New Uses for an Old Bridesmaid Dress
You May Not Wear the Dress Again, But you Can Still Use It
Jan 7, 2009
Chances are, you don't want to wear that bridesmaid dress again. They tend to be too formal for drinks, too ruffly to wear to other weddings and often not your color of choice. But with these tips, you can make some good use out of that bridesmaid dress and give it new life.
Alter It
If you're the seamstress type, consider altering your dress – and that doesn't just mean "shortening it and wearing it." If you've got a big gathered full skirt, try removing the skirt and flattening it out into more of an a-line shape or removing the sleeves to make it sleeveless. The sky's the limit, really, as long as you've got enough fabric left to make your dream dress a reality.
Another alteration option is to lose the bodice entirely and wear the bottom as a stand-alone skirt, paired with a sweater or more hip top. This way, it doesn't resemble the bridesmaid dress it once was, but it's still useful for a more dressy occasion.
If it's the color you hate, what about dying it? Or if it's too plain for your taste, how about adding some rhinestone pins or a funky belt to make it more your style?
And after all is said and done, yes, shortening the dress is usually key to wearing it over again.
Make it into an Accessory
It's hideous and unsalvageable as a dress, sure. But while the color may make you look jaundiced, would it look so bad on your couch? There are any range of accessories you could make from the material in a dress with a few quick snips and a little creativity.
If your dress is a silky material or satin, what about luxurious pillowcases? They keep your hair from kinking during the night and are good for sensitive skin. If you don't want that fuschia in your bedroom, how about in your eclectic living room as throw pillows on your couch? Just follow a simple throw pillow pattern and stuff with filler to make a hip, unexpected pop of color.
You can also use the material to make a dog bed liner for Fido, curtains for your bathroom or to make a funky, bright garment bag that you could carry the dresses you actually wear in!
Donate It
There are lots of people who don't have the means to buy fuschia dresses, and organizations that auction dresses off to benefit different causes. Even though the dress isn't your thing doesn't mean that a girl in need wouldn't love to wear it to her prom. If you can't find a charity organization, you can always sell it consignment or donate it to Goodwill or another organization that provides clothing to needy people. And at least then, you'd know that the dress was helping someone instead of warming the back area of your closet.
