Mad About Madras: A Preppy ’80s Dress Refashion
There are certain prints/patterns that make me happy.
Floral Madras is one of them.
While this print was really popular in the ’80s and early ’90s, unless you’re a frequent thrifter, you just don’t see it that much anymore. And while it’s definitely a preppy style (something I usually eschew), I still really like it.
Sadly, this dress wouldn’t work for me as-is. It’s too big for me and the length is kind of awkward (or maybe it’s just my lack of height that’s awkward?).
I didn’t care for those sleeves either. :/ I also knew I was going to a Pride event later that day and would be outside (to maintain social distancing) in almost 90-degree heat. Comfort was going to be essential for this Refashion.
One more thing. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the top buttonhole for this dress was looking a little worse for wear.
Time to get this Preppy ’80s Dress Refashion underway!
First, I tackled those sleeves.
It’s hard to see it here, but the sleeves for this dress aren’t set-in on the back. That means I couldn’t just pick them off with my seam ripper (what I prefer to do).
After snipping them off, I realized I hadn’t thought about the fray factor of this fabric, so I snipped again with my pinking shears.
I pinned those teeny tiny raw edges down.
I really didn’t give myself much room here, but everything pinned down just fine.
Then, I ran each armhole through my machine.
Luckily, I had a thread that was the exact same shade of the teal blue of this dress, so it blended in perfectly!
I put my dress on my dress form inside-out and got to pinning.
Since this dress has a full button front closure (meaning I can get in and out of it without having to get it over my head and shoulders), I was able to get it nice and fitted! I measured each side to make sure it was even.
I also pinned each side of the top front placket down into a V.
No more ugly torn buttonhole! Huzzah!
I also picked off that top button and added it to my button stash!
Then, I ran each side of the dress through my machine.
And then I stitched down my new V-neck!
Almost done!
I tried my dress on, and marked where I wanted my new hem to be with a safety pin.
Time for a final chop!
Check it out! We have a new table that’s big enough for me to do cutting on! My days of cutting hems on the floor are over and my knees are happy!
Our new dining room table also doubles as a gaming table!!!
I pinned my new hem down…
…and stitched it in place!
Look at that Preppy ’80s Dress now!
I really like this dress so much better without those sleeves! The fabric is just so light…perfect for a sleeveless sundress!
I received lots of compliments on my new dress (from afar, of course), and Mr. Refashionista seemed to like it too!
Mr. Refashionista cut his beard shorter for summer! I think it looks really nice (I can almost see his face!).
Feel free to pepper him with praise in the comments below. 😉
While we’re sad Pride events haven’t really been able to happen this year, we were happy for the opportunity to come out and support our friends. 🙂
Cheers!
54 Comments
Ann Harper
Ben married to a guy with a beard for over forty years. Never seen him without a beard except in pictures before we were together. Cute refashion(oh to be young and skinny again lol). Had a couple of house dresses back in the day with similar print. School teacher dresses (same style as before refashion) great for chasing young kids around. Enjoying your pandemic posts!!!! Thanks!
Carrie Vermazen
Much better! Great job!
aannbrr
I LOVE that fabric! The dress turned out so cute! And the trimmed beard LOOKS cooler and tidy.
ELSA Geary
very nice refashion, you guys looks amazingly happy.
Melissa Ziech
Your dude’s summer- do looks good! Used your idea for opening up the neckline on the top of seersucker pajamas. More comfortable and better looking. Thanks for the tip. Bet there was enough leftover fabric from your dress to make a matching cute mask!
Judy
I have followed you for a long time and wanted to tell you how happy I am to see you in the arms of someone you love. Also, this dress is wonderful and looks like it could become a summer go-to favorite. Great job.
Melanie Griffin
I love it, as usual! I think you two are adorable. I too, am married to a beard guy. Occasionally, it will get ‘too mountain man’ or Grizzly Adams for me and I’ll mention it, but really, I don’t care. Hey! facial hair, don’t care??? Carry on Refashionista who doesn’t know me but I consider a friend!
Bree
This was a great refashion! You are looking good in it, Jillian… Mr Refashionista looks great and you both look very happy. I am happy for you both….
Jane
Loved this one. Great job. Loved the new shorter beard too
TEMA
Very cute! How well I remember the ’80’ fabrics….
Lisa
Me. Refashionista is so handsome! You are a lucky lady for sure!
Stephie G
Cute dress, hunky dude. Jillian just has it all.
Melanie Karwowski
Hi! I love this refashion and the madras! I actually had a pink and blue madras maternity dress in the 80’s! Lol! I loved it so much that I refashioned it into a top later before refashioning was a thing. Well in the 70’s my high school sewing teacher taught us about refashioning only she called it something else.
Thank you for your posts! I’m always happy to see what you’re up to. And yay, you & Mr. Refashionista look great together!
Kim Huss
I had no Idea floral Madris was a thing!!!!! I LOVE IT and even more what you DID with it! I’m soooo on the search, but to be honest my desire to refashion is bigger than my talent! Starting small with t shirt refashions. Married a Farmboy…. It’s all about t shirts! You inspired me to start where I can. My fabric stash is growing. Someday, there will be bigger experiments! Thank you & I love seeing you happy with the MR!
