a dowdy black dress into a cute strapless dress.
- You can use this same technique to refashion a thrifted dress into a strapless top too!
Despite some pretty hot temps, I kept cool in my new frock.
I hope this easy refashion gives you a little summer style inspiration!
Cheers!
What a transformation! Love the evolution of hair styles!
Super cute! I also love the color and print! Thanks for showing an easy refashion 😉
I love this! I’m more of a straps girl and I can see the sash being used for this purpose. Thanks for the inspiration!
It’s an awesome design. Innovative design from you.
Awesome! I am always amazed at your vision for these frumpy dresses.
From frump to fabulous… it’s a beautiful little dress! Bravo!
You do great re-creations, but this is one of the best. So cute!
Five stars!
You truly do look Marvelous. Cheers to some of the sweet things in life- summer, fresh unmasked air, and good friends!
I love this one! I absolutely love this one. Well done! Brava!
Your refash is adorable, and the green looiks great on you, as does your curly hair!
I love how you see can see the potential in such a frumpy dress. The transformation is amazing!
Darling, you have a great eye girl ! ! ! !
I love this one too. Everything works. Great eye for spying the potential in that one.
That is seriously cute!
Love it,…. and your curly hair.
This is adorable!
Cute! I love that print.
Love this one… perfect for poolside.
This re-creation needs to be in the Frock Hall of Fame! You look fabulously healthy and stylish!
Very cute!
Well done! A snip and a zip and your off to the party in no time at all, looking very pretty.
Genius refashion!
Love it! I also love how your hair is coming in! Those curls are so nice! ❤️
That turned out fantastic!
Love the summer frock & your curly hair,
What a difference you made in that pretty printed dress. You look just gorgeous in it too!
Amazing and simple transformation! I love your curls. My friends hair came back super curly after chemo also. Great look!
Gorgeous refashion! I love it! You look stunning!
Oh those frumpy frocks of the ‘80s (yes, I wore them ). I enjoy reading your transformations and seeing your creativity. It is inspiring!! (But I do hope you have sunscreen on). Keep those refashions coming!
I love this refashion. The colour is gorgeous and the new style looks awesome on you. I can´t believe you turned something so frumpy into an elegant party dress. Well done again! Say Hi to Erin for me.
I LOVE this one!!! And it actually looks simple enough for a very ‘green’ seamstress to try!
So very pretty.