90s Muumuu to 40s Playsuit

Flashback Summer: 90s Muumuu to 40s Playsuit

I picked up this beauty in a thrift store while looking for hideous clothing to upcycle into some vintage style shorts.  While I do generally believe that vintage should be preserved for future generations, I drew the line at this horrific corduroy, button-up muumuu.  NO ONE should ever wear this again.  Its empire-waisted, giant armhole, maxi length style should not be saved for future generations. In fact, we should hide the fact that it existed from future generations.

SO…. I turned it into this vintage style set!

Flashback Summer: 90s Muumuu to 40s Playsuit

I used a 1960s shorts pattern to make the bottoms, and I just altered the existing bodice of the muumuu into the top of the set.  I brought it up at the shoulders to make up for the ginormous arm holes hemmed the bottom.

Flashback Summer: 90s Muumuu to 40s Playsuit

Flashback Summer: 90s Muumuu to 40s Playsuit

I also made a matching headscarf from the scraps, but…. apparently I forgot about that when I was packing for my trip.  Instead, I wore this fabulous 1930s Egyptian-themed scarf I just bought!  I ADORE it, and I'll have to make sure to take some pictures of it all unfolded for you guys soon.  I'm very excited about it.

Flashback Summer: 90s Muumuu to 40s Playsuit

Flashback Summer: 90s Muumuu to 40s Playsuit

I also forgot to snap the bottom snap in this photo… Oh well. My photo shoots aren't perfect!

Flashback Summer: 90s Muumuu to 40s Playsuit

36 comments

  1. What a transformation!!! Everything about this outfit and the setting instantly brings to mind The Note book :) You are perfect!!!

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    1. What a compliment! Thank you so much, Harlow! :)

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  2. Oh wow! Such a cute outfit Emiliegh! I love the color and floral print of the corduroy, and I think you restyled it perfectly. The simplicity of the shorts and top really gives the fabric a chance to shine. Of course, a matching turban is awesome, but I really like the light creamy yellow scarf with this outfit as well. ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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    1. Thank you Bonita! Yeah, not remembering to wear the scarf was an oversight, but the yellow works well, too I think! Thanks!

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  3. It looks amazing! I wish I had your skill.

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    1. Thank you, Helen! This skill came through much trial and error. But that's why I like refashioning ugly vintage. If I kill it... no one cares!

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  4. You look so cute! :D Love it. I think you need to come down to Florida more often.

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  5. Great transformation! I would not have thought something so hideous (oh the 90s...) could be made into somethings so cute! I'm really excited you got that scarf too! It's so perfect for you. :)
    -Emily

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    1. It truly was hideous. And that was only labeled a size M! How horrific is that?! But where there is voluminous corduroy, there is a lot of fabric to work with!

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  6. Oh my goodness, I died a bit when I so this! So ridiculously cute!

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  7. I can see the evidence and yet I still can't believe you transformed that dress into that cute set!!

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    1. Haha, I'm VERY pleased that it doesn't at all resemble the hideous jumper it started life as!

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  8. Wow! What a fabulous transformation. You're inspiring me to do something similar. I have lots of suitable candidates from thrift stores.

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    1. Do it! Prevent the world from ever wearing such awful clothing again!

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  9. Holy cow, this is amazing! I knew as soon as I saw that before picture I had to take a peek at this post, and boy but did you do a fantabulous job the remake! And I agree, we should definitely hide all traces of the 90s muumuus o.O

    xo!
    -Charlotte
    boyerfamilysingersblog.com

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  10. I LOVE this so much!! I always get inspired when I see someone upcycle or completely redo a hideous piece into something fabulous which you most certainly did!!
    -Madison
    www.1minniemuse.blogspot.com

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  11. Gorgeous! I'm always careful to make sure I don't cut anything up that might be useful or considered nice later on......but 90s muumuus are HIDEOUS and need to be removed from existence.

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  12. Wow, Emileigh!!! This is fantastic. What a way to work the fabric and make something fabulous! I'm in love with this look on you! Perfection!

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    1. Thank you very much, Kacy! I always look for giantly baggy things, because that means more fabric!

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  13. This set turned out so cute Emileigh! And that color looks fantastic on you!

    Brigid
    the Middle Sister and Singer

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  14. It's perfection! As a homeschooler, I have seen many a corduroy jumper, it's so nice to see the potential of a seemingly hopeless piece!

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    1. HAHAHAHAHA! "As a homeschooler..." That is fantastic. :)

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  15. Wow, Wow, Wow! What a transformation!

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  16. Amazing! What a transformation! It's truly in the spirit of make do and mend.
    I'm even more upset that my sewing machine is broken beyond repair now.
    Rowena x

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  17. This might be the best thrift store transformation that I've ever seen! That playsuit looks so cute, I can't believe that it came from something so, well, ugly!

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  18. I LOVE refashions (although most of my own attempts have been not so hot) and this is one of the best I've seen.

    I wonder if the time will come when even the ugly clothes from the 90s will be desirable items? I sure hope not :)

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  19. I LOVE refashions (although most of my own attempts have been not so hot) and this is one of the best I've seen.

    I wonder if the time will come when even the ugly clothes from the 90s will be desirable items? I sure hope not :)

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  20. Fantastic revamping job! This set is cute as a button and looks sensational on you!

    ♥ Jessica

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  21. This is the most amazing transformation, you have made such a cute set from something pretty hideous. I am so impressed that you looked at that monster and had the imagination to make what you did.

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