I have mixed feelings about the 90’s “nostalgia” trends I see just about everywhere now (quotes because I can’t believe I’m old enough to see the clothes I wore back in high school be referred to as nostalgic or vintage. I mean, the 90’s were like…10 years ago, right?).
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE seeing the styles I loved then returning to relevancy now. But I’m kind of kicking myself for not hoarding all those platform sneakies, chokers, and babydoll dresses. Oh yeah, and it makes me feel super old when I see college girls decked out for their 90’s theme parties.
Lots of brands have gotten on board with this trend, and I’m here for it. This is one of my favorite fashion decades (scoff all you like!). However, like all decades, 90’s fashion definitely made some missteps.
Today I’m going to show you not one, not two, but THREE ways you can upcycle these drab button down 90’s numbers. Two are totally no-sew and the final one is a super easy sew!
1. Floral Duster
As I said, this is a super-easy way to get an on-trend floral duster for very little coinage. Unless you prefer to pay $48, in which case, by all means click here.
2. Upcycled Strapless Dress
This is another easy one, folks, and I know you’ve seen me execute this maneuver many times in the past.
But for those who are new to my quickie-strapless-dress-from-a-button-down-dress ways, All it take is just a couple of simple steps.
I wore this cute frock to catch a screening of Little Women (which is great and you need to go see it!) at The Nickelodeon. I was comfy in our eerily mid-70’s temps (In January? Howww???), but still needed a light jacket.
3. 90’s Babydoll Dress!
And here we are! The final (and true, I think) form for this refashion!
Luckily, this dress had all the right elements to convert it into babydoll awesomeness:
- It’s a size or two up from my regular size.
- It has an empire waist (hard to tell in the pics, but the seam falls mid-ribcage.
- It has a slightly gathered back (once again, tough to photograph).
All I had to do was make one big chop…
Chop!
Followed by a quick pin job!
…Followed by a quick whirrrr!
My new dress enjoyed a delightful after-work glass of vino with friends!
So there you have it! THREE unique looks from ONE dress for ONE dollar! 😀
But which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Cheers!
All of the dress styles are great. But how about 4? Another strapless dress on the shorter number 3?
My favorite is 3
#1 and #2. I can’t choose. #2 is straight up pretty, #1 I like because I wouldn’t have thought to do it but it works!
Love #3.
I love number one. I like number two also. So glad your back and congratulations on your wedding! I’m so happy for you!
#1… Love them all… very creative!
I like it as a duster. All of the ways look good in you. Love that you are doing this again.
Love them all! #2 gets my vote.
I’d have to say number 2, although number 1 is a close second.
Also, I’m so happy you’ve returned to the site!!! (You’re actually the inspiration for my having bought a sewing machine.)
#1 is my favorite – hides a multitude of sins. I love #3, but baby doll styles just don’t work well for a curvy gal like me. So glad you’re back – love your sense of style and refashion ides!
Love 3 – but they are all great!
Love them all, but number 3 is my favorite! You look good in EVERYTHING!!
A stranger I follow on Pinterest has started pinning you. So exciting to see you’re back!
You’re so petite and cute that of course #2 and #3 look good on you, but #1 is for us big girls too!
I like them all, but #1 is genius for the lazy (myself included)!
My favourite is N°1, followed closely by N°3. I love the look of N°3 but would need to make it a little more fitted tunic style.
Definitely #2. Love it!
I love them all but #1 looks great and looking forward to Wednesday…50% off at Salvation Army and Community Aide (certain color tags excluded)! As always you inspire!
Babydolls are only flattering on you because you’re so thin. That’s it! My favorite is #1
So glad you are back!! The duster was my fav but I love the babydoll! The original picture made it look like a thick heavy material but it looks super cute and comfy with your redos. Totally want to try this.
So great to see you posting and congrats! Duster is my pick
All three are adorable on you. My favorites are 1 and 3, with 3 probably being my fav. Love your posts! SO glad your back!
#2
Definitely the Duster — I WANT ONE — gotta go (thrift) shopping. Thanks so much!
Wow…this is a winner for your post-break inaugural re-fash! This is one I will really use!
Love, love!!
Awesome!! My fav is 1.
I like the duster WAY more than I expected to. It makes this a difficult choice. The babydoll is an adorable look for you. I’m tied between 1 and 3.
Love them all, but #3 is my favorite.
So glad you’re back!!!
