Prom Dresses 2012: Reused, Revived, Recycled

No matter how magnificent a prom dress is, it gets about five hours of wear and tear before being stuffed in a box or thrown in the back of an overcrowded closet, never to be worn again. Much thought is put into the selection and purchase of these incredibly momentous pieces that sadly hold little purpose after the event. But these gowns and dresses don’t have to be a total waste once the day is done. I introduce to you three creative ways to reuse, revive and recycle all your dresses and gowns from the prom dresses 2012 season.

Consider what I did with my turquoise blue getup, a traditional sequined, strapless dress. The moment senior prom ended, it was time to prep for the bets four years of life- college. For the first year of university living, my prom dress stayed far far away, packaged up beneath my bed at my parent’s home. It wasn’t until my second year of college, and my official induction into my sorority (which shall remain nameless) that the dress got a second chance at life. With a snip and clip here and there, a few bobby pins in some odd places, and a carefully-constructed wrap design, my Greek life toga emerged.

Yes, I had cleverly reused the eye-catching material from my prom dress to create an equally unforgettable costume. Depending on the fabric, prom dresses are perfect sources from which costumes can be created. Reuse your gown’s material to play dress up and reinvent your style at every college or holiday social.

For those extra special dresses that deserve just one more wear, like Jessica McClintock’s Stretch Taffeta One Shoulder Dress in a midnight black, save for occasions in which they can be worn again. A dress like this is hardly an excessive look for posh summer weddings, black-tie events or any other super-formal occasion. Revive your prom dress by wearing it as is, or alter it to fit the occasion. Transforming long prom gowns into mini cocktail dresses can breathe a new life into the dress and make it an appropriate wear outside of the world of carnations, limos and kings and queens.  

And as always, recycling old prom dresses is a great idea. Donate your fabulous gown to an organization like Donate My Dress and gift a less fortunate fashionista with a stunning gown.

Part of being a quality stylist is understanding how to reinvent styles and stimulate lifeless attire intended for a one-time occasion. Prom dresses don’t have to meet their fate when the affair ends. Find a use for your gorgeous gown post-prom and get your money's worth.