Find new uses for that old bridesmaid dress hanging in your closet.

You Will Need

A used bridesmaid dress

Ingenuity

Imagination

Steps

STEP 1 Take apart your dress and use the fabric by sewing the material into throw pillows, chair covers, or a runner.Simple pillow patterns are available online.

STEP 2 Sell the dress at a consignment shop, online, or at a garage sale.

STEP 3 Donate your dress to a high school’s prom dress charity. Other charities and local thrift shops also accept special occasion dresses.Check online to find local dress donation drives.

STEP 4 Shorten it to a cocktail dress or alter it into a blouse or simple skirt. If these projects are beyond your skill, hire a seamstress to do the alterations.

STEP 5 Lend the dress to a younger sibling or relative for a school dance.

STEP 6 Wear an old bridesmaid dress as part of a Halloween costume. Be a proper Southern belle or rip the dress and go as a prom queen zombie.

Did you know? Historically, bridesmaids protected the bride against evil spirits by wearing similar clothing to confuse them.