Oh my! So difficult to pick one best look, I love all 3! But, the babydoll dress/Doc Martens combo has my vote!
I am so thrilled that you are back into action, I cannot wait to see what you do next!
This year, I have decided to stay away from fast fashion crap and go vintage baby! I will be looking to you for inspiration so please keep your awesome refashions coming!
All mighty cute but I vote #1. Love how you used it 3 different ways. That’s ultimate upcycling!
#3 for me
Love them all!!!!!
Duster, so chic!
i love when you do the 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 for one piece. i have been following you for a while. i love seeing how you transform something. i notice that you make a lot of dresses of similar cut/design. Do you continue to wear these dresses long after you’ve made them? it would be great to see different things than dresses. maybe it would be more of a challenge? i know its your style to wear those cute dresses. but, it would be cool to see how different things can be. pants maybe?!?
I love the duster and the baby doll, but couldn’t pull off the baby doll at my age. They ALL are great on you. I am so glad you’re back. I love seeing what you do!
#1! But you look great in all of them!
Amazing transformations once again! My favorite is the duster! I personally Love those and now thanks to your inspiration, I plan to go to my thrift store today to hopefully find one!
All are awesome, but #2 is my fave.
Three is my favorite. Love your blog!
Comme beaucoup d’autres , j’aime les trois versions, elles sont tellement différentes !
Love the final creation! Tho all are great ideas! Glad ur back!
So lovely to have you back whirrrrrring again!
Number 1
TWO!!
Love all the looks! I also love the faces you make in the “before” pics
90s forever!
You’re awesome! I love that you’re back!!!!
All creations are fantastic…but the winner is…#2!
#2 is my favorite but #3 is the best use. #3 is an anytime, anywhere dress/top. All are great ideas.
Number 1 is my fave!
What do you have in mind for the big chop that was leftover?
Number 3! All look great, but I like number 3 the best
Hard decision. All three are so cute. But I would definitely wear #1.
I like One and Two best but Two would def look a lot better on you than me. I like the long duster… Silky, flowy… So glad you are back….
You did great – as usual. I like 1, and 3 is the best, I fear strapless – it’s a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen. 😉
Glad you’re back, and it’s good to see Erin again, too! I’m partial to 1 and 3, personally.
I love them all..but everyone can’t pull off babydoll!! I vote for#1..the duster..
Glad you are back! #3
I love all of. Them but the strapless dress is my favourite.
I love all three, but if I had to pick one it would be the floral duster!
All super adorable. I like the duster because it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen and looks like so much fun to traipse around in. #2 is cute but on you, I like #3.
You make it all look so simple… I do all mine restyles by hand since a machine and I have never seen eye to eye… and I’ve run out of simple ideas… Thanks for this great tutorial… I have a couple of things in my recycle bin that I will not take out and try again… Love all 3 of the way this restyle could have gone…
I love the third look 🙂
So glad you’re back!! Of course, your creativity can get 3 new looks from one piece of clothing. It’s a close call but #3 is the winner in MHO.
Love the duster has and strapless dress
They are all so cute! My favorite is the duster!!!
Three is my fave! I dressed like that in University and would call them Holly Hobby dresses, with Doc Marten’s, sometimes leggings. It was my favorite style next to Mod. Wish my legs were still skinny enough to get away with it. So glad to see you back.
I like all three! You are so clever!
Love the baby doll. Too cute!
I love them all, but one is my favorite!!
NO 3 FOR ME!
I feel you on all these things. I tell my 13 year old that we’ve already done this looks and then I feel like my mother because she told me the same about some styles! Double whammy! lol
I like the first option because I’m a jeans and tee girl through and through! Love it!
Happy to see you sharing again! 🙂
1 for me but 2 on you.
Oh – #1 is so badass rocker! #3 is just so damn cute! So 1 and 3 ’cause you didn’t limit us to 1 favorite!
Love them all. Voting for the sister.
Not sure if I’m drawn to the banana shirt, but one is my fave-yourocked them all tho…so pleased you’re sharing your refashions again…Love them!
Lovely to have Refashionista posts showing up in my inbox! You obviously haven’t lost your touch in the slightest! I’d have to say #1 is my favorite of your three refashions.
#1
They’re ALL so great! I’d probably get more use out of #3, though, so I’m glad it’s the final look.
I’m so happy to see you back, like back back! I’ve seen a few of these, and regret, now, that I passed them up! Maybe the goodwill angels we’ll smile upon me tomorrow!
