Recycling Your Pageant Gown
Before your purchase your first dress: Purchase a dress that can be altered later. Stick to classic styles that are not heavily beaded or over embellished. Removing accents can leave holes and asymmetrical hems do not allow for many changes.
Summer to winter: A summer gown can be easily transformed into a winter gown. Especially, if you purchase a color that is not distinctively spring or summer. You can add a shrug to any strapless or sleeveless gown and secure it with two rhinestone pins. Your shrug can be sheer and beaded, velvet and fur trimmed, or embroidered. By adding a jacket, you can also transform a summer dress into a winter dress. Make sure the fabrics coordinate well. Imagine your classic a-line satin dress combined with a smart sequined or embroidered jacket. When adding a new element like a shrug or jacket to your evening gown, remember to balance the details. For example, if you add a black satin Jacket to a white a-line dress, add black crinoline underneath so it peaks out and consider a black sash at the waist. If your have a sequin trimmed shrug made to match your dress, add sequins to the dress as well.
Overlay: A simple overlay can make an older dress completely unrecognizable yet beautiful. An overlay is just an additional layer that goes on top of your current dress. You just need to be creative with it. If you have a sleeveless ball gown with a full taffeta skirt, for instance, you can add a sheer or textured long sleeved top to it. Just purchase a simple top that fits closely over the existing dress top, it can be sheer to let the other dress show through, or it can be opaque and you can add embellishments to it. You can even use a light knit overlay top for the colder months. The new overlay top will completely change the character of the top of the dress while keeping the ball gown bottom. A full-length overlay is another great option. Consider renaissance style dresses. These are essentially layered dresses. You can wear the classic sheath dress in the summer, and then later in the year, you can add a second layer for a completely different look.
Mix and match. If you purchase your pageant gown with versatility in mind, you may want to consider buying separates to mix and match. If you look at bridesmaid dresses, you notice they are designed so that you can wear them again later. More recently, you will notice that skirts and tops are sold as separates so that they can be worn individually later. Purchase one or two pageant gown skirts in the most flattering shape for you, and in your favorite colors, then purchase several coordinating tops. With this skirt, you can get a simple bateau top, a spaghetti strap top, a halter-top, or a long sleeved top. In addition, you can purchase coordinating accessories like sashes, shrugs and Jackets. This way, with one purchase of just a few hundred dollars, you will have a formal wardrobe that will last several seasons. In addition, you can re-wear the tops with Jeans later!
Formal to semi formal: If you want a new formal, but also need a semi formal gown for your pageant, consider having your formal dress altered into a semi-formal. Shortening the dress is the most common way to make this change. You an also add sleeves, or straps to make this transformation. I am taking my daughters last formal, removing the appliqu�© from the bodice, adding a shrug, and shortening the dress while letting an inch of the crinoline show beneath the skirt to make it a semi formal dress.
Meanwhile, we are looking for a new formal dress with lots of versatility.
