Your last years of high school bring timeless events that you spend months preparing for. However, after the glitz and glam of prom, you may find yourself tucking your expensive prom dress in a drawer. Don't let it collect dust and consider these seven uses for your prom dress after the dance is over.
Why Repurpose Your Prom Dress?
People often only wear their prom dresses for the one-time event. With the time and money it takes to pick out the perfect dress, you could get more value by repurposing it.
To practice sustainable living habits, repurposing your prom dress reduces your carbon footprint and keeps dresses like these out of landfills. Relive your special night at prom in new and exciting ways by finding new uses for its beauty.
1. Donate to a Good Cause
A simple way to bring life to your dress is by passing it on to someone else. They can embark on their own magical night at prom with a beautiful dress that's affordable to them. Consider donating your dress to your local charities to help underprivileged students.
How to Find Donation Centers
Both online and local donation centers happily accept donations of prom dresses. For a more effective approach, contact your high school to see if they have a donation program already set up for prom dresses.
What to Consider Before Donating
Organizations accept any clothing in good and clean condition. Check for any damage your dress may hold and wash it according to the instructions on the tag. Along with the dress, you could also donate any accessories or shoes to help create the perfect outfit for its next owner.
2. Upcycle into New Outfits
For those with creative sewing skills, upcycling your prom dress could transform your wardrobe. This is an easy way to keep your dresses out of landfills and create new outfit ideas.
Ideas for Upcycling
Prom dresses use a variety of materials to craft elegant pieces. You could restructure the dress to fit as an evening cocktail dress or a chic skirt. Any extra fabric you may have could also turn into unique accessories like headbands and bags.
Benefits of Upcycling
Upcycling extends the life of your clothing and reflects your personal style. You can customize an outfit catered to your needs without breaking the bank. Showcase your creativity by taking on a new sewing project for your old prom dress.
3. Create Keepsakes and Mementos
Along with outfits, you could also repurpose the fabric in your prom dress as keepsakes or mementos. This allows your prom dress to live in your home in new and innovative ways. For a sentimental way to cherish your dress, consider these keepsake ideas.
Keepsake Ideas
Oftentimes, people utilize their old clothes to make a large quilt of their favorite shirts and outfits. Your prom dress could be the perfect addition to a memorable keepsake quilt. You could also utilize the fabric to make a comfy pillow for your bed or living room couch.
How to Get Started
To start your crafty project, gather any materials you'll need. There are many tutorials and services that could turn your dress into a sustainable memento. Keep the memories of your prom alive by repurposing your prom dress as comfortable home decor.
4. Host a Dress Swap Party
Just like you, your friends could also face the same problem with their prom dresses. Create a social event and gather your friends for a dress swap party to encourage sustainable practices.
How to Organize a Dress Swap
Invite your friends and organize a dress swap with music, snacks, and plenty of photo opportunities. Uplift your friends with a runway-style stage so you can display and try on all kinds of dresses. This get-together will help you and your friends find new purposes for your old formal dresses.
Benefits of Dress Swapping
These parties are cost-effective ways to rehome your prom dress and bond with your friends. Host a dress swapping party to promote sustainable fashion and find a new dress you could repurpose in the process.
5. Alter for Future Events
Prom won't be the only event you'll need a formal dress for. Modify your prom dress for evening looks at weddings, parties, and other occasions.
Ideas for Alterations
Professional tailors could alter your prom evening gowns as unique pieces for any event. Ask your local boutique if they could shorten the length of your prom dress or add new sleeves.
When repurposing your prom dress, create a new style that offers a universal look. You could also add embellishments like sequins or lace for a look that turns a prom dress into your go-to evening gown.
Where to Find Inspiration
As you transform your dress, look for inspiration online or in fashion magazines. Discuss what kind of alterations spark your interest with your tailor. These visual guides help your seamstress understand your vision and repurpose your dress with your style in mind.
6. Use as a Costume
Other fun holidays like Halloween are the chance to turn your prom dress into a themed costume. For those who are fans of theatre or cosplay, these dresses could also be perfect for your next performance.
Costume Ideas
Your gown could be a great base for a larger project. Whether you're looking to transform into a princess or fairy tale character, your dress could allude to your favorite character. Experiment with your dress and gather inspiration for your next costume.
Benefits of Using Your Dress as a Costume
Rather than buying another onetime costume, wearing your prom dress is a unique way to show up to a Halloween party. This saves money and time finding a different costume for the event. Bring your prom dress to another special event to showcase its elegance again.
7. Preserve as a Family Heirloom
As a family heirloom, you could pass down your dress to family and friends who may need it. They could preserve your history and create their own memorable occasions with a beautiful dress. After the dance is over, use your prom dress as a gift for your friends and family who need it.
How to Preserve Your Dress
Have your dress professionally cleaned and maintained before storing it in a preservation box. This protects your dress from damage. Keep the dress in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight until it’s ready for the next owner.
Sharing the Story
Share your story with family and friends when you pass down the dress for their own night. As you sit them down, include any photos or accessories that enhance the story. This continues the memory of a wonderful prom night for years to come.
As you close out the last years of your high school days, preserve the memories of your prom with your prom dress. Whether you repurpose the fabric or alter the dress for future use, preserve its memories by keeping it safe from damage and entrusting it to people you cherish.
Don't hide your precious memories for one-time wear. Rejuvenate your prom dress as useful outfits and decor for your home or rehome it to make someone else's prom night special.