#2. It lets you easily use the pockets (cannot live without the pockets)
#2
I love #1, even they are all great. I am going to have check out my thrift shop for a dress like this so I can ware as a duster.
The last one is totally my jam. I like the second and third but I’d wear the third one (especially styled like you did).
Sooooo glad you “came” back. I’m torn between ALL of them.
I love #2 ! (But they’re all fabulous ❤ )
Love all three but two is my fave!
You amaze me!
This is fabulous! And welcome back! Thank you!
I love #1!
1! duster is adorable
I love 1
Number two!
# 2 is the cutest ever!
One! Did you just have to unbutton it for this look? Looks so comfy.
#3. Seems to be more versatile.
I love them all, but I like 3 the best. Can be dress or long top. Glad you’re back!
I love them all! And love YOU – so very glad you’re back
I love all three! I think i’d probably wear the babydoll most often but LoVE the duster! thank you for continuing this post! It helps me think creatively when I thrift!
Babydoll is cute, but I really love the duster. Keep them coming! Love the re-fashions!
Amazing!!
All are super cute! Love the duster. 🙂
Número uno!
I vote for the duster! And how eerie that it matches the one for $48!! Well done!
1 or 3 are my choices– this is fantastic! And yes, as others have said, the duster is praise-worthy
#2 is my favorite. I’m so glad you’re posting refashes again — i absolutely love them. They look simple enough maybe I could do it too. You’re teaching me to look first for the fabric and come up with the design second, which is the opposite of how I usually think. I did actually buy a frumpy dress in a fabric that i love…. I’m still trying to figure out how to refash it though. I’ll send pictures when i do.
I am a duster girl! I vote #1! Glad you are back! Missed you!
All are great, b ut I ove the duster!
#2 I LOVE #2 ! ! ! ! 😉
Darling! #1 is lovely, and so is #3. #2 is impossible for most women, sorry to say. The boobs. You know? So, least fav.
Loving the fact you are back on line!
I love the duster but I probably wouldn’t wear it. So the Baby Doll would be my choice!
I like the duster, very cute!
Ci love number 3 in
1 to see what I’d look like first and for sure 3, as that seems to be all I’m good at is hemming. LOL.
Great Refashion! I’m in love with #2. Very creative & stylish way to simply refashion by tucking and tieing!
Floral Duster 1 is my vote.
I love them all but it’s a close race for me between duster and babydoll with babydoll slightly edging out the duster. 🙂
The duster gets my vote. Number 1
I super duper like #2. I think I was too old for the 90s babydoll trend. I’ve already been through the nostalgia where college students and HS students get excited about their 80s themed parties. I may still have an item or two of clothing I owned and wore in the 80s.
I like all 3, but the strapless no-sew is perfect – you have the figure to wear it. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to more Refashionista! Now I have a question. I have a pile of Small size T-shirts each a different color. I want to do something with them, but I’m not sure what. Maybe patchwork? If you ever decide to do a refash with T-shirts, I’ll be all eyes! Thank you!
Uh my gosh i have to vote for your hair !! So flipping cute ! I love the duster. I am 5’4” and feel too short for dusters ! Thoughts ?
This is soooooo awesome! I love how you think outside of the box. I’m going to keep following you until I too can think OUTSIDE OF THE BOX! Thank you!
I love the duster!
Duster!
Love them all, but I have to go with the strapless!
Baby doll!!!! But they all look great
#1 (duster) is my favorite!
Yay another winner. Lot your posts
I loved the duster and how you found almost an exact match for sale!
I would go with the duster…but all three are so cute on you, ma’am!
And I agree with all the folks…I am so happy that you’re back! Tonna Chavez Ott
The baby doll dress is just so cute that I have to vote for hat one!!!…You are just so talented!!!
Love them all, but I really like the duster best. Very clever!
One!
Number 2 for me! I love a maxi dress
Loved the look!! I’m a little seasoned but I think I will try the 1st look- duster and the last look would still work on me with tights.
I love #3!
I love them all, I’m so happy you’re back. I was worried about you lately! Your hair is, as usual, flawless.
You are so smart! Three ways! I thought I loved number 2 until I studied number 3. I think I like three best. Or 2.
I’m #2, but I do like 3, so you can’t lose! Welcome back, Really Missed You!!
