How to Turn a Prom Dress Into a Costume

A white prom dress with a veil and bouquet makes a good bride costume.

A prom dress can be the basis for several costumes. A few accessories can turn an old dress into the perfect princess, bridesmaid or beauty pageant contestant costume. For a costume with a bit more spice, recycle the dress as a rock-star outfit.

Things You'll Need

• 6-inch-wide white ribbon, 2 yards
• Pencil
• Glue
• Glitter
• Safety pin
• Crown
• Rhinestone jewelry
• Flower bouquet
• Capri leggings
• Makeup

Instructions

Beauty Pageant Contestant

1. Fold the ribbon in half by bringing the short ends together.

2. Lay the folded ribbon flat on the table and pencil in the name. Write "Miss___________." Start the writing three inches from the fold.

3. Go over the pencil lines with glue and sprinkle them with glitter.

4. Lay the sash over your right shoulder and pin it at your left hip over the prom dress.

5. Accessorize as desired with a crown and glamorous makeup and jewelry or a funny wig and teeth.

Other Costumes

1. Create a princess costume by wearing a crown and pretty jewelry with the dress.

2. Carry a bouquet of real or silk flowers to be a bridesmaid. Make a simple bouquet by cutting the flower stems six inches long and gathering them together in your hand. Tie a ribbon at the top of the stems under the heads of the blooms. Tie another ribbon at the base of the stems to make the bouquet easier to handle.

3. Cut the dress short with a ragged edge to make a rock star outfit. Wear short leggings (capris) under the dress, large earrings and multiple necklaces and bracelets. Outline your eyes with a heavy black eyeliner and add dark lipstick, eyeshadow and blush.