I recently completed a steampunk-flavored, not quite historically accurate, but oh my I love stripes 1890s/1900s-inspired blouse by upcycling an unflattering 1990s dress into a wearable blouse. (It time-traveled 100 years back!)
The original dress had an elastic waist, zipper back, pencil skirt, and puffy three-quarter sleeves. I cut off the skirt and used the sleeves to make new sleeves.
I made a waistband and buttoned back using scraps from the dress. I made button loops instead of button holes because I couldn’t overlap the back panels because of the pre-existing sailor collar.
Here’s a look at the original dress:
The original was so frumpy!
I have some navy blue wool that I plan to use with the Black Snail Edwardian Bicycle Skirt pattern.
I’ve used some scraps from the dress to make covered buttons for the skirt.
With different accessories I plan to use this with a Victorian bicycling outfit and a Wild West event for next year. I hope this will be a versatile blouse!
Fresh Frippery 
What a fabulous project! The blouse is to die for (I love stripes too!) and I LOVE the buttons. Can’t wait to see the skirt and the whole outfit together–well done, you!!! Happy Christmas!
Thank you Sharon! The skirt and accessories will have to wait until after Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Wow! You are so creative! Quite an impressive transformation.
Thank you! I’ve been saying, inside that ugly dress was a swan!
Wonderful adaptation on the blouse. It really takes vision to be able to see the swan!
Thanks Sherry! I plan to use your holster pattern with this blouse!
Oh my gosh, I LOVE this blouse! I giggled at the “Before”. Much better! Can’t wait to see what you wear with it.
Thank you! I’m looking forward to starting the other pieces of this outfit after the holidays!
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