Vintage Prom Dress to Sexy Saloon Girl Costume

My beautiful friend Sarah is turning 30 in June and to celebrate she is having a themed party-Saloon Girls and Barman. Which is wonderful because we both love to dress up. I was very excited and imediately (literally as soon as she left my home after the conversation) I hit the opportunity shops.

In the first opportunity shop I went to I found this very interesting purple and aqua blue dress. Wow what a find and it only cost me $7 and with a little adjustment it could be the perfect costume for the party.

So how did I transform my Vintage Prom Dress to a Sexy Saloon Girl Costume?

Step 1: I appear to be a little more 'busty' than the dresses original owner. So I removed the zipper from the bodice section and replaced it with eyelets and a ribbon.

Step 2: I want to skirt to be longer at the back and much shorter at the front. I carefully removed the silk trim from the hem of the skirt, it might come in usefull for something else. Then I cut a semi-circle from the front of the skirt and sewed it onto the back hem.

Step 3: I want the bottom hem to match the top. Thankfully the silk trim was doubled over so i was able to cut it in half length ways, sew the ends together and it gathered just enough to look like it was made that way originally.

Step 4: My dress needs a bustle. Layers and layers of tulle sewn under the rear section of the skirt. This fulls out the rear section and leaves the front sitting flat... beautiful.

Step 5: Now I have this great dress, but it needs something to cover the zipper area on the back skirt. Luckily the dress came with a sash which I was able to use, with the combination of some coordinating fabric, to make a bow and train.

I am very Impressed with my final product and cannot wait to wear it on the night!