So happy to see you back!! The duster is gorgeous in that put-together but effortless casual style, which I love and strive for as my everyday style. I’m a bigger girl but sometimes these come in bigger sizes at thrift stores so I’ll be searching! Cheers!
Great ideas!
I totally agree with the others, your blog was seriously missed! Ever so happy to see you are back. Just checked out your adorable little free library, love that idea also. As for this blog I think all 3 are great but for myself I would wear the baby doll with leggings or pants. On YOU, all 3 look equally darling. Can’t wait to see your next one!
I love all three :),I can’t decide
One! Love a duster!
Number Two. Well done.
I like it as a duster, but I just wish I could find $1 dresses at my local thrift store!
So torn. The duster idea is great and I will be looking for one of these dresses now. But I have to pick #3 for sheer cuteness.
Great to have you back! No.1 is my favorite
Sooooo glad you are back! Just had to say that again….
# 1 is my pick. I had to click on the $48. one just to compare. Would never have thought to go with it but it is great for a nite out with a chill.
They are all amazing, but I’m partial to the floral duster
#1 for sure!
I like the duster and the baby doll. Although I’d wear the baby doll over jeans, given my size and age.
I liked number three- love the Dr Martens too!
I am down with 2!
Love all three but I’d wear #1. #2 only works for petite girls like you!
#3
All three of these little “miracles” are fabulous! The 2nd one looks amazing on you and I’m fascinated by how you did this!! Whoever (besides you, LOL) would’ve guessed? And I have to agree with you — this frumpy-then-frumpy-now original is at it’s best as a baby-doll top. This looks like it would be so flattering to a wide range of sizes. So great to have you back. And…we’re off!
Love all three!! Tying the sleeves to create a strapless dress is genius. And how fun that you are wearing my company’s Velvet Underground T-shirt (www.impactmerch.com). Sadly that women’s style is now discontinued, but there are other unisex styles available.
I love the idea that you could switch back and forth between one and two as the situation calls. The third is very cute too – I guess you could wear it as a jacket or do the strapless trick and it be a short dress. I’d love to see how that looks.
So glad you’re back at the refashion game! I’ve missed your posts!!! I love all the looks, but my 90’s Courtney Love-loving heart has to vote team #3.
So glad to have you back and happy! I like the duster and the baby doll dress.
OMG! I love the duster idea. That is super hot fashion with cowboy boots here in Texas. The tuck and roll looked great on you….but not my personal style. Babydoll was cute quick change up. Love all three ideas from one frumpy frock.
I love all 3 looks, don’t have a favorite one. I am really glad that you are back in my mailbox! I really enjoy watching your talent! You go girl!
Definitely look number 3!!
Three!
Awesome! Hard to choose. All three are so cute! I wonder if you could put in a zipper on the hem on the babydoll so you could zip it back on for full-length. Just kidding….sort of.. It probably wouldn’t fall right.
I like number 3 the best!! Keep those thrift-overs coming!
Numero Three is the best refashion. Love both the duster and the strapless and good to see options for the same frock. Well done girl!
Love the babydoll dress! So cute!
Number 1 is definitely the one I would wear, but love them all on you!
I liked TWO the best. :o)
So glad you’re back. They’re all adorable but #3 is the way I’d go
Three!!!
I love the duster but they all suit you I think!
I missed your blog so much. It was my go-to reading when my older son was a baby and wouldn’t let me put him down.
The duster was so creative and fun!
I love all three, if I had to choose I’d have to go with the third one. Great job!!
Love all 3!!
I liked no. 3 best.
Three! But they are all great!
So fun to have you back, love your creativity!
#2 especially the way you styled it
They are all lovey but number 2 is my favourite ❤️
2 is the winner for me!
Thank you for sharing your precious life.
I enjoy your blog! Joyful & you show us to be resourceful. Thank you from my heart ♥️
Be Blessed you & your husband.
I like option B ….
Love all three. My vote is for #1
Love the duster. Baby doll is number 2
One. Because I’m lazy but i actually think it looks good too
The Babydoll Dress is my favorite.
Floral duster!!
They are all great and Jillian you could make a Hefty bag fashionable. But I have to choose #1 as my style. Only because I dont wear dresses often and a duster hides a multitude of sins.
Love them ALL!
Wow!!! It’s really hard to choose, but I think the baby doll is my favorite. But I really love them all! And I’m so happy to be seeing posts again!
1 and 2