The Mag

You found your perfect prom dress, then you went to prom and had the time of your life. Now what? Throw the dress away or store it in a large garment bag in the back of your closet? After you’ve spent so much time looking for the perfect dress and making an investment, it is beneficial for you to get the most use out of your dress. Many girls choose to donate their dress or hand it down to a friend or sibling. If keeping your dress is important to you consider repurposing or reusing your dress!

Style 66881M

Here are 7 creative ways to reuse your prom dress and get the most use out of the dress you love:

1. Alter into a shorter dress: Take your long dress to your local seamstress and have her alter your dress into a shorter cocktail dress. This won’t work with every style of dress. However, an a-line dress, sheath dress, or ballgown could be altered into a cocktail dress for a whole new look!

Style 25669I

2. Create a top: If you find a dress with a fabulous top, why not detach the bottom and create a new look? If you aren’t the best at sewing take the dress and your design to a cleaner or seamstress and have a professional do create a top. If you choose a crop top or two-piece prom dress simply use the top and pair with a stylish jean skirt or pair of fashionable pants. If you are going to make your dress into a top it is best to use a dress that has a true defined waist.

Style 4983D

3. Create a skirt:If your dress has a defined waistline then you can turn your prom dress into a stylish skirt! Just as with a top, do not steer away from this option just because you are new to sewing. Ask an expert to help.

Style 4961D

4. Alter into a more sophisticated dress: If you want to repurpose your prom dress into a more sophisticated look for your post high school days, consider removing some of the heavy embellishments. Sleeveless dresses can be turned into sleeved dresses with some extra material pulled from the lining. Also, a plunging v-neck or high-slit can be sewn up an inch or two to make it appropriate for weddings, formals, or other events.

Style 77464D

5. Repurpose the material: If your dress was beautiful, but there’s no way to refashion it, keep the material and repurpose the fabric for pillows, blankets, or even a tote bag! In 30 years, you can tell your children that the pillow on the couch was actually your prom dress.

Style 67684d

6. Change the exterior: If your dress is light or single hued, try repurposing by changing the color with dies or tulle overlay. You can also change the exterior by embellishments like a belt or more beading.

Style 50494M

7. Halloween costume or sorority party: Themed parties do not stop after high school. Whether it’s a sorority party when you’re 20 or a Halloween party when you’re 30, a prom dress can be repurposed into a costume or themed party dress.

Style 66318H

We hope these tips help you find a creative way to reuse your prom dress! Don’t throw it in the trash or let it sit in the back of your closet for the next 15 years! If you love your dress, then make the most out of it.

Find a Mac Duggal Retailer