Have you ever looked at something in your wardrobe and thought, I love it, but I just don’t wear it? That was exactly how I felt about a dress I reassessed during my recent wardrobe audit (which I shared last week).
If I’m honest, it was never quite right for me, but since it was still in good condition, I wasn’t ready to part with it. Instead of letting it go, I decided to restyle it into something I’d wear more—a top!
Repurposing pieces you already own is a great way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a penny. Not only is it more sustainable, but it also allows you to get creative with your style.
The Dress: From Past to Present
This dress had already been through one transformation! Originally from Zara (bought in 2020), it was similar to ‘stone’ in my swatches. It different from the rest of my wardrobe but casual and comfortable, so it ticked a few boxes. It had a unique sweatshirt-style front, a lightweight shirt-like back, and a fabric tie belt. However, I always felt the colour left me feeling a bit flat, so in 2021, I decided to dye it.
Since the dress had a mix of fabrics, I knew the result would be unpredictable. The label stated:
- Main fabric: 50% viscose, 37% polyester, 12% polyamide
- Secondary fabric: 1% elastane, polyester
I opted for Plum Red from the Dylon machine dye pod range. With my basic colour knowledge, I knew this cooler tone would work well with my complexion. As expected, the dye took differently on the fabrics. The front absorbed some of the depth of colour, turning into a softer, muted shade, while the polyester back remained unchanged, creating a two-tone effect.
The result was a pleasant surprise, and I wore it much more often—mainly for working from home. However, the fit was quite loose, and I had already removed the belt. The dropped sleeves gave it a slouchy, relaxed feel, which added comfort but didn’t necessarily flatter my shape. The biggest challenge? The mixed fabrics! The back was thin and cool, while the front was warm and cosy, making it tricky to layer.
The 2025 Challenge: Turning It into a Top
This year, I set myself a new challenge—to transform the dress into a top so I could wear it more as a jumper. Armed with my new sewing skills, I measured where I wanted it to finish (at hip length), then carefully cut the fabric. Since the original dress had a slight curve at the sides, I replicated this and took in the fit slightly so it wasn’t as boxy.
I’m pleased to say it’s already had plenty of wear this January—proof that a little effort can go a long way in making your wardrobe work better for you!
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- Front of dress before transformation
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- Back of dress before transformation
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- Front of dress once dyed
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- Back of dress once dyed
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- New top from front
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- Back of top
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- Try on of top
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- Reverse of the top when worn
Top Tips for Restyling Your Clothes
If you’re thinking about tweaking or transforming something in your wardrobe, here are a few things to consider:
Is the colour right for you?
Even though the original dress was technically one of my colours, changing the shade made it much more wearable with the rest of my wardrobe.
Does the style suit you?
The dress had a relaxed fit, which worked for my style personality, but I always felt like I was trying to make it work rather than loving it.
Does it flatter your shape?
Oversized styles can be great for comfort, but if they don’t work for your proportions, you might not feel your best in them. Adjusting the shape slightly made this piece much more versatile for me.
By choosing the right colour, finding a style that suits you, and ensuring the fit flatters your shape, you’ll create a piece you love to wear—again and again!
What’s in your wardrobe that could be given a new lease of life?
Instead of letting something sit unworn, why not see if a small tweak could make it work better for you? Whether it’s dyeing, tailoring, or even just styling it differently, a little creativity can go a long way!
If you’re unsure whether something suits you—whether it’s the colour, style, or fit—I can help! A Colour Analysis Consultation or Style & Shape Consultation will give you the confidence to make the most of what you already own (and shop smarter in the future!).
Book a session with me: https://calendly.com/tlcstyleandcolour
Have you ever restyled or upcycled a piece of clothing? I’d love to hear about it! Share your transformations and tag me on social media—I’d love to see what you come up with!