My #restylingathome2020 Maxi Dress Refashion!

With so much extra (mask-making) work going on in the studio right now, I decided to keep my restyle quick and simple this year. But WOW what a difference a few small changes can make!

I got this off the shoulder button down maxi dress from my cousin who always is kind enough to destash things my way when she cleans out her closet. I loved the cool, drapey fabric, inseam pockets, and the button front, but it wasn’t really something I saw myself getting much wear out of. I’ve never been a fan of the off-the-shoulder style and I absolutely CANNOT wear sleeves in our Texas summers though it’s a very summery dress. But I couldn’t just let it go – this thing was primed for refashioning!

I immediately thought this could be a great maxi skirt. There was obviously plenty of fabric, side seam pockets already built in, and the button-front thing is VERY on-trend right now.

I was actually very much inspired by this Style Arc skirt that I’ve had my eye on making forever. I didn’t use the pattern because I knew I could get a similar look with very few adjustments (the dress was already halfway there). Although one day when the skirt needs another update I may go back and add the curved shirt tail hem.

All I did to make the skirt was:

1. Try on the dress and mark where I want the waistband to go. I had to pull it up a bit because the dress was quite long on me.
2. Chop off the top of the dress from my mark.
3. Stay stitch the lining & skirt together at the upper raw edge (where I cut)
4. Use the remaining top of the dress to cut a new waistband.
5. Salvage the elastic from the shoulders of the dress.
6. Attach new waistband to top of skirt.
7. Insert elastic into waistband. I stitched the waistband closed first about 1/2 way across the front on both sides for a flat front look. Then inserted the elastic and stitched it in place where I wanted the flat front to end.
8. Change out the buttons for a fresh new look!

The green & gold buttons were a score from a designer I used to work for in NYC who was cleaning out her studio! I love how the bright pop of color really takes this refashion from hacked-off-dress to brand-new-garment!

I hope you love this refashion as much as I do! Don’t forget to check out #restylingathome2020 to see everyones amazing transformations!

Happy Refashioning!