Mary
Adorable refashion. Your arm candy is adorable too!
Kristin
That is adorable! Now I’m wishing I’d kept a maternity dress in that fabric!
Elaine McDaniel
This by far my favorite!! This is 1 I may try! But a rookie. mistake on the sleeves!! I know because I’ve done it!! Thank you for all of your fun and easy way to do things.
Gloria
Handsome guys should not wear a beard. Fugly ones, yes, please, the less we see of your mug, the better. So i think you should convince Mr. Refashionista to shave it off.
Elisa
You make such a lovely couple! Thank you for sharing your amazing refashions. You teach us something new every time!
Amber
Adorable dress and the Mr looks great
Rhonda M
Love, love, love the dress. I would like Mr. R to go beardless for summer and then post pictures as it grows back. Would sort of be a male refashion. But, whatever he does, it’s great to see you together and happy.
Denise Richard
LOVE this dress! You did a great job refashioning it.
Susan
I love this refashion. You are both so cute and I really appreciate you taking part in a Pride event.
Cheryl Shipman
Being a kid during the first wave of madras in the 60s, I love that fabric!! Your redo is fantastic. And Mr. Refashionista looks great with that beard trim!
yvette hellyer
oh boy! now i want to get me some madras materials!
Dianne
Absolutely love the refashion! The Mr.’s beard looks great trimmed! I agree it makes him look younger, trimmer and more hip!
Carol
Adorable. I would have loved a matching headband. The style with the knot and little tails worn on top. You’d so rock that.
Beryl
Absolutely love this refashion. The colours are beautiful and madras is a fab material. By the way, Mr Refashionista looks great with the shorter beard.
norma
Youll both look amazing. Happiness to you both and keep those refashions coming
Candy
I like the dress and yes your hubby is very handsome and ya’ll are darling ! ! ! !
Claire Malloy
Very cute sundress and hubby looks very handsome!
Judith G Baxter
SUPER CUTE! Even this old lady could wear that!
Donna from Vancouver, WA
Love that fabulous fabric and the refashion. Also love how happy you two look together. Cuties, both of you! (& love pics from sc.)
Robyn
Love the beard, loe the dress, but AAAAHHHHH it had pockets! One of my goals this summer is to add pockets to what I can!
Pamela
Tell your Mr. his shorter beard is MUCH better looking. He’s a handsome guy and the less hairy look is spot on! Oh, and love your dress remake.
Brenda Scott
Love how you changed the neckline. Looks awesome!
Judy
Love the dress! The Hubs would look great with a goatee too!
Lynn
Love this turn d out so cute. Mr. Refashionist is a very handsome guy. Love the new summer bread.
Esther
The dress is cool and so appropriate for the occasion. Mr. R looks so handsome with his adorable wife at his side. But when is he going to whip up some tasty morsels in the kitchen?
Joyce Love
I love the dress, and Mr. Refashionista looks so handsome and stylish with his updated beard!
sragreen
Loved the way the dress turned out! You two make a great couple (and the beard trim looks handsome on him).
Carol
Great refashion, Jillian. And I like the beard trim too. Much neater. My hubby sports a beard too. Surprised no one is wearing masks too.
Janine
The dress looks amazing!! But Jillian, where is your face covering?!? You are always so socially conscious, I would expect you to model good behavior. Please keep yourself and your community safe. We love you and cannot live without the Refashionista!
ReFashionista
Since Mr. Refashionista and weren’t within 6 feet of anyone I wasn’t wearing one in those pics. But don’t worry! I’m wearing masks when I’m in situations where I have to be closer to people. For example, I wore a mask entering the space, got my drink, then went to a socially distanced table with Mr. R and took it off to enjoy my beverage.
ziggyseamstress
You two cute, for sure! Very, very nice re-fashion.
By the way, I can’t seem to ‘like’ your posts anymore. The ‘like’ icon seems to be perpetually ‘loading’ but never actually appearing. Just so ya know.
Ellen
Your Mister is looking fine! And I love this refashion. So fresh and comfy looking.
Kathryn
I love what you created with the dress. And Mr. Refashionista looks much more handsome with a neatly trimmed beard.
Nancy
The dress is so cute on you. You have me inspired!!!
And Mr. Refashionista’s beard looks cool!
Maureen
The dress looks great! And Mr. Refashionista looks very handsome.
blissinger
He looks, younger, cooler and even more fit with the beard trim! By the way, did you know the word for people who love beards? Pogonophile. So it follows that if you hate beards, you’re a pogonophobe. I’m a pogonophile myself. Oh, and the dress is an excellent refashion…thinking of trying that sleeve trick on a shirt of mine…
Lacey
I’m super loving this! I, too, am a mad madras plaid addict but can never find just the right stuff – so what a beautiful treasure you created.
You and Mr Refashionista make such an adorable couple!
Grayson
Love the dress.
Trimmed beard
Julie Campbell
Did I miss your wedding ? I’d love to see your dress and how you styled your wedding. Congratulations to you adn Brian. I’m following both of your blogs!!
Mary
Very cute dress! Looking Mr. Refashionista!! You are both so cute together! I’m so glad you have found happiness.