Dress to Impress — Again

We made it to Friday, y’all! I hope everyone is staying safe with all the hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and what not. 🙁 It’s all very scary. But on a happier note, I’m trying to stay on top of things this year and actually give you information/inspiration for Homecoming and formal dances before they happen. If you missed Monday’s post about 5 affordable and unique dresses to buy, you can read it here, or you can check out my other formal posts here, here, and here. Today, on the other hand, I want to talk about not buying a new dress and instead re-wearing an old one—Gasp! I know. What a crazy concept.

Let’s be honest, buying a new dress for every dance is neither kind to your wallet nor kind to the environment. Dresses are REALLY expensive and it’s a waste of those resources to continually buy new ones and then only wear them once. BUT I am also a girl, and I totally understand that feeling of wanting to “wow” the crowd in a new, drop-dead gorgeous dress. Wearing the same dress again would just be so boring and defeat the purpose of dressing up in the first place. Sound like you? I’ve been there, but I’ve also been to the point where I don’t want to pay $100 for something I can’t wear again…So today is all about some tips to totally ROCK your old dress in a new and exciting way. (Or possibly you’re like me and just waited too long to get a dress so your old one is the only option left, haha!)

I highly encourage you to swing over here and check out my blog post last year with this dress. See how different the two outfits feel??

When it comes to wearing the same dress, you have to rely on the accessories, hair, and makeup. The biggest thing is picking a different “vibe” so that there is a clear difference between your looks. For example, last year’s outfit had more of an elegant, classic vibe, whereas I wanted this year’s look to be more edgy. Other possible “vibes” or “themes” include girly girl, boho, soft + airy, and simple yet fierce. 😉 Here are all the differences between my two outfits:

Instead of my original loose and flowy waves, I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail.

Rather than maroon eyeshadow and a slight smoky eye, I went with a bolder blue eyeliner and mascara.

Instead of a simple, no-jewelry look, I added a silver necklace, silver bangle, and blue ear cuff.

Rather than plain, classic black heels, I wore trendy silver block heels to match the jewelry and edgy vibe.

Instead of a pretty, elegant purse, I chose a unique box clutch with a fun design.

So what can you do?? If your hair was up one year, consider pulling it back this time. Completely change the colors in your makeup palette, and pick a new accent color (like blue). Use a different purse and shoes, and don’t be afraid to be a little more unconventional this time around. What’s an unexpected color you could add to the look? What about that super unique piece of jewelry you have? Consider adding hair accessories, different jewelry, those shimmery temporary tattoos, or even a cute belt, if it works with your dress.

I hope you enjoyed this post! It was one I was really excited about because I love creating new ways to wear the same piece. I actually did wear this dress to homecoming two years in a row, and it might become a third! 😉 I know it’s hard to picture a dress in a completely different way, so hopefully the questions and ideas in the previous paragraph can get your juices flowing on what you can change. If you need any suggestions or help, leave me a comment! And if you are buying a new dress, that’s totally fine too. 🙂 It is really fun to go dress shopping with friends and what-not. I’m not bashing on anyone, I just don’t want girls to feel silly if they have to re-wear a dress.

Do you ever re-wear your fancy dresses? I would really love to know. Have a great day and weekend, and thanks so much for stopping by today!

Miles of smiles,

Grace

Dress: $50 from a consignment store, originally Calvin Klein, last seen here // Shoes: CL by Laundry via DSW, $40, buy in another color here, last seen here// Purse: borrowed from my mom