School soirees, cocktail parties, grand family reunions, sweet sixteens, debut celebrations, formal banquets -- we've all been there, but what's the one thing, aside from experiential occurrences, all of which have in common in terms of executing a certain preliminary routine set before said events? DRESS SHOPPING, OF COURSE! But subsequently, as the much anticipated, Oscar-regarded event all dwindles down to its post-festivity humdrum, so does our silk, sequin-studded dusty rose of an evening dress find its home in the back of our closets, never to be taken out to a night gala of sparkling wine and fancy-plated, mini croissants ever again.
But are we all seriously just going to sulk, or in most cases, stay indifferent as our dresses fade away into clothing oblivion of what is an indirect translation to donation or charitable contingencies as a last resort or forced grant, with, of course, taking into account a remaining desire for the clothing item? OR DO WE FIND OTHER CRAFTY WAYS TO STYLE OUR OLD, FORMAL DRESSES AND REVAMP THEM INTO MORE CASUAL FRIENDLY PIECES? I'D SAY LET'S GO FOR THE LATTER!
1. Style with a button down shirt underneath!
You can even style this look with a maxi dress! I can only imagine how gorgeous that would be!

Outfit details: Floppy hat - Forever21, button down - Zara, floral tube cocktail - #DesignsByKyna, kooky handbag - Flea market, yellow pumps - Flear market
2. Wear a jacket or a vest!
Probably the most simple yet très chic of ways to restyle!
Outfit details: beanie - H&M, chokers - Lilith PH, sequined dress - TopShop, cover up - Zara TRF, black body bag - Zara TRF, Studded heels - Miss Selfridge, jewelry - Mel's Collection, wrist bracelets - H&M
4. Sport an A-line skirt over!
You'll look nothing short of fabulous when you own this getup for yourself! TAG ME IN YOUR IG POSTS WHEN YOU RECREATE THIS LOOK! HAHAHA! (Feeling ko ba na may magrerecreate? BUT I HOPE YOU DO!)
Outfit details: Sunnies - Zara, neckscarf - #DesignsByKyna, beige dress - #DesignsByKyna, A-line skirt - Romwe, handbag - Balenciaga, Peep toe sandals - Zara TRF
Romwe's having the most awesome of sales! Click this link here to get redirected to their website! π
5. Snuggle in a sweater!
After all, napakalamig dito sa Pilipinas! HAHAHA!

Outfit details: top hat - Notting Hill flea market, blazer - #DesignsByMommy (that's actually my dad's), formal gown - #DesignsByMom #DesignsByKyna, mask - Souvenir store in Venice, Italy
Honestly, I'd say making this blog post was INSANELY challenging -- with all the creative juice needed in coming up with fresh ideas on restyling formal dresses into casual wear, I'm totally burned out! Fortunately, I've always got the Big Man up there to help me with some creative boosting whenever I need it! It's amazing how every time I ask Him for help, He immediately delivers! A lot of times, I ask Him for content for writing entries and ideas for designs and styling, and never once did He fail to leave me appalled! All that you've been reading, seeing, and taking inspiration from is from Him -- all glory be to God
HAPPY HUNTING, GIRLIES!

you are so creative kyna! and not to mention so original π
AWWWW, THANKS SO MUCH KATHRINE!!! YOU DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH THAT MEANS TO ME! π THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR BEING ONE OF MY ULTIMATE MOTIVATORS! π
Cute styles – love the dresses and the feminine, girly looks! xo
Sabina | http://www.IveGotSunshine.com
Thank you so much, Sabina! π HAPPY YOU LOVE EM!! π
I love wearing vests and jackets especially with black dresses. They give an ‘attitude’ to the outfit and I love adding some jewellery to transform the plain dress!
Yiota
PinkDaisyLoves
DEFINITELY! I totally agree with you! Adding simple elements can actually make HUUUGE transformations!
These are great ideas! Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks, Gemma! π
Such clever tips! I literally love reading this post and seeing all the amazing ways you restyled these dresses xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
Awww, I’m so so happy you enjoyed reading! Hopefully you gained some style tips not only with regards to revamping your old dresses but with other clothing pieces as well! π
Awesome ideas! Such great ways to wear those old formal dresses again!
Bella Pummarola
Thanks, Anett! π We can’t leave them just sitting at the back of our closets, right?! HAHAHA!
These are great ideas. You’re so cute.
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Thankyou! HAHAHA! SO ARE YOU!
Omg babe! You are a serious styling genius! I love how you’ve taken all of your evening attire and made it wearable for daytime! Such talent!
xoxo Rina
http://www.andshedressed.com
WOW! THANKS RINA!!! π HAHAHAHA! Never been called a genius before! So much thanks for that! HAHAHAHA!
What great outfit ideas! The first one is wonderful but you’ve shared so many creative options here π
Hope you’re having a great week π
Away From The Blue Blog
That’s my favorite too! π Thanks Mica!
I’m in love with this post! You are incredibly creative, especially when it comes down to fashion. I am obsessed with the cropped sweater over a pattern dress look. It’s always my go-to when it’s a bit chillier outside but I really want to wear a dress. It’s some weird compromise I make with myself. I have a lot of dresses I would love to keep wearing in the Fall and this post really inspired me and helped me learn how to make that transition! Love it!!
I KNOW!!!! And the thing with dresses is its impression of only being worn once. Once you wear it, people can automatically identify the same dress when you wear it a month after! RIGHT? HAHAHA! But there’s really no harm in wearing the same dress over and over, it’s just that society has wrapped its standards all over it. π which is sad! So putting a sweater over said dress would definitely take it up a notch!
You look so gorgeous! I love love love dresses. Like all these combinations! xxxx
http://www.naomella.com
Thank you so much!! So happy you loved these looks! <3