by Crystal Raen

Created on: December 03, 2008   Last Updated: April 24, 2012

Whether you're strapped for cash or want to make your carbon foot print smaller, making your own prom dress can be a fun experience. The best way to make a prom dress that is wallet and eco-friendly is to scour thrift stores for gently used dresses. You can usually get these cheaper than you could buy the fabric to make a similar size gown. However, you might get lucky and have a friend or family member with an unloved and free bridesmaid dress or old formal gown.

Now, before you get ahead of yourself and go crazy in the stores buying dresses left and right, you should make a game plan. Get an idea of what you want to be wearing on that special night. First, be honest with yourself about your sewing skills. You do not want to take on a project that you cannot easily accomplish as this can be very frustrating. If your sewing skills are limited, see if you have a friend or family member that could help you. Also, many community centers offer sewing classes. Be sure that you start on your dress early enough; you do not want to be sitting at your sewing machine hours before prom getting those finishing touches on. Next, decide what colors, dress style, and shape you want to wear to your prom.

Now you're ready to shop for your dress and materials. If you decided that your sewing skills are limited you'll need to focus more on finding a dress that is as close to the shape and style that you want, so that minimal alterations are required. Example: Some bridesmaids dresses have great structure to them, just snip off any 80's style bows (being careful not to damage the fabric underneath) and shorten the hem to your desired length and you have an elegant simple prom dress. Of course some dresses are harder to alter with sequin sleeves, etc. If you are great with a sewing machine and pair of scissors then these are right up your alley as they give you more options and a challenge. Before heading home, be sure that you have purchased thread that matches your dress, unless you want a contrasting stitch; then choose a complementary color. Also, a seam ripper comes in handy for dress reconstruction. Now is the time to purchase any extra fabric needed. If you want a fuller skirt, purchase some tulle to give your dress that extra boost. Sheer contrasting fabric can be sewn over top of your dress for a more unique look.

Before you start cutting into your dress, review prom dress websites and sites about upcycling clothing to get your ideas together. Go to a search engine, type in upcycling dresses and this will give you a plethora of options to use when reconstructing the dress of your choice. You will want to have your measurements written down. This will help keep from having to stop in the middle of cutting/sewing to do this. The next days, weeks, or even months of working on your dress will be the most stressful and rewarding times of this project.

When the big day arrives and you are the only one at your prom with your exact dress you will feel so proud of yourself and what you have accomplished. Not only by upcycling an old dress or two are you saving tons of cash, but you have made yourself your own fashionista. Now, go out and have a blast!

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