15 Glamorous DIY Skirt and Dress Alterations to Remake Your Wardrobe
Check out these 15 fun ways to alter skirts and dresses or make them out of completely different pieces of clothing to give your wardrobe a total upgrade. DIY enthusiasts have the skills to make old clothes into something new, so why not give it a try?
1. No-sew sleeve bows
Creating Laura shows you how to add cutout bows to a plain t-shirt dress using only scissors and glue for this super simple DIY project.
2. Skirt to slip dress
Kier Couture demonstrates how to turn an old skirt into a cute, whimsical slip dress with a waistband belt. Kier Couture: How to Turn An Old Skirt Into A Slip Dress With A Waistband Belt
3. Flowing no-sew skirt
If you have an old sheet or fabric lying around that you’ve been meaning to use, make yourself a simple skirt out of it. We know this isn’t technically a clothing alteration, but it’s still upcycling something you already have.
4. Skirt to cinched waist dress
Some of our favorite dresses in our closets started out as shirts, according to Gina Michele, who recommends starting with a long oversized t-shirt in a color or design that you like.
6. Laced collar and sleeves
Lacing a t-shirt dress is a simple way to give it a new lease on life, and Trash to Couture walks you through the process of cutting and weaving the top of the dress.
7. T-shirt to casual strapless dress
The strapless tube dress from Can-Can Dancer is ideal for a lazy summer day at the beach, or when you want to be comfortable but still look stylish.
8. DIY hi-low skirt
We love Mr. Kate’s “hi-low” style, which gives the illusion of a long skirt in the back while keeping things short and funky in the front.
9. Short shorts to cute skirt
Take a look at the looks she’s created for women who dislike wearing skirts.
10. Reviving an outdated style
Wearing it On My Sleeves walks you through the process of adjusting skirt and sleeve lengths, as well as updating a piece that’s just too good to pass up in other ways.
11. Make a simple dress larger
Chic Steals demonstrates how to add a subtle panel to the dress’s side seam, which will give your body more room for comfort while also creating a cute tunic style.
12. Prom dress to fancy skirt
The top of your old prom dress can be trimmed and hemmed off so you can wear it with a cute blouse instead, according to Beautiful Objects. It’ll still be quite fancy, but it’ll be a lot more versatile garment.
13. 80s prom dress into short party dress
Buttons and Bird Cages decided to take the prom dress trend and turn it into regular little cocktail dresses. Check out the tutorial for more information, then head over to Buttons and Bird Cages.
14. Formal dress into tulle skirt
How to make tulle work for you! Here’s a detailed tutorial that will walk you through every step of the process.
15. Two old dresses into one party dress
The Help Mates demonstrates how to refashion an old dress into a stunning new look. Have you refashioned any dresses or skirts? Tell us about it in the comments section or send us photos of your work.
Can you wear a skirt as a dress?
Yes, a skirt can be worn as a dress; grab a few of your maxi skirts and let’s refresh your wardrobe.
How do you tailor a skirt at home?
Fold the skirt in half vertically (along the center front or back) and line up the edges at the waist and hem. Press the skirt along the outside edge where the line is (you can’t see the line right now) to transfer the chalk from the side you drew it on to the side with no chalk.
What goes well with a skirt?
Keep it casual with denim, which goes with everything from tanks to tees to button-downs. When it comes to tops, the color options are endless: go classic with a white blouse or go bold with a vibrant color. Graphic tee shirts and blouses with patterns also work well with denim skirts.
How do I look good in a skirt?
4 Simple Tips on How to Style Skirts
- To define your waist, tuck tops into the skirt or knot them over the skirt.
- Look for skirts that hit at your natural waist.
- Skirts that hit the knee or above can be worn with either flats or heels.
Can I wear leggings with a skirt?
Layering a pair of leggings underneath a paper-thin skirt and a big, warm coat can make the outfit look more cohesive; this model opted for bare legs, but we think this outfit would look even better (and feel even better) with a pair of thermals on underneath.
How do you make a long dress into a short dress without cutting it?
Simply turn the dress inside out and secure the bottom of the hem to the waist with a safety pin; repeat with the other side seam, and you’re ready to go! This process will save you a lot of time and allow you to go out into the world in your new, shorter dress in no time.