How to Upcycle a Skirt Into an Cold Shoulder Shirt

Recycle a $4 thrift store skirt into an a stylish off-the-shoulder shirt. I chopped off the bottom of the skirt to make the top ruffle and used the rest of the skirt to make the bodice. This easy sewing project only took 1 hour to complete, and it's the perfect fashion statement for hot summer days.

The skirt is made of 3 tiers. I chopped off the bottom tier, which will become the top of the blouse. The top 2 tiers will become the bodice of the blouse. I’ll be reusing the the skinny belt with beads on the end.

Trace the armholes on the bodice using an existing ready to wear tank top. Since this is going to be an off the shoulder blouse, I only traced the bottom 2 thirds of the armhole. Cut out and finish the armholes.

Place the bodice inside the middle of the top ruffle, aligning the edges. Fold over the top edge of the bodice and ruffle to make a casing for your elastic. To make sure the casing was wide enough for the elastic to lay flat, I used a gauge to measure a casing that was a smidge wider than the elastic.

Sew the casing and leave a 1 inch gap. Insert the elastic and sew the ends together. Sew closed the casing gap and finish the bottom hem.

Here's a front and back view of the cold shoulder shirt. I used the original belt with beads on the ends to create a peplum look to the shirt.

For more refashioning, upcycling and remaking ideas, check out my blog at Pivot Point Patterns.