So you’ve gone and done it. You were a really great friend to someone and performed your duties as a bridesmaid exceptionally. This included buying a dress of questionable fashion that you would’ve never gotten on your own. Now the thrill is gone and there’s no way that piece of clothing is staying in your closet. Whether you’re a sustainability-minded person or not, you don’t just want to throw the outfit away. Consider these ideas for repurposing an old bridesmaid dress.
Sell It
You probably paid for the dress, so why not get some of your money back? Websites such as eBay, ThredUp, and others allow you to advertise clothes for resale. If your dress is in good condition and from a label that’s in high demand, you may be surprised what you can fetch for it. Different websites will require different levels of effort when it comes to creating the listing. Take a flattering photo of your dress or a selfie, post it online, and see what happens. You may be saving another bridesmaid some cash.
Donate It
One person’s trash can become another person’s treasure. Donating the dress to a local charity or resale shop is easy enough, but consider that your threads may be the basis for a fabulous outfit for a prom or other event like a sweet sixteen party or quinceañera. Organizations such as Toronto-based The Corsage Project provide prom dresses and makeovers to high school students who can’t afford to go. Your donation could help someone else’s day more special.
Maybe your outfit has a unique appearance that doesn’t lend itself to a second life as formalwear. Theater companies and performance troupes often need gently used clothes. Consider donating to an organization such as Calgary Young Peoples Theatre or the drama club at a local school or college. Someone somewhere can make great use of that outfit.
Repurpose It
Another option is to reuse or repurpose your dress as a Halloween costume. You could go as a bridesmaid or take inspiration from film, television, or literature. Instead of the Bride of Frankenstein, you could be the “Bridesmaid of Frankenstein.” Get creative with accessories, hair, and makeup, and have fun. You already have the main part of your costume, saving you some money in the process. If you don’t think you’ll get enough mileage out of a Halloween outfit, consider making cushion covers out of the fabric.
Alter It
If you’re more practical and creative, consider making alterations so that the dress can be a regular part of your wardrobe. The classic Disney animated film “Cinderella” featured a ballgown made from cast-off garments and accessories. Shows like “Project Runway” and “Making the Cut” sometimes feature aspiring designers making new garments out of old ones. Scratch your creative itch and make it happen with some scissors, a needle, and thread. Turn a long dress into something appropriate for a hot date or cocktail event.
Gift It
Married couples will often hold onto items from their wedding day as keepsakes. Items such as wedding programs, party favors, and even pieces of wedding cake are common mementos. Consider giving your dress back to the bride as a keepsake. You can gift it in its original form or send it back reborn as a quilt or cushion. Make things all the more special by sending it as an anniversary present.
When you were a bridesmaid, you stepped up and committed to wearing something that wasn’t in line with your tastes. You paid for a dress and now you can do something else with it. Consider these creative ideas for giving a one-off outfit new life.
