As my first project for Wardrobe Refashion, I decided to finally alter and fix up this dress.

I made this dress over a year ago, from a 1970’s pattern I got for a few cents at The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse. I love the 1930s meets 1970s Biba-esque style, with the puff sleeves, pleated bodice, forward shoulder seams, and midriff band. And I adore the cherry red rayon fabric, with the stars and planets print.

Unfortunately, I did a really poor job fitting it, and it looked horrible on me. The bodice was too long, so it gaped at the back and was too tight at the hips. I put off fixing it because I knew it would require ripping out the zipper in order to shorten the bodice, but I’m so glad I finally fixed it up! It fits beautifully now and is such a flattering cut. I also let the hem out a bit to make up for the lost length at the waist.

Perhaps not the most interesting refashion, since I’d already constructed the dress, but I’m proud that I’m starting to finally buckle down and fix the great things I already have that need a little love.