Where can I get a cheap 80s style super puffy dress?

[Reastie]

For a dressing up thing, so quality and condition isn't important, but cost is. I've tried gumtree, eBay, local selling groups on fb, oxfam wedding dress site, but either nothing or the items are too nice and expensive. Also tried fancy dress places but can't find anything similar.

I'm thinking full length puffy ball gown pref white or very light fabric. Can look really really tacky and that's ok. There must be somewhere I've missed? Or will this be a charity shop challenge that will likely never be found...

my first thoughts would be eBay or charity shops.

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/215843432/vintage-80s-prom-dress-pink-puff-sleeve?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=80s%20bridesmaid%20dress&ref=sr_gallery_2

Like this OP? Etsy have loads, I love 'em

Yes but etsy is expensive for a one off wear and so many have added shipping costs from usa. Hmm, I wonde how hard it would be to make. I guess fabric cost alone would be prohibitive.

£12
pink?
£38
pink again

Can you get to a vintage warehouse? We have a local one that would be sure to have this sort of thing if you had a rummage.

blue?

Rese are all great 80s dress links but I'm thinking puffier though s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/23/a6/bf/23a6bfb17f3f1c933df97abbdf4433e5.jpg here is a pic of the one I need to base it on

Try Oxfam online? They have tons of groovy retro stuff.

Ohh thanks mama, off to look

wedding dresses?
flouncy
drapey

Or ask at theatres to see if they have any panto princess costumes you could borrow?

rental?

Great links. I got one on eBay last night, it's puffy and white and very 80s. Only catch is its too small so hoping I can somehow stitch it to make it work somehow.

If it's just for fancy dress, you should be able to do something around the back and cover it up with some lace or similar. Or even turn it into a corset back?
How much too small is it? Do you want to post a pic for ideas?

It's got a back with buttons closely together all up the back, maybe I could elastic the buttons with button hole and put fabric behind? [clueless]. It's a size 10 but since it's vintage the sizes tend to come up smaller so assuming more a pn eight. I'm a 12...

That might do it. Depends how active you're going to be. Also how neat does it need to be?
Is there much extra fabric in the side seams? Or is there any extra fabric where it fastens? I'd be tempted to see if you can make some holes (possibly eyelets) and lace it corset fashion, either putting fabric behind or just leaving it with ribbons and a glimpse of skin on show.

Wow, this sounds far too complicated, I don't even know what you're talking about . It hasn't arrived yet so I don't know allowance on seams etc

Sorry. I didn't mean to make it sound complicated as it really isn't. All you doing is making the back lace up rather than fasten with buttons or zip.

If you google 'change dress to corset back' there's loads of guidance.

If it doesn't need to be neat, it's even easier than they suggest as you can get away without sewing loops onto the dress. Basically do it up as far as it'll go with the buttons or zip, then make some holes on either side the rest of the way up (trying to do it in firmish fabric a bit back from the edge of the fabric), then lace it up with some ribbon, just like lacing shoes or boots.

I hope that helps. I'd be really happy to do it for you if you lived near. :)

Thanks. I'm in the South East if that's close to you? Would be happy for any help.

Sorry, I'm not close enough

Pants the dress has aired today and the top and bottom button does uo and it looks fine from the front but alas all the other back buttons won't do up. Can I pm you a picture of the back to see if you think it'd be easy for me to sort out?

Reastie - absolutely