An Easy DIY Leopard Gown Inspired by Dolce and Gabbana

Remember that lovely Dolce & Gabbana leopard dress I copied for my Helen Mirren look?

Here’s exactly how I made my version from thrift store materials for only $7:

Mine is, of course, not nearly as glamorous as the original but I think I did a pretty darn awesome job with my vintage and preloved materials nonetheless!

I scored a vintage nightie and fab men’s top in groovy leopard print from 2 different thrift shops for a mere $3.50 each!

Once I had my 2 fab fabrics I grabbed my trusty scissors + some elastic just in case I might need it.

First, I chopped the bodice and straps off of the nightgown.

How fantastic is that vintage tag?!

I used my gorgeous $1 preloved evening gown as a template for the basic length and shape of my leopard dress.

Then cut the leopard top to the length I needed.

I popped the chopped bottom of the top on, inside out, around my chest and marked it to fit snugly but comfortably.

Then stitched along my pins twice for extra strength…

and cut off the excess fabric.

Once my new bodice was complete I popped it over top of the skirt with right sides facing and the raw edges lined up.

Then stitched the pieces together with a tight wide zigzag.

Quick tip: using a zigzag stitch allows the fabric to have the bit of stretch needed to pull the dress on and off.

Once stitched together I flipped the dress right side out and my lovely leopard dress was done!

I sewed all of the shirt scraps together to create a simple sash belt to tie at my waist.

I wore my strapless gown under the leopard dress to add some volume to the skirt for the Helen Mirren photo.

Continue your passion for refashion with my  Confessions of a Refashionista e-book series: