There are few items on the planet that are as hard to wear more than once as a wedding dress. But, that's no reason to sentence your best girlfriends to the same fate, and yet, so many brides choose frothy, fancy, this-is-a-bridesmaid's-dress bridesmaid dresses that are nearly impossible to wear again without looking like you got separated from the rest of the bridal party. But the creative minds at Rochas pulled together a very specific, on-point look that benefits the girl who's got a couple froufrou ones hiding in her closet.
Using safari shirts, layered slip dresses, long-sleeved tees, and colorful petticoats, Rochas turned out one of the more visually satisfying collections this season. It was a diaphanous, cotton-candy parade of elegantly off-kilter looks that were part '50s prom queen and part Belle Époque sexpot. Most of the looks require one cupcake-like dress of some sort to fulfill, and if you don't have a bridesmaid gown at the ready, a trip to the thrift shop (to pick up someone else's discard!) will set you up. The result is an altogether modern look for fancy occasions. Click through for the how-to.
Wear a plain knit shirt over a long gown to transform it into a skirt.
Here's another version of that layering.
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas
Or, opt for a more structured, boxy top to daytime-ify your gown even further.
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas
Once again with feeling!
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas
Or, take your dress to the tailor and have it cut into a skirt. Then, tuck in your best long-sleeve tee, and watch heads swivel.
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas
Who knew blush and cobalt went together so well?
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas
You can also wear the tee underneath a more delicate dress with straps...
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas
...or an off-the shoulder dress, as well.
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas
Layering a fun petticoat (that you can easily find in any well-curated thrift shop) underneath a slinky dress with a slit gives the original dress some volume.
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas
Colorblock a wrapped gown with a sheer slip, colorful heels, and a great bag (contrast opera gloves, optional).
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas
Choose your colors wisely! This butter-marigold dress looks so chic with a pinky-lavender petticoat.
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas
Take out the lining of a really fluffy dress, and either layer another skirt underneath, or get brave and go for a statement-granny-panties look.
Photo: Courtesy of RochasLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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