The art of the refashion: 80s dress goes 50s

The past week has been, how shall I put it?  Less than photograph-worthy.  This gal has been staying home and wearing yoga pants for days!  So in lieu of my current outfits, I’m dipping into the archives to feature an inspired (if I do say so myself) refashion of the past.

This one was a blue lace nightmare I picked up at Value Village for a steal.  I knew when I first spotted it that less would look better, so I bought it with the idea of having a tailor alter it.  Still, it took awhile for me to actually take it in, so it languished in my closet for about a year, looking a mess.  When I finally got it together, it became just what I had imagined: a fifties wiggle dress!

Such a pretty ice blue, such an ugly shape!

Such a pretty ice blue, such an ugly shape!

The back had this pretty, deep V.

The back had this pretty, deep V.

I had my seamstress shorten the dress, but keep the scalloped hem.  She also took off the sleeves.

I had my seamstress shorten the dress, but keep the scalloped hem. She also took off the sleeves.

Close up of the scalloped neckline and ruched waist, both remain unchanged after alterations.

Close up of the scalloped neckline and ruched waist, both remain unchanged after alterations.

Scalloped v-back and covered buttons

Scalloped v-back and covered buttons

I ended up wearing the dress to my girlfriend's wedding in June.

I ended up wearing the dress to my girlfriend’s wedding in June.

My sister was my date, we made a cute pair ;)

My sister was my date, we made a cute pair 😉

I ended up getting a lot of compliments on the dress, and all it cost was $8.00 for the dress and around $40.00 for the alterations!  That’s pretty good for a one-of-a-kind, wouldn’t you say?

4 thoughts on “The art of the refashion: 80s dress goes 50s

  1. Pingback: Five Things | beautiful objects

  2. Pingback: Prom Dress Refashion Ideas - Andrea's Notebook

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